Japan’s capital Tokyo sees emigration as the majority of the companies have allowed their employees to work remotely due to the pandemic. It is reported that this situation has risen in Tokyo for the first time in many years.
However, the situation has the potential to boost the country’s Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga’s socio-economic plans to reform the rural regions. It is reported that 30,644 people moved out of Tokyo in September, while immigration in the region slumped 11.7 percent to 27,006.
Japanese company Pasona plans to shift its headquarters and 1,200 employees to Awaji island off Kobe, western Japan due to the pandemic crisis. Awaji island is home to the company’s chief executive Yasuyuki Nambu.
Mr Yasuyuki Nambu., told the media, “The lockdowns this spring were a decisive factor. The trend would continue as companies and employees changed their mindsets about work-life balance.”
Another company Caster has already started to hire employees remotely, allowing them to work remotely from their location. Shota Nakagawa, CEO of the company, told the media, “Workers can avoid commuting on rush-hour trains and companies can spare transportation costs and reduce office space, all of which will improve profits. As long as I can work anywhere, I will keep hoping to find a place best suited to my life at the time.”
The pandemic has hurt global economies. Now, it is up to the Japanese government on how they would address the situation.