Foreign workers in Japan are navigating significant changes across the employment landscape, from strengthened heat stroke prevention measures to wage increases in the financial sector and the growing influence of artificial intelligence in job applications. Heat Stroke Prevention Becomes Mandatory Concern Japan's workplace heat stroke prevention measures, which became mandatory this year, are facing their first major test. According to NHK, preliminary data through the end of October shows that 12 workers died from heat stroke and more than 1,500 required time off work due to heat-related illness. These alarming figures have prompted the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare to convene its first-ever special meeting to strengthen countermeasures. The timing is critical, as Japan has experienced consecutive years of record-breaking heat waves. For foreign workers, particularly those in construction, agriculture, manufacturing, and outdoor service industries, understanding and exercising workplace heat safety rights is essential. The mandatory measures require employers to implement specific protocols, including providing adequate rest periods, hydration access, and air-conditioned or shaded rest areas. Expats working in affected industries should familiarize themselves with their rights under these new regulations. Employers are legally obligated to take preventive action, and workers should not hesitate to report inadequate safety measures to their supervisors or, if necessary, to labor standards inspection offices. As climate change continues to drive temperatures higher, these protections will likely become even more critical in coming years. Financial Sector Signals Strong Wage Growth In more positive news for workers, Japan's financial industry is positioning itself as a leader in wage increases ahead of next year's spring labor negotiations, known as shunto. According to NHK, multiple financial institutions have announced plans to match or exceed this year's wage increases during the 2025 spring negotiations. This development is particularly significant as Japanese companies work to establish sustainable wage growth after decades of stagnation. The financial sector's commitment sends a strong signal to other industries and may influence broader wage trends across the economy. For foreign professionals working in banking, insurance, securities, and related fields, this represents an opportunity to negotiate improved compensation packages. Expats should prepare for spring negotiations by documenting their contributions, researching industry salary standards, and understanding their company's performance. While Japanese workplace culture traditionally emphasizes harmony over individual negotiation, the current economic environment and labor shortages have created more favorable conditions for asserting fair compensation expectations. AI Disrupts Traditional Job Application Process The job hunting landscape is undergoing a technological transformation that affects both current job seekers and those who may search for new opportunities in the future. According to NHK, an increasing number of students are using artificial intelligence to create entry sheets (the Japanese equivalent of cover letters and application essays), leading some companies to abandon these documents entirely. Employers report that AI-generated applications have become so similar that they no longer effectively differentiate candidates. This trend is prompting a fundamental rethinking of hiring practices, with some companies eliminating entry sheets in favor of alternative evaluation methods such as extended interviews, practical assessments, or portfolio reviews. For foreign job seekers in Japan, this shift presents both opportunities and challenges. While AI tools can help overcome language barriers and cultural differences in application writing, over-reliance on these technologies may backfire if submissions appear generic. The move away from written applications toward more interactive evaluation methods may actually benefit expats who can demonstrate practical skills and cultural adaptability in person, though it may also require more time investment in the application process. As Japan's labor market continues evolving, foreign workers should stay informed about their rights, prepare for wage negotiations, and adapt their job search strategies to changing employer expectations. These developments reflect broader transformations in Japanese workplace culture that will shape employment experiences for years to come.