Record Resignations Among Japanese Civil Servants Amid Rising Challenges

Record Resignations Among Japanese Civil Servants Amid Rising Challenges

• A record 177 national civil servants in Japan resigned in fiscal 2022, surpassing the previous high of 168 in fiscal 2021.
• The trend of bureaucrats resigning within less than 10 years has been consistent since fiscal 2018, with dissatisfaction with long working hours and pay being common reasons.
• This trend is not unique to Japan, with similar challenges being faced in the United States and the United Kingdom.
• In addition to civil servant resignations, Japan is also dealing with geopolitical tensions and is taking steps to address these issues, such as investing in advanced defense technologies.

In a recent development, a record 177 national civil servants in career-track positions resigned in fiscal 2022, less than 10 years after being hired. This figure surpasses the previous high of 168 in fiscal 2021, according to data from the National Personnel Authority. The rise in resignations coincides with a decline in applicants for government jobs, as competition from the private sector for talent intensifies.

The number of applicants who took examinations to become career-track bureaucrats this spring hit a record low of 13,599, with only 1,953 of them passing. This trend of bureaucrats resigning within less than 10 years has been consistent since fiscal 2018, prompting the government to take additional steps to retain these potential future high-ranking officials.

The reasons for quitting vary from person to person, but past surveys suggest that public servants are dissatisfied with long working hours and pay. Some also find their jobs unfulfilling.

Global Trend of Civil Servant Resignations

This situation is not unique to Japan. In the past, other countries have also faced similar challenges. For instance, in the United States, there has been a steady decline in the number of people seeking government jobs over the past few years. This has been attributed to factors such as low pay, long working hours, and a lack of job satisfaction.

Similarly, in the United Kingdom, there has been a significant increase in the number of civil servants resigning from their posts. This has been linked to dissatisfaction with pay and working conditions, as well as a perceived lack of career progression.

Japan’s Other Challenges

In addition to the issue of civil servant resignations, Japan is also grappling with other challenges. For instance, an executive from the joint venture of Japanese supermarket chain Aeon Co. in Myanmar was recently convicted and sentenced to one year in prison for allegedly violating the country’s rice pricing rules. This incident has raised concerns about the treatment of foreign executives in Myanmar, particularly in the context of the country’s current political situation.

Furthermore, Japan’s Defense Ministry is set to open a research institute in Tokyo this October to develop innovative defense technologies. The institute, which will be staffed by around 100 personnel, is modeled after the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), renowned for its leading role in developing technologies like the internet and GPS. This move is part of Japan’s efforts to bolster its defense capabilities in response to increasing security threats from countries like China and North Korea.

In conclusion, Japan is currently facing a range of challenges, from a high rate of civil servant resignations to geopolitical tensions in the region. However, the country is also taking proactive steps to address these issues, such as implementing measures to improve working conditions for civil servants and investing in advanced defense technologies. It remains to be seen how these efforts will pan out in the long run, but it is clear that the government is committed to tackling these issues head-on.