Introduction: Record-Breaking Foreign Resident Numbers and Emerging Issues

As of June 2025, the number of foreign residents in Japan (excluding short-term visitors) reached approximately 3.95 million people, marking an all-time high. This represents about 3% of Japan’s total population, signaling that foreign nationals are no longer “special cases” but rather “neighbors living alongside us” in Japanese society.

However, with this rapid increase comes growing tensions. Are you aware that conflicts between foreign residents and local communities have been emerging across Japan? According to a survey conducted by the Sankei Shimbun in late 2025, targeting mayors of all 1,741 municipalities nationwide (including Tokyo’s 23 special wards), a striking 70% reported experiencing some form of impact from the increasing foreign population.

This article examines the challenges facing foreign residents in Japan and the companies that employ them, offering practical solutions from the perspective of a gyoseishoshi (administrative scrivener) specializing in visa applications and immigration procedures.

Real Cases: Conflicts Emerging Nationwide

Fukuoka City: Opposition to Japanese Language School Expansion

In summer 2025, when a Japanese language school in Fukuoka City planned to expand, local residents collected petition signatures opposing the plan and submitted them to the school administration.

The opposition stemmed from several issues related to foreign students’ adherence to local living rules:

  • Bicycle Parking Violations: Bicycles left randomly on sidewalks and pathways
  • Improper Garbage Disposal: Failure to properly sort trash or putting out garbage on non-designated days
  • Noise Complaints: Loud conversations and music late at night

These issues arose not from malicious intent but simply because the students were “unaware” of Japanese living rules and local customs.

Asakura City, Fukuoka Prefecture: Foreign Resident Apartment Project Canceled

Also in late 2025, a planned apartment building primarily for foreign residents in Asakura City was canceled after local opposition demonstrations intensified.

This case revealed inadequate communication with local residents from the planning stage, compounded by existing problems with current foreign residents that had already created anxiety within the community.

Municipal Survey Results: 76% Report “Both Positive and Negative Impacts”

The Sankei Shimbun survey revealed that among municipalities reporting impacts from increasing foreign populations, 76% indicated experiencing “both positive and negative effects.”

Positive Impacts Cited

  • Resolution of labor shortages (particularly in manufacturing, agriculture, and nursing care)
  • Economic revitalization (increased consumption)
  • Enhanced cultural diversity
  • Population maintenance in depopulated areas

Negative Impacts and Challenges

  • Increased Traffic Accidents: One municipality reported “foreign nationals account for 20% of property damage accidents”
  • Garbage Disposal Issues: Poor adherence to sorting rules
  • Communication Barriers: Misunderstandings and isolation due to language barriers
  • Increased Administrative Burden: Need for multilingual services

Particularly striking was one municipality’s comment: “We cannot function without foreign workers, yet foreign nationals account for 20% of property damage accidents.” This contradiction vividly illustrates the reality that while dependence on foreign labor is growing, support systems are failing to keep pace.

Root Cause: Misunderstandings Born from Lack of Knowledge

From my experience as a gyoseishoshi supporting numerous foreign nationals through residence status applications, I can affirm that most troubles stem from simply “not knowing” or “not understanding” Japanese customs and rules.

Gaps in Foreign Nationals’ Understanding

  • Japan’s exceptionally detailed garbage sorting system (among the most complex globally)
  • Japanese sensitivity to nighttime noise
  • Bicycles are considered “vehicles” with traffic rules
  • The importance of community engagement in Japanese culture

Gaps in Japanese Understanding

  • It’s natural that foreign nationals don’t know Japanese customs
  • Behavioral differences due to cultural backgrounds
  • The importance of communication

Importance of Life Orientation During Residence Status Applications

The current residence status system primarily focuses on examining “eligibility requirements” for work or study visas, and systematic provision of information about daily life in Japan is not always sufficient.

What Administrative Scrivener（行政書士） Can Do

As Administrative Scrivener（行政書士） specializing in residence status applications, we should go beyond mere document preparation and procedural representation to provide comprehensive “life support”:

1. Life Guidance During Residence Status Applications

  • Garbage sorting methods and disposal procedures
  • Traffic rules for bicycles and automobiles
  • Noise consideration guidelines
  • Community engagement approaches

2. Explanation of Region-Specific Customs and Rules

  • Municipality-specific garbage disposal rules
  • Local customs and events
  • Emergency contact information

3. Regular Follow-up

  • Life situation checks during residence status renewals
  • Consultation support when troubles arise
  • Facilitation with relevant agencies when necessary

What Corporate HR Managers Should Do for Foreign Staff Support

For business owners and HR managers employing foreign nationals, I recommend the following initiatives:

Comprehensive Onboarding Orientation

Essential Topics

  • Japanese Living Rules (garbage sorting, noise consideration, public transportation usage)
  • Traffic Rules (bicycle and automobile operation precautions)
  • Emergency Response (how to contact hospitals, police, fire departments)
  • Housing Matters (rental contract precautions, importance of greeting neighbors)

Recommended Topics

  • Local culture and customs
  • Seasonal lifestyle changes (typhoons, heavy snow, etc.)
  • Japanese workplace culture (horenso reporting system, punctuality, etc.)

Establishing Ongoing Support Systems

Internal Consultation Services
Establish accessible consultation windows where foreign staff can comfortably seek help, with support available even for those with limited Japanese proficiency.

Regular Interviews
Conduct regular meetings at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year post-hire to check for any life-related difficulties.

Collaboration with Specialists
Build partnerships with gyoseishoshi, attorneys, and social insurance labor consultants to address legal issues and residence status concerns.

Bridging with Local Communities

Promoting Neighborhood Association Participation
Encourage participation in local events and cleaning activities to increase contact points with local residents and deepen mutual understanding.

Corporate Community Contribution
As companies employing foreign staff, hold community briefings, share emergency contact systems with neighborhoods, and engage in proactive communication.

Need for Systematic National-Level Initiatives

The municipal survey revealed numerous calls for “systematic national-level initiatives.”

Currently, municipalities independently implement foreign resident support measures, but face challenges including:

  • Disparities in initiatives among municipalities
  • Budget and personnel shortages
  • Limitations in multilingual support
  • Lack of centralized information for foreign residents

Future expectations for national-level initiatives include:

1. Mandatory Life Orientation Upon Residence Status Acquisition
Requiring attendance at lectures about Japanese living rules when residence status is granted.

2. Enhanced Multilingual Information Provision
Creating official government life guides in multiple languages accessible to all foreign residents.

3. Financial Support for Municipalities
Strengthening financial support for municipalities actively working on foreign resident acceptance.

4. Corporate Support and Guidance
Providing support programs for companies employing foreign nationals and clarifying life support obligations.

Checkpoint Items During Residence Status Renewal

As gyoseishoshi supporting residence status renewals, we verify the following points and provide advice as needed:

Life Situation Checklist

  • Housing conditions (appropriate environment, absence of neighborhood troubles)
  • Traffic violation records
  • Tax and social insurance payment status
  • Relationship with local community

These are also important factors in residence status renewal examinations. Accumulated traffic violations or unpaid taxes can potentially lead to renewal denials.

What We Can Do to Realize a Cohesive Society

Now that foreign workers have become “indispensable,” what’s required is not exclusion but finding “ways to live together.”

Role of Administrative Scrivener（行政書士）

  • Function not only as residence status specialists but as cultural bridges
  • Provide information promoting mutual understanding to both foreign residents and local communities
  • Establish consultation systems for trouble prevention and early resolution

Corporate Role

  • Fulfill responsibilities as employers of foreign staff
  • Build comprehensive support systems including daily life aspects
  • Work toward good relationships with local communities

Local Community Role

  • Understand cultural differences and maintain tolerant attitudes
  • Actively create communication opportunities
  • Extend helping hands to foreign residents in need

Foreign Residents’ Role

  • Proactively learn Japanese living rules
  • Maintain awareness of participating in local communities
  • Don’t hesitate to consult when facing difficulties

Conclusion: Small Considerations Create Big Changes

The figure of 3.95 million foreign residents is expected to continue growing. Facing this reality, what we need is a positive attitude toward “how to coexist.”

From my experience as a gyoseishoshi interacting with many foreign nationals, I can say that most sincerely wish to “work and live seriously in Japan.” Most troubles arise from “not knowing” or “not being taught.”

When corporate HR managers, foreign residents in Japan, and local community members each make small efforts from their respective positions, we can realize a society where everyone can live with peace of mind.

For consultations on visa applications and residence status matters, as well as building support systems for foreign staff’s daily lives, please feel free to contact us. Together, let’s create a better cohesive society.

Reference Article
Sankei Shimbun: “Friction with Foreign Residents Emerges Nationwide”
https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/40007e2b57d11ef344127feddec8362fb8403b93

Related Keywords
Residence Status, Visa Application, Foreign Employment, Gyoseishoshi, Foreign Residents in Japan, Community Coexistence, Multicultural Society, Foreign Human Resources, HR Management, Life Support, Immigration Law, Work Visa, Student Visa, Business Manager Visa, Technical Intern Training, Specified Skilled Worker

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