Foreign residents in Japan are experiencing increased hostility and discrimination, coinciding with the rise of the anti-immigration political party Sanseito. This shift in public sentiment, fueled by anxieties around cultural identity and facilitated by populist rhetoric, is causing long-term residents and prospective immigrants to reconsider their futures in the country. Despite a national need for foreign labor due to a declining birth rate and aging population, these negative attitudes persist, sometimes manifesting in overt aggression. While the tourism industry benefits from international visitors, a segment of the population is expressing concerns about overtourism, further complicating the discourse surrounding foreigners in Japan.
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As of the end of 2025, Japan hosted a record 4.12 million foreign residents, marking a 9.5% increase from the previous year. This figure represents the first time the foreign resident population has surpassed 4 million. Concurrently, the number of foreign overstayers saw a decline, falling by 8.5% to 68,488, a trend attributed to a government program aimed at reducing such instances. The total number of foreign nationals entering Japan also reached a record high of 42 million.
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Tighter residency rules take shape as Japan gov’t mulls stricter foreigner policies seem to be the new reality, and it’s certainly generating a lot of discussion. It’s almost a shame because, from what I’ve gathered, there’s a strong sentiment that Japan is undergoing a period of transformation, possibly not for the better, with an aging population and a declining birth rate. It’s a country desperately in need of solutions, and immigration could be a key. But there seems to be resistance.
The issue is this: a significant increase in the cost of investment visas while people are waiting for their clients to settle invoices.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood