New York Times World News Japanโs New Care Workers: Bodybuilders, Wrestlers and M.M.A. Fighters By: Chang W. Lee ยท Javier C. Hernรกndez and Hisako Ueno 25 April 2026 at 04:01 Young athletes are being recruited to plug a staff shortage in Japanโs nursing homes. The results are reshaping elder care.