Japan Faces Shortage of 20,000 Railway Workers
A major new railway training center equipped with full-scale tracks, crossings and signals has opened in Kasugai, Aichi Prefecture, as Japan's railway industry faces a growing shortage of skilled workers that could exceed 20,000 by fiscal 2028. (News On Japan)
Japan s railway sector is projected to face a shortage of over 20,000 skilled workers by 2028, according to government estimates. A new training facility in Kasugai, Aichi Prefecture, aims to address this challenge by providing hands-on experience in a controlled environment. The facility, developed by Meiko Construction, measures approximately 25,000 square meters and recreates railway infrastructure, allowing workers to practice complex maintenance procedures without disrupting train services.
Traditionally, these skills have been passed down through on-the-job training, but labor shortages and strict working hour regulations have made it difficult to provide sufficient practical instruction during regular operations. The center enables younger employees to acquire the necessary technical expertise and confidence before entering actual maintenance sites.
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