Japan’s care industry is facing a shortage of workers, and one company is plugging the gap by deploying ‘cool’ and well-toned staff
3-MIN READ3-MIN ListenJulian RyallPublished: 9:30am, 2 May 2026Updated: 9:32am, 2 May 2026With his broad smile, Tatsumi Hokuto helps an elderly woman in a Japanese care home almost effortlessly to her feet and makes sure she is steady.
At first glance, Hokuto cuts an unlikely figure for a carer role: a powerfully built 27-year-old in tight leggings and a black singlet, with the physique of a dedicated bodybuilder.
“I enjoy my job because it allows me to balance what I love, strength training, along with my job,” said Hokuto, who previously served for seven years in the Maritime Self-Defence Force.
“Doing this makes me feel that my muscles are benefiting people and society,” said Hokuto, who works with a team of similarly toned young men from Visionary.
