Etajima's Oyster Industry Navigates Demographic Shifts
Oyster farming operations on Etajima Island commence in the pre-dawn hours. Oyster harvesting and processing activities span several hours. Etajima oysters are recognized for their flavor, which oyster farmer Ryota Kakiuchi attributes to the island's clean, nutrient-rich waters. Oyster farming constitutes Etajima's primary industry.
The island faces challenges in recruiting local labor, with nearly 50% of its residents aged over 65, reflecting a national demographic trend. To sustain the industry, Etajima has recruited migrant workers, including individuals from Indonesia and Vietnam. Migrant workers from Indonesia report higher income levels in Japan and cite opportunities for personal and professional advancement. Currently, over 90% of Etajima's oyster industry workforce consists of migrant labor. Mr. Kakiuchi stated that the industry's survival is dependent on the foreign workforce.
Japan's National Demographic Changes
Japan is experiencing a long-term demographic shift characterized by an aging population. The national birth rate has consistently declined since post-World War II, reaching its lowest recorded level in over a century in 2025. Government initiatives aimed at increasing birth rates have not reversed this trend. Historically, Japan has maintained restrictive immigration policies despite labor shortages.
Japan currently holds the highest proportion of elderly citizens globally, impacting labor availability, tax revenues, and resource allocation. Economist Jesper Koll attributes business failures in Japan to labor scarcity.
Recent demographic data in Japan indicate two primary trends:
- The population of Japanese nationals has decreased for over a decade, with a record reduction of 889,970 individuals in 2024.
- Conversely, the immigrant population has increased, reaching approximately 3.9 million people, or 3.21% of the total population, nearly doubling since 2012. This represents a notable demographic shift in a historically homogenous society.
Mr. Koll noted a daily decline of approximately 2,200 in the Japanese population, offset by around 1,200 daily work permit issuances to foreign individuals over the preceding 18 months.
Challenges of Integration and Policy Responses
This demographic transformation presents challenges related to social integration. Concerns regarding the potential impact of new migrants on social cohesion have been reported within certain community segments. Nationally, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has committed to implementing stricter immigration policies, a stance that has garnered public support according to polls. In the September national elections, the Sanseitō party, advocating an anti-immigration platform, increased its representation from one to 15 upper house seats, marking a notable rise in support.
Etajima has experienced isolated incidents, including a 2013 homicide involving a Chinese oyster farm intern, which has influenced local perspectives. Surveys indicate that some elderly residents on the island express reservations regarding new arrivals. One resident described initial fears following the 2013 event.
Local government surveys reveal that 6% of the local population expressed a desire to engage with foreign residents, compared to 60% of immigrants expressing interest in active engagement with Japanese neighbors. Yukio Yamamoto, from the local council's human rights division, addresses these integration challenges. Mr. Yamamoto suggested that limited prior contact between elderly residents and foreigners might explain the survey results, positing different outcomes in workplace environments with mixed populations.
Etajima City implements programs to foster cohesion, including free language and culture classes for migrant workers and multicultural events featuring diverse community elements. Mr. Yamamoto emphasizes the importance of sustained daily interactions for successful coexistence, framing it as a national concern. Some local residents perceive the changes as contributing to the island's dynamism.
National Policy and Future Outlook
Mr. Koll estimates the aging population has reduced Japan's economic growth by approximately 1% annually over the last decade. He characterizes Japan's approach to immigration as pragmatic, involving the study of international migration programs.
The Technical Intern Training Program, a primary scheme for low and mid-skilled workers, grants temporary visas for a defined period, excluding family members. This program facilitates the entry of temporary workers. The long-term integration of these workers into Japanese society and their establishment of families remains an open question, according to Mr. Koll.
On Etajima, the foreign population has doubled over the past decade, indicating a more sustained demographic shift. Mr. Kakiuchi acknowledges challenges in cultural adaptation for new arrivals but supports efforts toward community cohesion. He notes that foreign workers have contributed to the town's atmosphere and integrated effectively into local work environments.