Japan’s Wave of Tourists Sends Hotels, Taxis Hunting for Staff

  • Country reopened borders to overseas visitors in October
  • Transport, hospitality workers found new jobs during pandemic

Passengers gather in the arrival lobby of Haneda Airport. 

Photographer: Toru Hanai/Bloomberg
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Japan’s transport and hospitality industries are struggling to find enough staff to keep up with a rebound in demand, with the number of visitors more than doubling after borders reopened a month ago.

The number of people working at hotels and inns is 30% below pre-pandemic levels, according to the Japan Accommodation and Lodging Foundation, while airlines and tour bus operators report full bookings.