Immigration in Japan: Can Foreigners Live Here?

このページを日本語で読む

Growing numbers of foreigners live in Japan. And, even more are thinking of moving here (or have an acquaintance who is). But what is immigration, and what does it mean to be a migrant or refugee?

This pivotal question, according to renowned Japanese humanitarian and author Fusako Yanase, holds the key to understanding how Japan can better integrate the immigrants already living here and prepare for those hoping to make Japan their home.

In a seven-part series, Yanase offers a deep exploration of the challenges and opportunities faced by immigrants in Japan. Drawing on real-life experiences, she examines Japan's policies and systems, shedding light on the pathways to integration, acceptance, and a sense of belonging. She also explains what you need to know and consider if you're thinking of immigrating to Japan, or know someone who is.

First in the series.

Read the series, Immigration in Japan

First, A Country of Emigrants

Before and for some time after World War II, Japan generally did not permit foreign workers to enter the country. Instead, it implemented policies to send large numbers of emigrants abroad based on agreements with other countries. Some of these included numerical quotas. Known as Nikkei in their host countries, these Japanese emigrants established communities overseas.

In the mid-to-late 1980s, Brazil experienced hyperinflation, leading to long-term economic stagnation, high unemployment, and social unrest. Meanwhile, Japan was in the midst of an economic bubble, with businesses eager to hire workers. This economic contrast prompted many Nikkei Brazilians to migrate to Japan, relying on their ancestral ties to the country.

Foreign Labor and '3K' Jobs

Around the same time, many workers from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iran, and the Middle East also arrived in Japan. By the early 1990s, jobs in manufacturing and construction were commonly referred to as "3K" — kitanai (dirty), kitsui (difficult), and kiken (dangerous). They were jobs that young Japanese people were increasingly reluctant to take.

While not necessarily unskilled professions, they were considered unattractive due to workplace conditions and wages. As a result, many industries faced severe labor shortages, which the influx of foreign workers helped mitigate. This period also saw the establishment of Japan's Technical Intern Training Program (TITP) as a means to fill these gaps.

No Immigration Policy?

Despite this steady flow of foreign workers, the Japanese government has repeatedly stated, "Japan does not have an immigration policy" and "is not an immigrant nation." But what does that mean?

Public opinion and political considerations may influence this stance, but it also stems from ambiguity surrounding the term "immigration."

*A plenary session of the House of Councillors, where the bill to revise the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act was under deliberation. May 12, 2023. (© Kyodo)*

The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs refers to this type of human movement as "international migration" and acknowledges that there is no single legal definition. Nevertheless, it does distinguish short-term migration (3–12 months) from long-term or permanent migration (residency exceeding one year).

Ultimately, most experts agree that anyone who changes their country of residence can be considered an international migrant, regardless of legal status or reason for moving.

Immigrants Allowed

Japan may claim that it does not have an immigration policy, but in reality, it has created various residence statuses to actively accept foreigners. Permanent residency is also an option, provided certain conditions are met.

For example, a foreign worker who diligently pursues employment, lives in Japan for a cumulative ten years, and fulfills their tax obligations may qualify for permanent residency. Similarly, foreign students at Japanese language schools and universities can stay in Japan until they graduate. If they find a job within Japan after graduation, they can transition to a work visa, which may eventually lead to permanent residency.

Marriage to a Japanese national also provides a pathway to permanent residency, which can be obtained after as little as five years of stable marital life.

Shaping Strategies for Support and Coexistence

Since April 2019, when Japan's Immigration Bureau was reorganized into the Immigration Services Agency, the government has taken additional steps to support foreign residents. It established the Foreign Residents Support Center (FRESC), a multilingual consultation service. Over 200 local government offices now serve as comprehensive help desks for foreign residents.

Experts and public comments have shaped long-overdue roadmaps and strategies for multicultural coexistence. These efforts suggest that, whether officially acknowledged or not, Japan does have an immigration policy.

In contrast to countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, where immigrants are immediately recognized as such, Japan's approach has been more gradual. Over time, unofficial pathways have been created to transition foreign residents in Japan from temporary to permanent status. These have created more of a step-by-step immigration policy.

A Taboo Word

Meanwhile, many conservative politicians and commentators still avoid using the term "immigration." They are likely influenced by the broader immigration policies and problems seen in Western nations. Their argument is that Japan merely grants residence status for employment, study, or family reunification. This, they claim, is far from permanent settlement. Also, Japan does not provide taxpayer-funded integration support. Some say this signals the country does not have a real immigration policy.

That argument, however, seems contrived. The rigid debate about whether or not Japan should adopt an official immigration policy is becoming irrelevant. Instead, Japan must now focus on how to effectively accept, integrate, and support foreign workers.

Reevaluating the Term 'Immigration'

Japan's debate over immigration is often clouded by the ambiguity of terminology. The English word "migrant" is sometimes translated as 移民 (imin, immigrant), other times as 移住者 (ijuusha, resident). Sometimes, it is even translated as 移住労働者" (iju roudousha, migrant worker) or 中長期滞在 (chu-chouki taizaisha, medium-to-long-term resident).

All of these are based on an individual's voluntary movement and should be distinguished from "refugees," who are discussed later. With definitions varying by speaker and context, a more precise and modern term may be necessary to better reflect Japan's evolving approach to foreign labor, residency, and refugees.

Continues in Part 2: Accepting Foreigners to Secure a Workforce

About the Author

Fusako Yanase is the former Chair of the Certified NPO, Association for Aid and Relief, Japan. She holds a master's degree from the Graduate School of Cultural Policy at Aoyama Gakuin University. In 1979, she was involved in the preparatory work to establish the Association to Aid Indochinese Refugees (now AAR Japan). The following year, in 1980, at the age of 30, she became its Secretary-General.

Yanase has been a pioneer in refugee support in Japan for nearly 50 years. Even after stepping down as honorary chair in 2023, she continues to contribute as a refugee examination counselor for the Ministry of Justice. Her many publications include Is Japan Unwelcoming to Refugees? (Keio University Press, December 2024) and the award-winning children's book Not Mines, but Flowers - A Plea from Sunny (illustrated by Yoh Shomei, Jiyu Kokuminsha), which received the Japan Picture Book Readers' Award.

このページを日本語で読む