根据周二发布的数据，日本持“特定技能”（SSW）签证的外国劳工人数已达到创纪录的444,256人。
随着日本日益依赖海外劳动力来填补关键行业的短缺，这一数字持续增长。
The number of foreign workers in Japan under the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa has reached a record high of 444,256, according to data released Tuesday, as the country increasingly turns to overseas labor to fill shortages across key industries.
根据日本出入国在留管理厅（ISA）的初步数据，截至6月底，该数字较去年12月底的390,296人增长了13.8%，比一年前的336,196人增加了108,060人。尽管增长依然强劲，但按半年计算的增长速度已持续放缓。
The figure as of the end of June is up 13.8% from 390,296 at the end of December and 108,060 higher than a total of 336,196 a year earlier, according to preliminary Immigration Services Agency (ISA) data. Growth has remained strong, though the pace has continued to slow on a six-month basis.
此次13.8%的增幅低于此前两个半年期分别16.1%和18.2%的增长率。
The 13.8% increase from December compared with gains of 16.1% in the previous six-month period and 18.2% in the six months before that.