- ■ Introduction: Survey Results Reveal Social Shifts
- ■ Understanding the Increase in Opposition
- ■ Realities Observed in Visa and Residence Status Practice
- ■ What Corporate HR Managers Should Know
- ■ A Message to Foreign Residents and Their Families
- ■ The Role of Specialists: Bridging Communities Through Visa Support
- ■ Toward a Cohesive, Inclusive Society
■ Introduction: Survey Results Reveal Social Shifts
A 2026 panel survey conducted by the University of Tokyo’s Institute of Social Science revealed that opposition to further acceptance of foreign residents in Japan increased by 20.7 percentage points from the previous survey, reaching 56.3%. Notably, the increase was particularly pronounced among younger generations. The survey also found that individuals who perceived “no hope in Japanese society” were more likely to oppose foreign immigration.
These findings hold significant implications for those of us engaged in visa and residence status applications. Public attitudes toward foreign residents directly and indirectly affect the daily lives of foreign nationals in Japan and influence the business decisions of companies employing them.
■ Understanding the Increase in Opposition
According to the professor who led the study, the increase may be attributed to “greater exposure to negative discourse surrounding foreign immigration, with opposition reinforced by broader anxieties and dissatisfaction with society.”
This observation is crucial. Opposition to foreign immigration does not necessarily stem from direct hostility toward foreigners themselves. Rather, it often reflects deeper concerns about Japanese society as a whole—feelings of stagnation, anxiety about the future, and economic insecurity.
The heightened opposition among younger generations may be linked to job insecurity, income inequality, and distrust in social security systems. These anxieties can manifest as fears that “foreigners will take our jobs” or “strain our social welfare systems.”
■ Realities Observed in Visa and Residence Status Practice
From the perspective of professionals handling visa and residence status applications, however, the reality is more nuanced and includes many positive aspects.
First, many companies face acute labor shortages and cannot sustain operations without foreign workers. Industries ranging from manufacturing, construction, healthcare, and IT to services all rely on foreign talent as essential personnel.
Moreover, the majority of foreign residents in Japan comply with Japanese laws, integrate into local communities, pay taxes and social insurance premiums just like Japanese citizens, and contribute meaningfully to society. They are far from being “free riders” on social welfare—they are vital members who support the Japanese economy and local communities.
Additionally, foreign nationals holding appropriate residence statuses and staying through legitimate channels tend to demonstrate a strong understanding of and adherence to Japan’s legal framework. Proper visa application procedures are not merely legal formalities but also expressions of sincere commitment to Japanese society.
■ What Corporate HR Managers Should Know
For business owners and HR managers employing foreign workers, the survey results suggest that societal scrutiny of foreign employment may intensify. Therefore, the following practices are now more critical than ever:
1. Proper Acquisition and Management of Visas and Residence Statuses
When hiring foreign nationals, companies are legally required to obtain residence statuses appropriate to the job duties. For example, unskilled labor is not permitted under the “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” visa category. Employing someone under an inappropriate status poses risks for both the company and the foreign worker.
2. Fair Labor Conditions
It is illegal to pay foreign workers lower wages or provide inferior working conditions simply because they are foreign. Adhering to the principle of equal pay for equal work and ensuring decent working environments is both a corporate social responsibility and a prerequisite for attracting talented foreign workers.
3. Establishing Compliance Systems
Foreign employment entails various legal obligations, including residence status renewal procedures, residence card verification, and notifications upon hiring or separation. Proper compliance earns public trust.
4. Cultural Sensitivity and Communication
Communication that respects linguistic and cultural differences, along with workplace adjustments, is essential. This is not only a humanitarian consideration but also an investment in maximizing the potential of foreign talent.
■ A Message to Foreign Residents and Their Families
For foreign residents and their families, shifts in public attitudes may be unsettling. However, it is precisely during such times that the following practices become even more important:
1. Maintaining Proper Residence Status
Failing to renew residence status or engaging in activities outside the permitted scope can lead to overstaying or illegal employment, and in the worst cases, deportation. Maintaining proper status is the foundation of stable life in Japan.
2. Understanding and Observing Japanese Laws and Norms
Understanding and respecting Japanese laws, social rules, and local customs is the first step toward building positive relationships with the community.
3. Consulting Professionals
If questions or issues arise regarding residence status, it is important to consult a specialist early. Delaying can make problems harder to resolve.
4. Active Communication
Despite language barriers, a proactive attitude toward communication will resonate with those around you. Participating in local events and pursuing Japanese language study are valuable opportunities to deepen mutual understanding.
■ The Role of Specialists: Bridging Communities Through Visa Support
As specialists in visa and residence status applications, our role extends beyond paperwork. We see ourselves as “bridges” connecting companies, foreign workers, and Japanese society as a whole.
Specifically, we:
- Advise companies on lawful and appropriate foreign employment practices
- Explain Japan’s legal systems and social norms to foreign nationals in accessible terms
- Streamline complex procedures to reduce burdens on both companies and individuals
- Provide accurate information on evolving laws and social conditions
In light of the shifting attitudes revealed by this survey, the importance of our role has only grown.
■ Toward a Cohesive, Inclusive Society
The rise in opposition to foreign immigration is indeed concerning. However, it reflects not so much a problem with foreigners themselves as the anxieties and challenges facing Japanese society at large.
What matters is not to be swayed by emotional reactions or unfounded fears, but to think critically based on accurate information. With proper residence status management, legal compliance, and mutual efforts toward understanding, the acceptance of foreign workers can yield positive outcomes—for companies, for foreign individuals, and for Japanese society.
We, as specialists, will continue to provide accurate information and attentive support. If you have questions or concerns about visa or residence status matters, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to offer solutions tailored to your unique situation.
Building a truly inclusive society cannot happen overnight. But through cooperation among companies, foreign residents, specialists, and local communities—by accumulating small acts of trust—we can move closer to a society where everyone can live with peace of mind.
Reference: https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/42f5acdad36e6820df296a49ffe6263ecaa43cd7
