As Japan nears its elections for the national upper house, a fresh issue has surfaced prominently in political discussions: the involvement and status of non-Japanese nationals within Japanese society. Traditionally known for its conservative views on immigration, this topic is now under intense examination and political debate. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has unveiled a government group designed to manage the intricate relationship between Japan’s citizens and its expanding foreign community.
The move arrives at a pivotal time when the country is grappling with the dual pressures of an aging society and a shifting public mood, increasingly influenced by anxieties over tourism, labor market changes, and cultural integration. While Japan has actively pursued foreign visitors and workers to bolster its economy and counter demographic decline, a surge in complaints and public unease is prompting a reevaluation of how the country manages its international engagement.
A state project launched at an opportune moment
The recently launched initiative, known officially as the Office for the Promotion of a Society of Harmonious Coexistence with Foreign Nationals, was announced just days before voters head to the polls. This timing is no coincidence. With populist sentiments gaining momentum and fringe parties using immigration as a central campaign theme, the government appears to be responding to growing public discourse centered on national identity and economic strain.
Prime Minister Ishiba described the office as a key point for managing policies that affect both residents and international individuals. While still developing, the task force is anticipated to supervise areas like immigration processes, property acquisitions by foreigners, and issues related to unpaid taxes or social insurance payments. The government has also considered implementing stricter regulations on medical debt, indicating that those with substantial healthcare liabilities might face visa denials or reentry restrictions.
This program is a segment of a larger strategy to tackle what the administration refers to as the “misuse” of government resources by certain foreign individuals. Nevertheless, specifics regarding implementation are unclear, prompting speculation about the potential impact on Japan’s global relations and its attractiveness as a location for both talented professionals and visitors.
Tourism boom and cultural friction
Although foreigners constitute merely about 3% of Japan’s 120 million inhabitants, the noticeable presence of international visitors and employees has increased considerably in recent times. Over the past ten years, the number of foreign residents rose from 2.2 million to almost 3.8 million. The surge in tourism following the pandemic has heightened this perception. In just the first half of 2025, more than 21 million tourists traveled to the country, establishing a new milestone.
This influx has led to visible tension in certain communities, particularly in tourist-heavy regions. Complaints from residents about overcrowding, disrespectful behavior, and strains on local resources have become increasingly common. In some areas, authorities have gone so far as to erect barriers to block popular photo spots, including a controversial screen placed to obscure views of Mount Fuji after local outcry over congestion and litter.
Even in areas renowned for their welcoming nature, like hot spring resorts, the increase in tourists has stirred worries among locals about the exhaustion of resources and the wear and tear on infrastructure. Moreover, some residents highlight the rising expenses of necessities such as rice and housing, which they blame—whether correctly or not—on international demand and economic influences from outside.
Employment and public services under scrutiny
Another concern being raised in the lead-up to the election involves access to public services and job opportunities. Some Japanese citizens feel that foreign workers are crowding out domestic job seekers or receiving disproportionate access to welfare programs. Though these claims are often anecdotal, they are fueling populist rhetoric that appeals to voters feeling left behind in an evolving economy.
A Tokyo retiree, speaking anonymously, expressed skepticism about the cultural compatibility of foreign workers, stating that differing traditions make coexistence difficult. Meanwhile, younger voices, like that of a 23-year-old office worker, echoed the belief that government support should prioritize citizens over non-nationals.
These opinions, although not necessarily backed by evidence, are gaining traction due to new political players. The Sanseito party, a conservative nationalist organization, has drawn notice with its agenda focusing on Japanese priorities. Even though they may not capture a dominant share, Sanseito has the potential to sway the power dynamics by appealing to disenchanted voters from major parties, such as the governing Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
Distinguishing between appearance and truth
Amid the mounting debate, experts caution that much of the current rhetoric is based more on perception than on factual trends. According to data from the Ministry of Justice, foreign nationals accounted for just over 5% of total arrests in 2023—a figure that includes both visitors and residents. Furthermore, Japan’s overall crime rate has been steadily declining over the past two decades, a trend that contradicts widespread concerns about deteriorating public safety.
Sociologists like Shunsuke Tanabe from Waseda University argue that increased visibility of foreigners has led to cognitive bias, causing some to mistakenly link demographic change with rising insecurity. He warns that such assumptions are easily exploited during election campaigns, especially in the digital age where misinformation spreads rapidly.
Tanabe additionally points out that social media has magnified divisive narratives, facilitating the rise of parties with anti-immigration agendas. The consequence is a political landscape where symbolic actions—such as setting up a new office—might have more significance than actual policy resolutions.
Political strategies with lasting effects
The situation holds significant implications for Prime Minister Ishiba and the LDP. Having lost their majority in the lower chamber the previous year, another disappointing result in the upper chamber election could increase the internal demand for Ishiba’s resignation. As Sanseito is anticipated to win multiple seats, every action to maintain public support becomes vital.
Some political analysts believe the creation of the new task force is a strategic effort to seem attentive to voter issues while avoiding significant changes to the country’s immigration system. Jeffrey Hall, a lecturer specializing in Japanese studies at Kanda University, characterized the initiative as a strategic method to “express authority” on a delicate subject. Nevertheless, he cautioned that excessively strict monitoring or limitations on foreign nationals might have adverse economic repercussions.
“If Japan fosters a setting where overseas employees sense they are not welcome or are being treated unjustly, it may jeopardize its efforts to achieve its workforce objectives,” Hall stated. “In a nation experiencing a decline in its working-age demographic, acquiring global skills is not a choice—it is crucial.”
A demographic reality that can’t be ignored
Japan’s demographic crisis remains one of the most pressing issues facing its society and economy. The country’s birth rate dropped to a record low of 1.15 in 2024, far below the replacement rate of 2.1 needed to maintain population stability without immigration. With life expectancy among the highest in the world, the result is an aging society increasingly reliant on younger workers—many of whom must come from abroad.
To address labor shortages, Japan has been expanding its visa programs, particularly those aimed at “specific skilled workers” in industries ranging from healthcare and construction to hospitality and aviation. As of October 2024, the number of foreign employees reached a new peak of 2.3 million, reflecting ongoing efforts to fill essential roles that Japanese workers alone can no longer meet.
Ishiba recognized this reality during the introduction of the new team, emphasizing that Japan needs to stay accessible to international talent and tourism to ensure sustained growth over time. “To address the issues brought on by a decreasing birthrate and an aging population, we must incorporate the vitality of the world community,” he stated.
Moving forward
As voting day approaches, Japan’s policies regarding foreign nationals will increasingly be influenced by the equilibrium between public opinion and economic needs. Even though issues related to cultural acceptance and resource allocation require careful consideration, specialists highlight the importance of policies based on data, avoiding impulsive actions motivated by populist anxiety.
Japan faces a pivotal moment—balanced between its traditional cultural uniformity and the necessities of a connected world. It is yet to be determined if the newly established task force will transform into a positive agent for inclusion or merely act as a token during election times. Regardless, the choices made at this juncture will have significant impacts on Japan’s future as both an international economic leader and a diverse community.