Japan Immigration News

How Foreign Residents and Immigration Became a Front-Line Election Issue

Release Date: 2026-02-06
Media: JAPAN Forward
Summary: Japan’s February 8 general election has brought immigration and foreign-resident policy to the forefront of political debate. With the foreign resident population rising to about 3.95 million, parties are split between those calling for stricter controls and possible caps, and those emphasizing coexistence, rights protections, and social integration.

The ruling government has shifted its message from “coexistence” to “order,” proposing tighter residency management, stronger action against overstays, and stricter naturalization rules, while avoiding a clear stance on numerical limits. Opposition parties are pressing for more explicit policies, either toward stricter controls or expanded protections.

Although experts note that foreigners account for only a small share of crime and welfare recipients, many voters feel that daily life has changed rapidly and want clearer rules and stronger enforcement. The election debate therefore reflects Japan’s broader dilemma: how to respond to public concerns while sustaining an economy that increasingly depends on foreign labor.
Tags: Immigration Policy

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