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Japan’s Takaichi Pushes Stricter Rules on Foreign Nationals

Release Date
2025-11-12
Media
The Diplomat
Summary
Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae’s administration convened its first ministerial meeting on foreign resident policy on November 4, launching a process to formulate basic policy views by January 2026. She instructed ministries to tighten enforcement of existing rules in response to public concerns about unpaid insurance premiums, visa overstays, dubious land purchases, and illegal logging by some foreign nationals. While emphasizing firm action, Takaichi also acknowledged Japan’s need for foreign talent amid population decline.

The new panel—chaired by Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara Minoru with Justice Minister Hiraguchi and Minister Onoda Kimi as vice chairs—replaces earlier councils and will coordinate policies across immigration, justice, welfare, and security-related ministries.

A key focus is improving compliance with public insurance systems. From June 2027, the government plans to deny residency changes or renewals to foreign residents who fail to pay required health and pension premiums. Payment records will be used during immigration screening, and local governments may allow newcomers to pay insurance premiums in advance. Currently, foreign residents’ payment rates lag significantly behind what is owed, and some leave Japan with unpaid medical bills.

The government also intends to step up measures against visa overstays and to examine property purchases by foreign nationals amid concern over rising land prices. Additional oversight is being considered for illegal logging and other misconduct.

Traffic safety is another area drawing attention. Following media reports of serious accidents involving foreign drivers, Japan tightened the license conversion system in October. Requirements now include a more difficult 50-question written test, a stricter driving exam, and mandatory proof of residence. These changes were introduced as the number of foreign license conversions rose sharply to a record 68,623 in 2024.

Despite some high-profile incidents, officials stressed the need to avoid unfair generalizations. Minister Onoda noted that misconduct by a small minority can feed harmful stereotypes, while Kihara said the new council aims to ensure an orderly yet inclusive society.

As of June, Japan had about 3.96 million foreign residents—roughly 3 percent of its population—more than triple the figure from three decades ago. Although arrests of foreign nationals have increased for two consecutive years, they remain less than half the 2005 peak.
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