The administration of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, in coordination with the ruling coalition, is considering stricter immigration controls as part of its foreign resident policy. A comprehensive plan is set to be finalized in January 2026, with specific visa categories and measures now coming into focus.

At the end of 2015, Japan had about 2.23 million foreign residents. By the end of June this year, that number had increased to approximately 3.95 million, a 1.7-fold increase over 10 years. Foreign residents now make up about 3% of the population. It is estimated that the rate will exceed 10%, which is the average for OECD countries, in 2070.