[2026 Japan Policy Update] Major Transformation to “Orderly Coexistence” Foreign Policy – Essential Guide for Companies and HR Managers

On January 23, 2026, the Japanese government approved a new foreign policy package called “Comprehensive Response Measures.” With “Orderly Coexistence” as its keyword, this groundbreaking initiative balances stricter residence status screening with social integration policies.

This article provides a thorough analysis from an immigration lawyer’s perspective on this important policy that will significantly impact the lives and business operations of foreign residents in Japan, as well as business executives and HR managers who employ foreign workers.

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1. What is “Orderly Coexistence”? Overview of the New Policy

📌 Government’s New Direction: “Comprehensive Response Measures”

The “Comprehensive Response Measures” for foreign policy approved by the government on January 23, 2026, represents a major turning point in Japan’s foreign worker acceptance policy.

This message encapsulates the essence of the new policy.

🔑 Key Concept: “Order is the Foundation of Society, Diversity is the Power of Society”

The most distinctive feature of this policy is balancing these two elements:

Order (Regulation)	Coexistence (Support)
Stricter residence status screening Zero Illegal Residents Plan Thorough rule compliance	Japanese language learning programs Outreach support Promoting social integration

While “coexistence” has traditionally been emphasized, the new policy demonstrates that “order” and “coexistence” are not opposing concepts but rather complementary.

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2. Stricter Residence Status Screening: What’s Changing?

🔍 Residence Statuses Subject to Stricter Screening

The response measures particularly tighten screening for the following residence statuses:

⚠️ Impact on Companies

With stricter screening, companies should pay attention to:

• Document Accuracy: Incomplete or inconsistent application documents increase rejection risk
• Job Duty Clarification: Proving actual work falls within permitted activities is crucial
• Lead Time: Processing may take longer. Plan applications with buffer time
• Renewal Caution: Renewal screening tends to be stricter than initial approval

📋 What is the “Zero Illegal Residents Plan”?

The Comprehensive Response Measures explicitly mention strong promotion of the “Zero Illegal Residents Plan.”

This is not merely a slogan but represents concrete enforcement strengthening:

These cases may result in deportation. Companies can also be penalized for unknowingly enabling illegal employment, so caution is necessary.

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3. Japanese Language Learning Programs and Impact on Permanent Residence

📚 New Japanese Language Learning Programs

The most notable aspect of the response measures is the consideration of creating programs for learning Japanese language, social systems, and rules.

🎓 Impact on Permanent Residence

There is an extremely important point:

What does this mean?

Impact on Permanent Residence Applications:

• Japanese language proficiency may become a permanent residence requirement
• Program attendance may become a prerequisite for applications
• May affect renewals for those who already have permanent residence

Impact on Other Residence Statuses:

• Status-based residence such as Long-term Resident, Spouse of Japanese National
• Work statuses premised on long-term residence
• Screening for residence status changes and renewals

💡 Preparation Steps to Take Now

While program details will be examined going forward, there are actions you can take now:

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4. How Outreach Support Will Change Things

🚶‍♂️ What is “Outreach”?

Outreach refers to “visiting support.” Rather than waiting for those needing support to come to service windows, support staff proactively visit where people are.

The response measures include the following outreach initiatives:

🏢 Benefits for Companies

For companies employing foreign workers, outreach initiatives provide significant support:

Challenge	Outreach Solution
Limited resources for life guidance	Specialist counselors visit companies to provide guidance
Difficulty with multilingual support	Multilingual staff available
Handling community conflicts	Proactive instruction on life rules prevents problems
Insufficient public service information	Provides information on healthcare, insurance, education, etc.

🏘️ Effects on Local Communities

Outreach initiatives also serve as bridges between local residents and foreign residents:

• Reduction in lifestyle conflicts caused by foreign residents
• Alleviating local residents’ anxieties and complaints
• Promoting understanding of multicultural coexistence
• Encouraging foreign resident participation in local communities

Friction previously caused by “language barriers” and “not knowing the rules” is expected to decrease through visiting support.

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5. Background: Shift from “Coexistence Only” Policy

📊 Reality Shown by Data

Behind the policy shift lie clear data and public opinion.

However, the following issues have also become apparent:

• Illegal activities by some foreign residents
• Ignoring life rules (garbage disposal, noise, etc.)
• Illegal stays and unauthorized employment
• Conflicts with local residents
• Communication difficulties due to language barriers

🏛️ Political Developments

Let’s examine the policy shift chronologically:

This progression shows that foreign policy has been recognized as a critical political issue, with a clear direction now established.

🤝 “Order” and “Coexistence” Are Not Opposing

The government expert committee’s opinion paper released on the 14th of this month made an important point:

In other words:

• Order through rules enables safe coexistence
• Support for coexistence enables understanding and following rules
• Both work together like two wheels of a vehicle

Neither regulation alone nor support alone will suffice. Balance is crucial.

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6. Actions Companies Should Take Immediately

Here are concrete actions companies employing foreign workers should take in response to this new policy.

① Strengthen Japanese Language Education Support

Japanese language proficiency will be increasingly emphasized in residence status screening. What companies can do:

② Enhance Life Guidance and Orientation

“I didn’t know” is no longer an acceptable excuse. Onboarding and regular orientations are crucial:

Guidance Topic	Example Content
Garbage Disposal Rules	Sorting methods, collection days, timing and locations
Noise Issues	Nighttime/early morning noise, musical instruments, parties
Traffic Rules	Bicycle traffic rules, parking violations, DUI prohibition
Public Etiquette	Train etiquette, designated smoking areas, queuing
Emergency Response	110/119 calls, earthquake/disaster procedures

③ Thorough Residence Status Management

Internal management systems must be reviewed to address stricter screening:

④ Collaboration with Local Communities

Working with communities is more important than companies acting alone:

• Coordinate with municipal foreign resident support offices
• Provide information about local Japanese language classes
• Encourage participation in community events
• Exchange information with neighborhood associations
• Utilize outreach initiatives

⑤ Establish and Enhance Consultation Services

Create systems where foreign employees can seek help when needed:

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7. Critical Points Foreign Residents Should Know

For foreign residents in Japan, here are particularly important points about the new policy.

① Increasing Importance of Japanese Language Proficiency

More than ever, Japanese language proficiency will be emphasized in residence status screening.

② “I Didn’t Know” Will No Longer Suffice

Going forward, programs for learning Japanese social rules will be established. “I didn’t know” will no longer be an acceptable excuse.

Particularly Important Rules:

1. Strict Adherence to Residence Period
   Even one day of overstay constitutes illegal residence. Always renew before expiration.
2. Prohibition of Unauthorized Activities
   Cannot engage in work outside permitted activities. Part-time work requires permission for activities outside qualification.
3. Address Change Notification
   Must notify municipality and Immigration within 14 days of moving.
4. Re-entry Permit
   Valid residence card and passport required when leaving Japan.
5. Life Rules
   Follow local rules for garbage disposal, noise, parking, etc.

③ Impact on Permanent Residence

Even those who already have permanent residence should not be complacent.

Going forward, Japanese language proficiency and program participation may also be considered. Continuous learning and social participation are important.

④ Consult Specialists When in Trouble

Seeking consultation early, before problems escalate, is crucial.

⑤ Active Social Participation

“Orderly Coexistence” requires foreign residents to also take responsible actions as members of Japanese society.

• Participate in local events and festivals
• Cooperate with neighborhood association activities
• Make Japanese friends
• Learn Japanese culture and customs
• Help others in need

Not merely “residing” but actively “living together” is essential.

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8. Immigration Lawyer’s Perspective: Policy Essence and Future Outlook

From the perspective of an immigration lawyer specializing in foreign national legal affairs, here are the essence of this policy and future prospects.

🔍 Policy Shift Essence: Facing Reality

This “Orderly Coexistence” policy directly confronts issues that have often been taboo.

📈 Why It’s Rated as “Two Steps Forward”

Professor Toshihiro Menju of Kansai University of International Studies evaluated it as “two steps forward from previous policies.” The reasons:

1. Balancing Regulation and Support
   Not merely enforcement strengthening, but packaged with social integration support.
2. Systematization of Japanese Language Education
   Systematically organizing Japanese language education nationally, rather than leaving it to individual municipalities.
3. Reflection in Permanent Residence
   Learning efforts reflected in residence status screening creates learning incentives.
4. Institutionalization of Outreach
   “Proactive” rather than “reactive” support. Prevention before problems arise.

⚖️ Challenges: Ensuring Effectiveness

However, challenges remain regarding policy effectiveness:

🌏 International Perspective: Is Japan Behind?

Actually, linking Japanese language learning programs with residence status is already common in Western countries:

Country	Integration Program Examples
Germany	Integration course (600 hours German + 60 hours social integration) mandatory
Netherlands	Civic integration exam passing required for residence permit
France	Republican Integration Contract (CAI) signing and fulfillment required
Australia	English test and values test mandatory for citizenship

Japan has finally begun approaching international standards with this policy.

🔮 Future Outlook: 2026 as a Turning Point

2026 will mark a major turning point in Japan’s foreign policy.

Short-term (1-2 years):

• Concretization of Japanese language learning programs
• Full-scale outreach initiative deployment
• Substantive tightening of residence status screening

Medium-term (3-5 years):

• Addition of Japanese language requirements to permanent residence screening
• Mandatory program participation
• Quantification of community integration levels

Long-term (5+ years):

• Realization of truly multicultural coexistence society
• Discussion of foreign political participation (e.g., local voting rights)
• Systematization as immigration policy

💼 Advice as a Specialist

Finally, as an immigration lawyer, here is my advice.

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In Conclusion

If you have questions or need consultation, please don’t hesitate to contact specialists.
Together, let’s build a better coexistence society.

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