In 2024, self-employment in Japan's accommodation and food services sector is estimated at 512,000 persons. Forecasts indicate a gradual decline over the next few years, dropping to 496,000 by 2028. This represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately -0.8% over this period.
Year-on-year variations reveal increases from 2024 to 2025 of -0.98%, and from 2025 to 2026 of -0.79%, showing a consistent downward trend.
Future trends to watch include the impact of digital transformation and automation on traditional roles, shifts in consumer behavior due to lifestyle changes, and the potential growth of gig economy platforms which may further influence the sector's self-employment rates.
