The Hong Kong English-language newspaper South China Morning Post reported on the 2nd that with the increase in dual-income households, Japan's domestic helper service market continues to expand, and the number of people hiring Filipino domestic helpers is increasing. The article mentioned that the number of employees at a certain domestic helper service company has almost doubled in the past 10 years, explaining that "Before 2015, only certain segments of households in Japan, such as those of foreign diplomats, could employ foreign domestic helpers. In the same year, Japan revised related laws to improve women's labor participation rate and alleviate the labor shortage in the domestic helper industry." Furthermore, it explained, "In 2016, the Japanese government eased its policies, allowing foreigners to engage in domestic helper services in National Strategic Special Zones. Under the special zone system, foreign domestic helpers can be accepted as an exception to the Immigration Control Act, provided they meet conditions such as having more than one year of experience in domestic helper work." The article also mentioned that "While foreign domestic helpers are required to have basic Japanese language skills, if they serve foreign families residing in Japan, it is acceptable for them to speak the native language of that family." Furthermore, reasons why Filipino domestic helpers are popular overseas, including in Japan, include "strong spirit of hospitality," "high level of professionalism," and "high English proficiency making communication easy." On the other hand, a major reason why Filipino domestic helpers choose Japan despite the weak yen is considered to be "peace of mind and safety" in terms of public security and other aspects. (Translated and edited by Kitada)