According to the Fukuoka Labor Bureau, the number of foreign workers in Fukuoka Preference (as of Oct. 31, 2013) reached 15,952, a 14.8% jump from the previous year and the highest number on record. This is due primarily to an increase in the number of exchange students from countries such as Nepal and Vietnam taking part-time jobs. The number of establishments employing foreigners increased 8.8% to 3,692, and nearly half are small businesses with 30 or fewer employees. The country with the most workers is China (8,243), although this number has been declining in recent years. The Bureau sees the “proactive employment of exchange students by language schools” as the biggest factor in the uptick. Other sectors actively employing foreigners include manufacturing and wholesale/retail. Source: Nishinippon Shimbun 3/3
Foreign Employment Up in Fukuoka