Regulations for foreign nationals in Japan became a major topic of debate in this year’s election. The new government is acting accordingly.
Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae’s government held its first ministerial meeting on policies affecting foreign nationals on November 4 and plans to compile basic views on policies by January 2026. She ordered relevant ministries to draft necessary revisions to ensure stricter compliance with existing rules. The revisions will likely cover issues such as unpaid insurance premiums, visa overstays, land purchases, and illegal logging.
Takaichi said members of the public feel “anxiety and a sense of unfairness” about “illegal actions” by some foreign nationals. She stressed that the government intends to respond firmly while maintaining a clear distance from xenophobia. At the same time, she recognized the need for foreign talents amid Japan’s declining population and labor shortage.
Her push for stricter enforcement was in line with a campaign pledge during the Liberal Democratic Party presidential race.
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