As of the end of October last year Miyagi prefecture had 20,234 foreign workers, a record high, but the year-on-year increase was only 3.5%, reflecting a slowdown after the post-pandemic surge. Vietnamese and Nepali workers declined, offsetting gains from other nationalities. By visa status the professional/technical field was the largest group at 5,915, including 2,652 with a 48.5% jump in the specific skilled worker category; other statuses saw modest gains for skilled training and a dip for activities outside qualifications, suggesting a shift toward skilled workers with a potential path to permanent residence. By nationality Vietnam and Nepal fell 11.5% and 6.0% respectively, while Indonesia rose 31.8% to 2,908, aided by prefectural job fairs. Local associations say Japan’s weaker yen and fewer opportunities for Nepali students in factories are factors affecting job prospects.