Japan's foreign population keeps growing. Should it be worried?ーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS

Key Concepts

• Foreign Nationals Policy Review: Japan's government is undertaking a comprehensive review of its policies concerning foreign nationals.
• Coexistence with Foreign Nationals: A new ministerial post has been created to promote harmonious coexistence between Japanese citizens and foreign residents.
• Labor Shortage and Declining Population: Japan's demographic challenges are a key driver for the need to attract and manage foreign workers.
• Public Anxiety and Illegal Activities: Concerns among Japanese citizens regarding illegal activities by some foreign nationals are a significant factor influencing policy.
• Land Acquisitions by Foreigners: The issue of foreign ownership of land and its potential impact on property prices and local communities is being addressed.
• Visa and Residency Status Violations: This includes foreign nationals working in ways that contravene their visa conditions.
• Over Tourism and Short-Term Rentals: Measures are being considered to manage the impacts of increased tourism.
• Stereotyping and Anti-Foreigner Sentiment: Concerns exist that policy discussions could lead to negative stereotyping of foreign residents.

Foreign Nationals Policy Review Meeting

Prime Minister Kishida Fumio has initiated a high-level ministerial meeting to review Japan's policies concerning foreign nationals. The objective is to formulate a basic approach by January. This initiative stems from a coalition agreement between the Liberal Democratic Party and the Japan Innovation Party, which committed to addressing issues related to foreign nationals who violate Japanese laws. The meeting was attended by Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara Minoru and the Minister in charge of promoting coexistence with foreign nationals, Uno Kimi.

Rationale for Policy Review

Prime Minister Kishida highlighted Japan's declining population and growing labor shortage as critical factors necessitating the integration of foreign workers in various sectors. Simultaneously, she acknowledged public anxiety stemming from illegal activities by some foreign nationals, vowing to address these concerns firmly. The review aims to expedite the examination of existing regulations pertaining to non-nationals and the management of national land, including foreign land acquisitions.

Current Landscape of Foreign Residents

Murata Rio from NHK World reported that Japan has experienced a rapid increase in its foreign resident population, reaching a record high of nearly 4 million as of June this year, according to the Immigration Services Agency. This growth has coincided with rising tensions and misunderstandings between foreign residents and Japanese citizens. Prime Minister Kishida has prioritized tackling these issues, establishing a new cabinet post for a "Minister in charge of a society of well-ordered and harmonious coexistence with foreign nationals." In her policy speech, Kishida stated, "People are feeling anxiety and a sense of unfairness due to certain foreigners committing illegal acts and deviating from the rules. The government draws a clear line with xenophobia, but we will take a resolute approach."

Addressing Illegal Activities and Rule Violations

The term "illegal acts and deviating from the rules" encompasses various issues. Crimes involving foreign nationals, such as thefts, receive significant media attention, contributing to public anxiety. The National Police Agency reported over 21,000 crimes committed by foreign nationals in 2024, marking a second consecutive year of increase. However, when viewed in a broader context, the total number of arrested foreign nationals is less than half of its peak of 47,000 in 2005. Unlawful activities also include foreign nationals working in violation of their visa or residency status conditions.

Foreign Land Acquisitions

A significant concern raised is the acquisition of land by foreign nationals. This has become a contentious issue in certain regions, with reports from the real estate industry suggesting that speculation by wealthy foreigners has driven up land and housing prices, leading to frustration among Japanese citizens. While some data suggests that foreign nationals are not acquiring real estate to an extent that has a discernible market-wide effect, there are documented instances of foreign-owned companies acquiring apartment buildings, leading to rent increases and service disruptions, which understandably causes worry.

Future Outlook and Policy Framework

The government aims to finalize a basic policy framework by January of the following year. Minister Uno Kimi indicated plans to improve immigration and residency status controls and consider measures to address over tourism and short-term rentals.

Reaction from Foreign Nationals

Foreign nationals residing in Japan have expressed concern, with many who are working diligently and integrating into Japanese society worried about being subjected to stereotypes. EAB, an organization, emphasized that discussions should be fact-based and avoid pandering to anti-foreigner sentiment. The initiative is seen as an effort to alleviate public concerns on an emotional level, particularly in areas where the foreign population has doubled in a decade, leading to unfamiliarity and potential misunderstandings.

Prime Minister's Stance

Prime Minister Kishida acknowledged public concerns in the Diet, while also stressing the importance of fostering an inclusive society that is safe and secure for all, regardless of nationality. The growing foreign population in Japan makes this an urgent task.