As anyone remotely familiar with Japanese demographics will be aware, the country is almost the posterchild (misnomer though that may be) for an aging society. As such, there have been many different initiatives from both the government and the private sector to accommodate the elderly and to provide opportunities to those who assist them. Now, there is a new gimmick for those who want to have a carer whose arms are as strong as their desire to do good: macho carers!
Demand for Caregivers in Japan
As mentioned, the number one driver for an increased number of carers is the aging society. As people get older, inevitably, they will need physical assistance as they begin to slow and time begins to catch up with people. As such, more carers — and especially carers with experience — are needed. Often, they come from abroad. But why?
Declining Birth Rate
In addition to the population aging, Japan (as with many advanced economies) is seeing the birth rate slowly fall. Successive governments have made efforts to try to reverse this trend, but as of the time of writing, the birth rate in Japan is 1.15, well below the necessary replacement level of approximately 2.1.
As such, at the same time that more people need caring for, there are not enough people to do the caring. This means that caring positions are often filled by those from overseas… or from unexpected sources, such as macho men!
What are Macho Caregivers?
Pioneered by nursing and elderly care company Visionary, macho caregivers are more or less what they sound like: carers who are very muscular. Their macho carers typically come from bodybuilding backgrounds and are looking to use their physique and charm to give back to their community.
These powerful providers may spend a lot of time in the gym, but they also take time out to help the elders of Japan and make sure that they get quality care from their tender yet firm hands.
Who Uses Macho Caregivers?
As well as individual nursing homes hiring macho carers, there are also home visits available. This means that for those who are happy to remain at home, but just need a little help now and again, the biggest, buffest, bestest big boys that Japan has to offer can come to your aid.
The Practical Benefits Macho Caregivers Bring to Care Facilities
There are a number of benefits, both emotional and physical, that can be derived from macho carers.
For Japanese granpas, this can be a great way to have a little bit of male energy in their life, perhaps to reminisce about their own youth, or chat about chasing the object of their affections. And for the granmas, it can also be a great chance to get attention from friendly guys at the peak of physical perfection, both through care and fun, friendly conversation.
Physical Strength for Caregiving
One of the advantages that macho carers bring to the nursing services of Japan — aside from being much-needed eye-candy for the grannies of Japan — is the quality of their physcial strength.
Although the elderly are often lighter than younger people, moving, bathing, and assisting older people is a very physically demanding profession. As such, many beginners can sometimes injure their bodies by attempting something they don’t have the strength for. Macho carers, on the other hand, by dint of their well-sculpted muscles and superior endurance.
How to Become a Macho Caregiver in Japan
The first thing to do, of course, is… be macho! One cannot become a macho carer without having done at least a few push-ups and one or two sit-ups.
Education/Certificates
For a nursing visa, priority is given to the following partner countries, which include Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Pakistan, Peru, The Philippines, Myanmar, Mongolia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.
Training and certification must also be completed, the specifics of which depend on your particular home country and the program you will apply under. You will also need to be 18 years of age.
Visa Requirements
As with almost any path to settling in Japan with a full-time or even part-time job, you will need to go through the typical visa application process. Similar to most other visas, the duration granted is between one and five years, and will need to be renewed when your period is up.
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Language Requirements
Some of the paths to acquiring a nursing visa will require passing at least the Japanese Language Proficiency Test to at least N4 level, which is considered to be conversational in level. Any further ability only enhances your likelihood of acquiring a visa.
Salaries for Caregivers in Japan
Caregiver salaries in Japan generally range from ¥220,000 to ¥250,000 per month, which — depending on where you live — is quite a competitive salary. Not only that, but it is a well-respected profession in Japan.
If you’ve got a heart as big and strong as your biceps, then you should consider becoming a macho caregiver. Even if you need a few more sessions at the gym before you’re more beefcake than cheesecake, a career as a carer in Japan can be fulfilling and enjoyable.
