One of the most pressing problems facing Japan is that of declining population (and concurrent aging). An obvious solution is to encourage immigration: a solution which, however, is blocked by traditions and culture. However, the Abe government intends to ease the brakes on immigration, but in any case it will take a long time before Japan reaches the percentage of foreign residents that is normal in Europe.
Meanwhile, Japanese companies face problems of labor shortages in types of jobs that are typically filled by immigrants. Thus – necessity is the mother of ingenuity – companies such as the Sagawa Express have decided to turn to a 'pool' of unused manpower: women, whose participation in the labor force (48% of the working-age population) is many points lower than the average of advanced countries.
Over the next two years, Sagawa Express intends to recruit 10 housewives for the delivery (working part-time) of parcels and packages. Housewives will be required to walk or cycle around their neighborhood to make deliveries, with flexibility on working days and hours. Pay will be related to the number of deliveries and not the time spent.
The growing popularity of online shopping is increasing the demand for jobs from companies offering home delivery services.
