Starting April 1, 2025, Japanese companies face new obligations to protect older workers from workplace injuries, a change that affects both Japanese employees and foreign residents working in Japan's aging workforce. According to NHK, as more people continue working past age 60, the Japanese government has introduced new labor safety measures requiring employers to make proactive efforts to prevent workplace accidents among senior employees. While these measures are classified as "effort obligations" rather than strict legal requirements, they represent a significant shift in how companies must approach workplace safety for aging workers. The new rules come as Japan grapples with a rapidly aging society and labor shortage, leading more workers to extend their careers well beyond traditional retirement age. For expats working in Japan, particularly those employed in sectors with physical demands or those managing teams with older workers, understanding these changes is essential. Under the new framework, companies are expected to implement several key measures. First, employers should conduct workplace environment improvements specifically tailored to older workers' needs. This includes adjusting physical workspaces, improving lighting, reducing trip hazards, and modifying equipment to accommodate reduced physical capacity that naturally comes with age. Second, companies are encouraged to implement physical fitness assessments for older employees. These health checks go beyond standard annual medical examinations and focus on evaluating workers' physical capabilities relevant to their job duties. The goal is to identify potential risks before accidents occur and to match workers with appropriate tasks based on their current physical condition. Third, employers should provide targeted safety training that addresses the specific challenges older workers face. This recognizes that reaction times, vision, hearing, and physical strength may decline with age, requiring different safety approaches than those used for younger employees. For expats working in Japan, these changes have several practical implications. Foreign employees aged 60 and above should expect their employers to begin implementing these safety measures, which may include workplace modifications, additional health screenings, and specialized training sessions. While some companies may provide materials in English, expats should proactively communicate with their HR departments about language support for any new safety programs. Expat managers and business owners employing staff in Japan must also pay attention. Even though these are effort obligations rather than legally binding requirements, failing to implement reasonable safety measures could expose companies to liability if workplace accidents occur. Companies with older workers should begin reviewing their current safety protocols and considering how to adapt them for an aging workforce. The timing of these changes reflects broader demographic trends in Japan. With one of the world's oldest populations and a shrinking working-age demographic, Japan has been raising the mandatory retirement age and encouraging companies to retain older workers. The government's 2021 revision to the Act on Stabilization of Employment of Elderly Persons already required companies to provide employment opportunities until age 70, making workplace safety for seniors increasingly critical. For foreign residents planning long-term careers in Japan, these protections offer reassurance that workplace safety will receive greater attention as they age. However, the "effort obligation" status means enforcement may vary significantly between companies. Expats should research potential employers' track records on worker safety and ask about specific policies for older employees during job interviews. As Japan continues adapting its labor framework to accommodate an aging workforce, foreign residents can expect further policy developments in this area. Staying informed about these changes and understanding your rights as an older worker—or your responsibilities as an employer—will become increasingly important for expats building careers in Japan's evolving labor market.