Japanese Automakers Adjust Factory Schedules Amid Labor Shortages

Japanese automakers, including Toyota, Honda, and Nissan, adjusted their factory schedules in September 2026. The changes were implemented to address a critical labor shortage, which has been exacerbated by an aging population and declining workforce participation. The revised schedules impact production volumes, with some plants operating at reduced capacity. The labor shortage has been a growing concern for years, but recent reports indicate a sharp increase in the issue. Sources note that the shortage is most acute in regions with high concentrations of automotive manufacturing, such as Chubu and Kansai. The adjustments are expected to last through the end of the year, with no immediate plans for workforce expansion. No significant divergence in reporting was noted among sources. Both outlets cited the same cause and timeframe for the schedule revisions.