Japan Prepares New Immigration Reforms Amid Rising Tourism and Foreign Residents

Japan is rethinking its approach to foreign nationals as tourism and immigration surge, sparking renewed debate about how open the country should be to outsiders.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has made reforming policies for foreign residents a top priority. A comprehensive plan is expected to be announced later this month, including:

• Stricter conditions for permanent residency and citizenship

• Higher fees for visa renewals

• Tighter screening for property purchases by foreigners

• An increase in departure taxes

Public Concerns and Political Background

The immigration issue gained attention during last year’s elections, when a fringe party promoting “Japanese First” policies stirred public debate. Critics warn that Japan risks sliding toward xenophobia, recalling its history of centuries-long isolation.

Supporters argue the reforms are intended not to close Japan off, but to create structure in a system that has historically been ad hoc and inconsistent. By addressing public concerns early, Japan may avoid the sharp political swings over immigration seen in some Western countries.

A Surprisingly Lenient System Until Now

Despite its reputation for being hard to move to, Japan’s immigration system has historically been relatively permissive:

• Until last year, business manager visa applicants needed only about $30,000 in capital for multi-year stays

• Naturalization approvals are high: in 2024, only 5% of applications were rejected

• Japan does not require Japanese-language proficiency for permanent residency or citizenship

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

Demographic Pressures Drive Change

For years, Japan’s lenient immigration system attracted little attention because the foreign resident population was small. That has changed dramatically:

• The number of foreign residents has doubled since 2012, surpassing 4 million people

• While foreigners make up only 3% of Japan’s total population, in some municipalities the proportion exceeds 10%, making demographic shifts more visible at the local level

With an aging population and labor shortages expected to intensify, foreign workers will play an increasingly vital role in Japan’s economy.

Looking Ahead: Balancing Integration and Global Talent

The government faces a delicate challenge: maintaining social cohesion while keeping Japan attractive for skilled foreign workers.

The effectiveness of the upcoming reforms—including stricter residency and citizenship requirements—will likely shape Japan’s immigration debate for years to come.