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Introduction: The Surprising Truth Revealed by Data

On February 28, 2025, data released by the National Police Agency attracted significant media attention. The data showed that “the number of foreign nationals apprehended by police on suspicion of criminal offences has decreased by approximately 40% over the past 20 years.”

This fact directly contradicts the narrative spreading on social media and online platforms that “an increase in foreign residents leads to deteriorating public safety.”

In reality, the number of foreign residents in Japan has nearly doubled from approximately 2.01 million at the end of 2005 to about 3.95 million as of the end of June 2025. Despite this increase, the number of criminal apprehensions has declined. This suggests that the per-capita rate of criminal involvement among the foreign population appears to have decreased.

As an administrative scrivener (gyoseishoshi) specializing in immigration procedures, I support foreign nationals daily with visa applications and residence status procedures. I also frequently consult with business owners and HR managers of companies employing foreign workers.

From this experience, I can confidently say that the vast majority of foreign residents in Japan comply with Japanese laws, work diligently, and live responsibly. Furthermore, with proper acceptance systems and support, foreign talent can become a significant asset to companies.

In this article, I will deeply analyze what this data means and provide valuable information from an immigration administrative scrivener’s perspective for both foreign residents in Japan and companies employing foreign workers.

Chapter 1: Understanding the “40% Decline in Foreign National Apprehensions”

1-1. Trends in Apprehension Numbers and Background

According to an analysis of National Police Agency crime statistics, the total number of foreign nationals apprehended during the five-year period from 2021 to 2025 was 56,706. This represents approximately a 40% decrease compared to the peak period of 2001 to 2005, which saw 93,899 apprehensions.

What is particularly noteworthy is that this decline is a nationwide trend. Apprehension numbers decreased in 40 prefectures, with Nagano Prefecture recording a remarkable 73.2% reduction.

1-2. Increase in Foreign Residents and Apparent Decline in Crime Rate

During the same period, the number of foreign residents in Japan nearly doubled from approximately 2.01 million at the end of 2005 to about 3.95 million as of the end of June 2025. When these figures are considered together with the decline in apprehensions, it becomes clear that the overall per-capita rate of criminal involvement among foreign nationals appears to have significantly decreased.

1-3. Why This Data Matters

Currently, claims that “increasing foreign residents equals deteriorating public safety” are sometimes spread on social media. However, actual data does not support this assertion.

In this era, calm discussions based on objective data—not emotions or impressions—are essential. This is especially true when companies are considering hiring foreign talent; accurate information is indispensable.

Chapter 2: Factors Behind Lower Crime Rates Among Foreign Residents

2-1. Screening and Management Through the Residence Status System

Japan’s residence status system is strict by global standards. To obtain a residence status, applicants must meet certain conditions, and these are rigorously examined by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA).

For example, in the case of work visas, factors such as educational background, work history, employment contract details, and the company’s financial status are carefully scrutinized. Additionally, good conduct is required.

Through this system, it can be said that most foreign nationals residing in Japan possess a certain level of social credibility.

2-2. Motivation of Foreign Residents

For many foreign residents, living in Japan is a “choice.” Leaving their home country to live in a different culture and language is not easy. They choose Japan because of strong motivations: “I want to work here,” “I want to live with my family,” or “I want a safe and prosperous life.”

Therefore, many foreign nationals strive to maintain their residence status and adapt to Japanese society by following rules and living responsibly.

2-3. Relationships with Local Communities

Many of the foreign nationals I have supported actively participate in local communities and build positive relationships with Japanese residents. They send their children to local schools, participate in community events, and follow garbage disposal rules. They cherish such ordinary daily routines.

Chapter 3: Essential Knowledge About “Employing Foreign Workers” for Companies

3-1. Benefits of Employing Foreign Workers

As labor shortages become increasingly severe, hiring foreign talent has become a realistic option for many companies. Benefits of employing foreign workers include:

  • Resolving labor shortages
  • Gaining diverse perspectives and skills
  • Strengthening responsiveness to global markets
  • Revitalizing the organization and promoting diversity

3-2. Types of Residence Status and Permissible Work Scope

The most critical aspect when employing foreign nationals is confirming their “residence status.” The scope of permissible work is strictly defined by residence status.

Representative work visas include:

  • Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services: Engineers, interpreters, sales, planning, etc.
  • Skilled Labor: Chefs, construction technicians, etc.
  • Specified Skilled Worker: 14 fields including nursing care, construction, agriculture
  • Technical Intern Training: Internships in manufacturing, agriculture, etc.

Additionally, foreign nationals with status-based residence categories such as “Permanent Resident” or “Spouse of Japanese National” have no employment restrictions.

3-3. Important Considerations When Hiring

When employing foreign nationals, attention must be paid to:

  • Checking the residence card: Expiration date and employment restrictions
  • Matching residence status with job duties: Ensuring no unauthorized work
  • Creating employment contracts: Treatment equal to or better than Japanese employees
  • Notification to employment services: Mandatory reporting of foreign employment status

Employers are required under Japanese law to confirm work authorization and to file required notifications. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in the company being charged with facilitating illegal employment.

Chapter 4: Practical Aspects of Visa Applications and Residence Status Procedures

4-1. Visa Application Process

For foreign nationals to work in Japan, they must obtain an appropriate residence status. The general process is as follows:

  1. Application for Certificate of Eligibility (for those residing abroad)
  2. Obtaining a visa (at Japanese embassy/consulate abroad)
  3. Entry into Japan
  4. Receiving residence card

For foreign nationals already in Japan, an application to change residence status is required.

4-2. Required Documents and Key Review Points

Visa applications require numerous documents. Representative documents include:

  • Application form
  • Photograph
  • Passport
  • Employment contract
  • Company registration certificate
  • Financial statements
  • Graduation certificates, employment history certificates
  • Letter of reason

During the review, factors such as “Why is it necessary to employ this foreign national?” “Do job duties match educational and work background?” and “Does the company have the financial capacity to pay?” are carefully examined.

4-3. Importance of Renewal Procedures

Residence statuses have expiration dates. Failure to renew can result in loss of residence status and the inability to remain in Japan.

Renewal applications can be submitted three months before expiration. It is crucial to prepare with ample time.

Chapter 5: How Administrative Scriveners Can Support You

5-1. Handling Complex Procedures

Visa applications involve many required documents and specialized content. Additionally, Immigration Services Agency review standards are often not explicitly documented, requiring experience-based judgment.

Administrative scriveners specializing in immigration handle these complex procedures on your behalf and support smooth applications.

5-2. Establishing Foreign Employment Systems for Companies

Companies that continuously employ foreign workers need appropriate acceptance systems. Administrative scriveners can provide support such as:

  • Establishing residence status management systems
  • Creating internal manuals
  • Regular renewal procedure support
  • Responding to trouble when it arises

5-3. Preventing Trouble and Problem Resolution

In the event of issues related to residence status, administrative scriveners provide appropriate advice and responses, such as:

  • Reapplying after denial
  • Responding to suspected unauthorized activities
  • Emergency response to expired residence periods

Chapter 6: Japan’s Future and Diversity

6-1. The Inevitable Arrival of a “Diverse Society”

Japan’s population decline and aging will continue to accelerate. To compensate for labor shortages, accepting foreign talent is essential.

The government is also actively promoting the use of foreign talent through expansion of the Specified Skilled Worker system and promotion of highly skilled professionals.

6-2. Attitude Required of Companies

It is important to respect foreign talent not merely as “labor” but as “colleagues working together.”

By understanding cultural and value differences and creating a comfortable work environment, foreign talent will contribute to companies long-term.

6-3. Role of Local Communities

Creating local communities where foreign residents can live with peace of mind is also important. Language barriers, cultural differences, and feelings of isolation—local communities as a whole need to provide support for these challenges.

Conclusion: Making Calm Judgments Based on Data

The National Police Agency data does not support the false perception that “increasing foreign residents equals deteriorating public safety.”

As administrative scriveners specializing in immigration, we serve daily as a “bridge” between foreign residents and companies, supporting lawful and smooth visa procedures.

If you are a company feeling anxious about accepting foreign talent, or a foreign national struggling with visa procedures, please feel free to contact us.

With proper knowledge and appropriate support, coexisting with foreign nationals is not difficult at all.

Let us work together to create a diverse and prosperous society.

Reference article: https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/c985c6e6e005ee9decd0cee041443be049882b22