Japan Moves to Tighten Foreign Residency Rules Amid Surge in Migrants and Tourists

Japan is reassessing its approach toward foreign nationals as the country experiences a sharp rise in both tourism and immigration, prompting renewed debate over how open the nation should be to outsiders.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has made reforming policies related to foreign residents one of her administration’s top priorities. A comprehensive plan is expected to be announced later this month and is set to include stricter conditions for permanent residency and citizenship, higher fees for visa renewals, tighter screening of property purchases, and an increase in departure taxes.

Public Unease and Political Context

The issue gained momentum during last year’s elections, when a fringe political party promoting “Japanese First” policies drew public attention. Critics have warned that Japan, a country that once isolated itself from the outside world for centuries, risks sliding toward xenophobia.

However, supporters of the proposed reforms argue that the government’s approach is not about closing Japan off, but about bringing structure and clarity to an immigration system that has long operated in an ad-hoc manner. By addressing public concerns early, Japan may be able to avoid the sharp political swings over immigration seen in some Western countries.

A Surprisingly Lenient System

Despite its reputation as a country that is difficult to move to, Japan’s immigration system has historically been relatively permissive. Until last year, applicants for business manager visas — which allow multi-year stays — were required to show capital of only about $30,000.

Naturalization approvals are also high. In 2024, only around 5% of citizenship applications were rejected. Notably, Japan does not require foreign residents to demonstrate Japanese-language proficiency to obtain permanent residency or citizenship.

This contrasts sharply with countries such as the United States, where naturalization applicants must pass an English test and demonstrate knowledge of civics and history.

Demographic Pressures

For many years, the leniency of the system attracted little attention because the number of foreign residents was relatively small. That has changed rapidly as Japan’s population continues to age.

The number of foreign residents has doubled since 2012, surpassing 4 million people. While foreigners still account for only about 3% of Japan’s total population, the proportion exceeds 10% in some municipalities, increasing the visibility of demographic change at the local level.

Looking Ahead

With labor shortages expected to intensify in the coming decades, foreign workers are likely to play an increasingly important role in Japan’s economy. The government’s challenge will be to strike a balance between maintaining social cohesion and ensuring Japan remains an attractive destination for global talent.

The effectiveness of the upcoming reforms will likely shape Japan’s immigration debate for years to come.