At a time when the global COVID‑19 pandemic has profoundly altered the type and content of jobs, investing in skills is more important than ever to build resilient and inclusive labour markets. Ongoing policy efforts to make the Japanese labour market more inclusive were disrupted by the pandemic as the government’s focus quickly shifted to dealing with the state of emergency and countering the negative consequences of a global lockdown. The policy responses have been largely successful, with the Japanese labour market experiencing limited increases in unemployment compared to other OECD countries. Yet, the pandemic has altered the labour market in ways that are only starting to become evident and that will provide new challenges for policy makers in the years to come. Now, more than ever, Japan’s policy makers must strengthen the adult learning system to make individuals and enterprises more responsive to change and foster stronger growth and well-being.