Japan Immigration News

Immigration in Japan: Can Foreigners Live Here?

Release Date: 2025-06-14
Media: JAPAN Forward
Summary: Japan is facing a demographic decline and labor shortages, making foreign workers essential to its economy. Historically a country that sent emigrants abroad, Japan began accepting foreign laborers in the late 1980s, particularly from Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East, to fill labor gaps in sectors considered undesirable by local workers.

Although the Japanese government has repeatedly stated that it does not pursue an “immigration policy,” it has implemented systems that allow foreign nationals to work, study, and eventually apply for permanent residency. These include various visa categories, the Technical Intern Training Program, and pathways to permanent residence for those who live and work in Japan for several years. In 2019, Japan established the Immigration Services Agency and expanded support for multicultural integration through multilingual consultation centers.

Despite these developments, political and societal resistance to the term “immigration” remains strong. The ambiguity and sensitivity surrounding the word have hindered open debate. Rather than focusing on whether Japan is an immigration country, the real issue is how to practically and effectively integrate and support foreign residents. A new, more appropriate terminology may be needed to reflect the current realities of Japan's approach to migration.
Tags: Immigration Policy

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