Japan's labor market is showing signs of significant strain as multiple sectors face mounting pressures, according to recent reports from NHK. Rising welfare applications, proposed tuition increases for international students, and delivery service capacity issues are converging to create challenges for both Japanese residents and the foreign community. Welfare Applications Reach Decade High September 2025 saw welfare applications in Japan climb to 22,488 cases nationwide, representing a 3% increase from September 2024 and marking the highest figure for the month of September in the past decade, according to NHK. This uptick in applications for seikatsu hogo, Japan's public assistance program, suggests growing economic vulnerability among residents as the cost of living continues to pressure household budgets. For foreign residents, this trend underscores the importance of understanding Japan's social safety net. While permanent residents and those with certain long-term visa statuses may be eligible for welfare benefits, eligibility requirements are strict and applications undergo thorough review. The rising number of applications may also signal longer processing times for those seeking assistance. Major Universities Consider International Student Fee Hikes Waseda University, which hosts Japan's largest population of international students, is now considering raising tuition fees specifically for foreign students, NHK reported on December 3. The university cites increased costs associated with accepting and supporting international students as the primary reason for the proposed hike. This follows similar moves by several national universities that have already decided to implement tuition increases for international students. The trend represents a significant shift in Japan's approach to international education, potentially making study in Japan more expensive for foreign students and their families. For current and prospective international students, this development warrants careful financial planning. Students should contact their universities directly to understand whether fee increases are planned, when they might take effect, and whether existing students will be grandfathered under current rates. Those considering studying in Japan should factor potential tuition increases into their budget projections. Delivery Service Capacity Reaches Breaking Point Sagawa Express, one of Japan's major delivery companies, announced on December 4 that it would widely restrict package acceptance nationwide due to a sharp surge in parcel volumes, according to NHK. This represents a significant disruption to Japan's typically reliable logistics infrastructure. The capacity constraints at Sagawa Express reflect broader challenges facing Japan's delivery sector, including labor shortages and increasing demand from e-commerce. For foreign residents who rely on delivery services for everything from groceries to international shipments, these restrictions may mean delays in receiving packages or difficulty scheduling pickups. Practical Implications for Expats These three developments collectively paint a picture of a labor market under considerable stress. The delivery service strains may be particularly noticeable during the year-end shopping season, traditionally a peak period for package volumes in Japan. Expats should consider ordering items earlier than usual and may want to explore alternative delivery services if time-sensitive shipments are needed. The rising welfare applications suggest that economic pressures are affecting more households, which could translate to broader policy discussions about wages, working conditions, and social support systems in the coming months. Foreign workers should stay informed about their employment rights and benefits, particularly as labor market conditions evolve. For those in the international education sector or with family members studying in Japan, monitoring tuition policies at specific institutions will be essential for financial planning. The potential for increased education costs comes at a time when many households are already facing economic headwinds. As these labor market pressures continue to develop, foreign residents should maintain awareness of how these trends might affect their daily lives, from package deliveries to education costs and access to social services.