As Japan approaches its national upper house elections, a new topic has emerged at the forefront of political discourse: the presence and role of foreign nationals in Japanese society. With a historically conservative stance on immigration now facing increasing scrutiny and politicization, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has introduced a government task force aimed at navigating the complex dynamics between Japan’s citizens and its growing foreign population.
A government initiative with strategic timing
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 framed the office as a central hub for coordinating policies that impact both citizens and foreign nationals. Although still in its early stages, the task force is expected to oversee areas such as immigration procedures, land purchases by non-citizens, and concerns over unpaid taxes or social insurance contributions. The government has also hinted at introducing tighter rules around medical debt, suggesting that individuals who owe significant healthcare bills could be denied visas or reentry.
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.
The increase in visitors has caused noticeable friction in some areas, especially in regions with a lot of tourists. Locals frequently voice concerns about overcrowding, inconsiderate actions, and stress on community resources. In certain locations, officials have even set up physical barriers to prevent access to popular photo locations, like the debated screen installed to cover views of Mount Fuji following community protests regarding crowding and waste.
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 senior citizen in Tokyo, who chose to remain unnamed, shared doubts regarding the cultural harmony between local inhabitants and overseas employees, suggesting that dissimilar customs pose challenges to living harmoniously. At the same time, younger individuals, such as a 23-year-old office employee, shared the sentiment that governmental aid ought to focus more on residents than on foreigners.
These sentiments, while not necessarily supported by data, are being amplified by emerging political actors. The Sanseito party, a right-leaning nationalist group, has gained attention with its platform centered on prioritizing Japanese interests. Although unlikely to win a majority, Sanseito could still influence the balance of power by attracting disaffected voters from larger parties, including the ruling 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, including Shunsuke Tanabe from Waseda University, assert that the growing presence of international individuals has resulted in cognitive biases, leading some to erroneously connect demographic shifts with heightened insecurity. He cautions that these beliefs can be easily manipulated during election periods, particularly in the modern era of rapid misinformation dissemination.
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 maneuvering with long-term consequences
The stakes for Prime Minister Ishiba and the LDP are high. After losing their majority in the lower house last year, another poor showing in the upper house vote could intensify internal pressure on Ishiba to resign. With Sanseito projected to secure several seats, every measure to retain public confidence becomes crucial.
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.”
An undeniable demographic reality
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 acknowledged this reality during the announcement of the new task force, stressing that Japan must remain open to global talent and tourism to secure long-term growth. “To navigate the challenges posed by a declining birthrate and an aging society, we must integrate the energy of the global community,” he said.
Looking ahead
As the election draws closer, the balance between public sentiment and economic necessity will continue to shape Japan’s policies toward foreign nationals. While concerns about cultural integration and resource sharing deserve thoughtful attention, experts emphasize the need for data-driven policy, not reactionary measures driven by populist fear.
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.
