Japan Services Employment
Employment in services SL.SRV.EMPL.ZS
Japan's services employment was 73.96% in 2025, ranked 142nd globally. This represents a 0.3% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Japan's services employment stood at 73.96% in 2025, a rise of +0.18% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 74.13% by 2026. Japan ranked 142nd globally.
Japan’s services sector employment share has risen steadily over the 35‑year span from 59.52 percent in 1991 to a record 73.96 percent in 2025, placing the country 142nd in the World Bank ranking. The all‑time peak of 73.96 percent coincides with the most recent data point, while the trough of 59.52 percent marks the lowest share recorded in the series. Japan’s trajectory mirrors that of other high‑rank economies; for example, the Dominican Republic recorded a slightly higher share of 74.02 percent and Saudi Arabia 74.43 percent in the same year, underscoring a broader shift toward service‑oriented labour markets. The persistent upward movement reflects structural changes such as ageing demographics, productivity gains in manufacturing, and expanding demand for tourism and information‑technology services. If Japan continues to deepen its service‑sector integration and adapts to emerging digital platforms, the share of employment in services is likely to maintain its upward momentum, albeit at a potentially slower rate as the economy approaches saturation.
Data & projection
| Year | Services Employment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 74.55% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 74.34% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 74.13% | - | - |
| 2025 | 73.96% | +0.18% | #142 |
| 2024 | 73.77% | +0.49% | #143 |
| 2023 | 73.29% | +0.00% | #142 |
| 2022 | 73.28% | +0.15% | #146 |
| 2021 | 73.14% | +0.33% | #146 |
| 2020 | 72.81% | +0.41% | #144 |
| 2019 | 72.40% | +0.36% | #143 |
| 2018 | 72.04% | +0.22% | #145 |
| 2017 | 71.82% | +0.08% | #145 |
| 2016 | 71.74% | +0.43% | #144 |
| 2015 | 71.31% | +0.25% | #144 |
| 2014 | 71.06% | +0.14% | #144 |
| 2013 | 70.92% | +0.30% | #143 |
| 2012 | 70.63% | +0.22% | #144 |
| 2011 | 70.41% | +0.36% | #146 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Japan matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2004. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw services employment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Japan's services employment was 73.96% in 2025. Ranked 142nd globally. This represents a 0.3% increase from the previous year.
Japan's services employment peaked at 73.96% in 2025.
The lowest services employment in Japan was 59.52% in 1991.
Japan ranks 142nd globally in services employment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.SRV.EMPL.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Japan's services employment is projected to reach 74.13% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The services employment of Japan in 2025 was 73.96%. This ranks 142nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_japan_services-employment,
title = {Japan Services Employment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/japan/services-employment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}