Japan’s labor market showed a modest tightening in September 2026, with the jobs-to-applications ratio inching up to 1.19, compared with 1.18 in August 2026. The latest figure, updated on 29 October 2026, indicates that there were 119 job openings for every 100 job seekers nationwide.
The gradual rise from August to September suggests employers in Japan are maintaining or slightly increasing their demand for workers, even as broader economic conditions remain closely watched. While the change is marginal, the upward move in the ratio typically signals a relatively firm labor market, where available positions outnumber applicants.
