Why is Japan tightening its immigration rules?

ANDREW SHARP

TOKYO -- Japan is increasingly becoming dependent on foreign workers, but it has long resisted calling itself an immigrant-receiving country. By the end of 2025, more than 4 million foreign nationals were living in the country.

The government has expanded pathways for workers in sectors facing chronic shortages, while also tightening rules for long-term residents and permanent residency. It has capped two major work programs, raised application fees and introduced stricter requirements.

That leaves Japan caught between economic need and political pressure to take a tough stance on immigration. What will these changes mean for people hoping to build a life here, and for the businesses and communities that rely on them?

To discuss this, Nikkei Asia sat down with Naoko Hashimoto of International Christian University in Tokyo. We talk about whether Japan has a coherent immigration strategy, the rise of populist politics and what the government and employers need to do to help foreign residents integrate.