A Teikoku Databank survey found 24.7% of firms currently employ foreign workers, with the total number of foreign workers in Japan reaching 2,302,587 as of October 31, 2024, up 253,912 from a year earlier. Looking ahead, 3.1% of firms that already employ foreigners plan to expand, and 11.2% not currently hiring plan to hire, for a total of 14.3% with hiring intent, down 2.4 points from the previous survey. By industry, the highest expansion intentions are in staffing agencies at 36.6%, followed by various product retail at 29.5% and restaurants at 28.2%. Key challenges include education in skills and languages (55.8%) and communication (55.7%), with some firms noting cultural or religious differences affecting integration. The study was conducted online Aug. 18–31 nationwide, with 21,262 firms surveyed and 10,701 valid responses.