[Blog]Sustainable Immigration Policy to Ease Populism: Lessons for Japan

2025-12-07

In a recent Financial Times article, the author explores how many countries struggle to balance immigration inflows with the capacity of their societies to absorb newcomers. The article emphasizes that immigration policy cannot be reduced to simple pro- or anti-immigration arguments but instead requires a careful design of institutions that allow both residents and migrants to feel secure. Reading this piece made me reflect on Japan’s situation, where demographic decline and labor shortages are accelerating, yet discussions about immigration often become reactive and emotional. To prevent populism from dominating the conversation and to create a policy that voters can accept, I believe Japan needs a long-term, realistic approach grounded in a shared vision of our country’s future.

Why Japan Needs a New Starting Point

For many years, Japan has tended to treat foreign nationals as “temporary workers,” even though many eventually build their lives here, form families, and raise children. At the same time, support systems—such as language education, community integration programs, and access to public services—have not kept up with reality. As a result, misunderstandings and public anxieties sometimes grow, which can fuel populist rhetoric. When policies seem improvised or inconsistent, citizens may feel uncertain about the long-term impact of immigration. This is why the first step is not simply tightening or loosening immigration controls, but rather adopting a broader, long-term view of human mobility.

What the FT Article Suggests

The FT piece explains that when immigration increases more quickly than a society’s ability to integrate newcomers, public unease tends to rise and political divisions deepen. Japan is no exception. While systems such as the Specified Skilled Worker program or the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa category have expanded rapidly, community support networks, local information services, and integration pathways remain incomplete. This gap can create the impression that immigration policy is always “catching up,” and it becomes easier for populist messages to spread. The article reminded me that immigration is one of the policy areas most dependent on long-range thinking.

Ideas for a Sustainable Immigration Framework in Japan

I believe several practical ideas could help Japan build a stable, voter-supported immigration model. First, it would be helpful to distinguish clearly between people coming for short-term labor purposes and those whose stay is expected to be long-term or permanent. The support required for each group is very different, and clearly communicating this distinction can reduce public uneasiness. Second, Japan needs stronger integration infrastructure, including Japanese-language education, vocational training, and especially educational support for children. These are essential for creating an environment where foreign residents can live with confidence and contribute fully to society. Third, collaboration with local communities will be crucial. In regions facing depopulation, younger foreign residents can help maintain services, strengthen disaster resilience, and revitalize local economies. Showing the public how immigration can work in harmony with regional needs will make the policy easier to accept.

The Importance of a 50-Year Vision

In my view, the greatest challenge in Japan is that national leaders have not presented a clear long-term vision of what the country should look like in 50 years. Without a shared understanding of how the population will change, where people will live, what industries will support society, and to what extent foreign residents will participate, it is difficult for voters to see immigration policy as anything other than short-term problem-solving. When only immediate concerns are highlighted, public resistance grows and discussions become emotional. But if leaders clearly articulate a realistic and hopeful vision for 2075 or 2080, immigration policy becomes a natural part of the country’s long-term strategy, making it far less vulnerable to populism.

Conclusion

Immigration policy is not simply a debate about labor supply. It is about how we imagine the future shape of our society. The FT article illustrates the importance of balancing immigration flows with integration capacity so that both newcomers and long-time residents feel secure. For Japan, building a transparent, predictable, and long-term immigration framework will help prevent populist reactions and support a more sustainable future. By presenting a clear vision, investing in integration, and engaging local communities, Japan can create a society where foreign residents and Japanese citizens thrive together, not in tension but in partnership.