The forecast for the number of associate professional nurses professionally active in Japan indicates a declining trend from 2024 to 2028, starting at 245.3 thousand in 2024 and reaching 206.8 thousand by 2028. This represents a continuous year-on-year decrease in workforce size. The average compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the five-year period is a negative indication of supply challenges within this profession. As of 2023, this trend marks a worrying shift, given the country's increasing demand for healthcare services.

Future trends to watch for include:

Potential policy changes to attract and retain nursing talent.
Innovation in healthcare technology that may alter the demand for such roles.
Societal changes affecting the availability of workforce, such as an aging population.