- ■ Introduction | Why the “Core of Coexistence” Matters Today
- ■ Chapter 1 | Understanding “Coexistence” Correctly
- ■ Chapter 2 | “Acting Responsibly” From an Immigration Law Perspective
- ■ Chapter 3 | What Companies Hiring Foreign Nationals Should Do Now
- ■ Chapter 4 | A Message to Foreign Residents | What “Centering on Japanese Culture” Really Means
- ■ Chapter 5 | The Burial Issue and the Future of the Debate
- ■ Chapter 6 | Economic Security and AI Strategy: Where They Meet Foreign-National Policy
- ■ Chapter 7 | A Word From an Administrative Scrivener | When You Should Consult Us
- ■ Conclusion | Building a “Coexistence Society With a Clear Core,” Together
■ Introduction | Why the “Core of Coexistence” Matters Today
On April 28, 2026, Kimi Onoda, Minister in charge of foreign resident coexistence affairs, stated at a press conference that “the core of a coexistence society in Japan is, without question, Japanese culture, and this is a line we must not compromise on.” She added that the government’s basic stance is “to ask foreign nationals to act responsibly as members of Japanese society.”
As a gyoseishoshi (certified administrative scrivener) specializing in immigration status and visa applications, I take this statement seriously and positively. To be clear: I agree with Minister Onoda’s position. In this article, I explain why and outline what foreign residents and company executives and HR managers should keep in mind.
■ Chapter 1 | Understanding “Coexistence” Correctly
The word “coexistence” is often misunderstood as the host society making concessions. In reality, true coexistence is a two-way relationship, built on mutual respect and a sustainable balance for society as a whole.
What makes this balance possible is a clear “core” — the cultural norms, social rules, and legal framework of the host country. When that core is clearly defined, foreign residents can understand what to respect and what to follow, allowing them to live with confidence. Without such a core, both sides may face frustration and friction.
Minister Onoda’s words are not intended to exclude foreign nationals. Rather, they affirm the foundation needed to build healthy, long-term coexistence.
■ Chapter 2 | “Acting Responsibly” From an Immigration Law Perspective
The Minister’s call for foreign nationals to “act responsibly as members of Japanese society” aligns directly with the purpose of Japan’s residence status system.
A status of residence is not merely permission to stay. Each category comes with defined activities, tax obligations, social insurance enrollment, and notification duties. For example:
- Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services (“Gijinkoku”): Activities outside the authorized scope are not permitted.
- Specified Skilled Worker: The accepting organization must implement a support plan, and the worker must report on their activities.
- Permanent Resident / Spouse of Japanese National: Greater flexibility, but failure to fulfill tax and pension obligations can seriously affect future renewals.
In short, holding a status of residence in Japan means continuous compliance with the rules of Japanese society. This is not a one-sided burden, but a mechanism that protects both the individual and the host society.
■ Chapter 3 | What Companies Hiring Foreign Nationals Should Do Now
Executives and HR managers commonly raise three concerns:
- Uncertainty about post-hire compliance management
- Increasing difficulty with status renewals or changes
- How to handle cultural and communication gaps in the workplace
In light of Minister Onoda’s remarks, these concerns reflect a common theme: building an environment where foreign talent can fulfill their responsibilities, while keeping the core of Japanese society clearly defined.
Practical steps include:
- Aligning work rules with the scope of activities permitted by each status of residence
- Properly handling social insurance and tax procedures, and explaining them clearly to the employee
- Document basic workplace rules — such as attendance, absence reporting, and social media conduct — in multiple languages
- Providing training on Japanese business culture, including hou-ren-sou (reporting, communication, and consultation), punctuality, and appropriate use of honorific language
These efforts are not merely foreign-employee measures. They strengthen company-wide governance.
■ Chapter 4 | A Message to Foreign Residents | What “Centering on Japanese Culture” Really Means
Some foreign residents may have heard Minister Onoda’s statement with concern, wondering whether their own culture or religion is being denied. Based on my experience, I do not believe that is the case.
“Centering on Japanese culture” does not mean abandoning your home culture or faith. It means respecting Japan’s rules and customs while living in Japan. You remain free to maintain your home culture within your family and community.
To live in Japan long-term, bring your family, and pursue permanent residence or naturalization, you need to build trust within Japanese society. The foundation of that trust is straightforward: paying taxes and social insurance properly, following everyday rules such as traffic regulations and waste sorting, and working sincerely. None of these are unique demands — Japanese citizens are expected to do the same.
■ Chapter 5 | The Burial Issue and the Future of the Debate
Minister Onoda was also asked about the development of Islamic burial cemeteries. She refrained from providing detailed comments, noting that “the Act on Cemeteries, Burial, etc. is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.”
I do not see this as indifference, but as a calm and proper acknowledgment of jurisdictional boundaries. The burial issue involves multiple complex factors:
- Freedom of religion
- Consensus among local residents
- Public health considerations
- Land use regulations
This is not an issue to be resolved through emotional debate. It requires careful policy design among the relevant ministries, local governments, religious communities, and residents. As administrative scriveners, our role in such sensitive matters is to listen carefully to those on the ground and help connect them with appropriate channels.
■ Chapter 6 | Economic Security and AI Strategy: Where They Meet Foreign-National Policy
Minister Onoda also announced her visit to India from May 3 to 6 in her capacity as the minister responsible for economic security and AI strategy. While this may seem unrelated to coexistence policies, these areas are closely linked.
In areas such as AI, semiconductors, and cybersecurity, global competition for highly skilled foreign professionals is intensifying. How Japan welcomes and supports these professionals will directly impact the country’s competitiveness. “Coexistence centered on Japanese culture” and “strategic acceptance of highly skilled talent” are not opposing ideas — they should be designed as part of a unified policy framework.
For companies, this means building a comprehensive system: immigration strategy, internal use of English, career path design, and family relocation support.
■ Chapter 7 | A Word From an Administrative Scrivener | When You Should Consult Us
As a specialist in residency status and visa applications, my advice is simple: do not wait until problems arise. Seek advice as soon as you feel uncertain.
- Whether the foreign national you plan to hire qualifies for a status of residence given your business activities
- Whether a change from Specified Skilled Worker to Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, or to Permanent Resident, is feasible
- To what extent a spouse on a Dependent visa is permitted to work
- What recovery options exist if a renewal application is denied
Without professional input, individuals and companies may unintentionally exceed the scope of permitted activities. Early consultation allows us to design lawful and sustainable ways of working and living together.
■ Conclusion | Building a “Coexistence Society With a Clear Core,” Together
Minister Onoda’s statement that “the core of a coexistence society is Japanese culture” is not an exclusionary statement. It defines the foundation needed for long-term mutual respect — and I support that position.
- Define the core: Japanese culture, rules, and legal framework
- Ask foreign nationals to act responsibly as members of Japanese society
- Have companies build proper acceptance and compliance systems
- Have professionals such as administrative scriveners bridge both sides
When these four elements come together, a true coexistence society begins to take shape. For any concerns regarding immigration status, visa applications, or hiring foreign nationals, please do not hesitate to contact our office.
Reference article:
https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/ad653e1007af5ddee5c2540790be039fd738c0e5
