Japan's ageing workforce hits record 13.8% as elderly employment rises

Japan's internal affairs ministry data shows 29.6% of population is 65+, with 9.43 million elderly workers (13.8% of workforce), a record. This continues a long-term trend of demographic ageing, but the scale of elderly labor force participation is notable. It underscores structural labor shortages and fiscal pressures across Asia-Pacific, with implications for growth and policy.