On June 22, 2026, the National Governors’ Association of Japan held an online meeting of its project team (PT) on multiculturalism and compiled a new proposal. This proposal strongly urges the national government to take responsibility for addressing the significant challenge of building a “multicultural society” that Japan now faces.
With the number of foreign residents reaching an all-time high at the end of last year, this development is highly relevant not only to foreign nationals living in Japan and their families, but also to business owners and HR personnel who employ foreign workers.
In this article, we will provide a detailed explanation of the National Governors’ Association proposal from the perspective of an administrative scrivener (gyoseishoshi), discussing its potential impact on residence status and visa applications, and outlining the responses that will be required going forward.
- 1. What is the National Governors’ Association Proposal?
- 2. Why is Multiculturalism Important Now?
- 3. What is the “Training and Employment System” Starting in 2027?
- 4. What Business Owners and HR Personnel Need to Know
- 5. What Foreign Residents and Their Families Need to Know
- 6. What We Can Do to Realize a Multicultural Society
- 7. Conclusion: Japan’s Future Society and Residence Status
1. What is the National Governors’ Association Proposal?
The National Governors’ Association project team had previously issued a similar proposal in July of last year. However, recognizing that “the enactment of a basic law has not progressed, and it is necessary to continue advocating,” the team decided to compile a new proposal this time.
Main Points of the Proposal
① Clear Statement that the National Government Must Take Responsibility
The proposal recognizes that achieving a multicultural society is no longer solely the responsibility of local governments, but rather an important policy issue that must be addressed at the national level.
② Securing Related Budgets and Implementing Permanent Fiscal Measures
Rather than temporary subsidies, the proposal calls for continuous budget allocation and the establishment of a system that supports multiculturalism from a long-term perspective.
③ Enactment of a Basic Law for Realizing Multiculturalism
With an increasing number of issues that cannot be adequately addressed under current systems, the enactment of a basic law to serve as a legal foundation is considered urgent.
④ Consideration in the Training and Employment System
Regarding the “Training and Employment System” set to begin in fiscal year 2027, the proposal requests consideration to prevent excessive concentration of human resources in major metropolitan areas, and calls for examination of acceptance in fields currently outside the scope of the system.
2. Why is Multiculturalism Important Now?
The number of foreign residents in Japan has been increasing year by year, reaching an all-time high at the end of last year. This trend is driven by factors such as labor shortages due to a declining birthrate and aging population, the advancement of globalization, and the overseas expansion of Japanese companies.
Impact of the Increase in Foreign Residents
- Changes in the Labor Market: Foreign workers have become indispensable in industries such as manufacturing, construction, and nursing care
- Diversification of Local Communities: There is an increasing need for multilingual support in schools, hospitals, and government offices
- Lag in Legal System Response: New challenges continue to emerge that cannot be adequately addressed under current systems
Under these circumstances, local governments have been responding independently, but their limitations have become apparent. This is precisely why the National Governors’ Association is strongly urging the national government to “take responsibility.”
3. What is the “Training and Employment System” Starting in 2027?
As a new framework to replace the Technical Intern Training Program, the “Training and Employment System” will start in fiscal year 2027. This system aims to create a structure that allows foreign workers to continue working in Japan for longer periods, bringing significant changes for both companies and foreign workers.
Features of the Training and Employment System
① System Design Based on Long-Term Employment
While the Technical Intern Training Program was focused on “technology transfer,” the Training and Employment System emphasizes “human resource development and continuity of employment.”
② Increased Flexibility in Job Changes
Under certain conditions, job changes within the same industry will be permitted.
③ Possibility of Family Accompaniment
With the possibility of long-term employment, future system design may include provisions for family accompaniment.
Points Companies Should Note
- Regional Balance Consideration: To avoid concentration in major metropolitan areas, employment in regional areas may be encouraged
- Expansion of Target Fields: Fields currently outside the scope may become eligible for acceptance in the future
- Establishment of Acceptance Systems: Companies will be expected to establish systems that support not only employment but also training and career development
4. What Business Owners and HR Personnel Need to Know
For companies employing foreign workers, visa applications and residence status management are unavoidable and important tasks. However, many companies face the following challenges:
Common Challenges
- Complexity of the System: With many types of residence status, it can be difficult to determine which is appropriate
- Preparation of Application Documents: The wide variety of required documents makes preparation time-consuming
- Management of Renewal and Change Procedures: Managing deadlines and understanding reasons for changes can be complicated
- Response to Legal Revisions: It is difficult to keep up with frequently changing systems
Benefits of Consulting with Specialists
By working with specialists such as administrative scriveners, companies can enjoy the following benefits:
✅ Accurate Document Preparation: Avoid the risk of reapplication due to errors
✅ Time Savings: Focus on core business while specialists handle complex procedures
✅ Access to Latest Information: Respond quickly to legal revisions and operational changes
✅ Trouble Prevention: Identify potential issues in advance and take appropriate action
Especially when new frameworks like the Training and Employment System are launched, it is important to consult with specialists early and begin preparations.
5. What Foreign Residents and Their Families Need to Know
For foreign nationals living in Japan, residence status is the very foundation of their lives. Holding an appropriate residence status and renewing or changing it at the necessary times is the first step to living securely in Japan.
Main Procedures Related to Residence Status
① Application for Extension of Period of Stay
Before the period of stay expires, an extension procedure must be completed. Failure to do so before the deadline may result in illegal overstay.
② Application for Change of Residence Status
When life circumstances change, such as through a job change or marriage, a change in residence status may be necessary.
③ Dependent Visa / Spouse Visa
When foreign workers wish to bring their families to Japan, appropriate residence status must be obtained.
④ Application for Permanent Residence
If certain requirements are met, it is possible to obtain permanent residence. With permanent residence, there are no restrictions on the period of stay, allowing for a more stable life.
Points to Avoid Mistakes in Procedures
- Early Preparation: Begin preparations well in advance, not at the last minute
- Accuracy of Documents: Errors can prolong the examination process or result in non-approval
- Attention to Changes in Circumstances: Notifications may be required for job changes, address changes, etc.
- Consultation with Specialists: If you have concerns, consult an administrative scrivener early
6. What We Can Do to Realize a Multicultural Society
Realizing a multicultural society cannot be achieved through legal reforms alone. It requires the united efforts of companies, government agencies, specialists, and local communities.
Role of Companies
- Accept foreign workers not merely as labor, but as partners who grow together
- Provide appropriate working conditions and life support
- Comply with laws and employ workers through proper procedures
Role of Administrative Scriveners
- Provide accurate information on visa applications and residence status
- Handle complex procedures on behalf of clients to ensure smooth applications
- Serve as intermediaries between companies and foreign workers, addressing concerns on both sides
Role of Local Communities
- Respect diverse cultures and maintain an accepting attitude
- Understand differences in language and customs, and devise ways to coexist
- Offer support within one’s capacity when encountering foreign nationals in need
7. Conclusion: Japan’s Future Society and Residence Status
The proposal by the National Governors’ Association indicates that Japan is making a major shift toward a multicultural society. With the Training and Employment System set to begin in 2027, companies, foreign workers, and we as specialists must all begin preparations.
Residence status and visa applications are by no means simple procedures. However, with the right knowledge and appropriate support, they can be completed smoothly.
If you have any concerns about residence status or visa applications, please feel free to consult with us. We will provide the most suitable support tailored to each individual’s circumstances.
Realizing a multicultural society is a challenge for all of us. Let us work together to build a better future.
Reference Article
Asahi Shimbun: “Toward Realization of Multiculturalism, ‘The Government Must Take Responsibility’ – National Governors’ Association Proposal”
🔗 https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/75517fc6a8ad73eb30cfb16e5703faf3a82d9cd9
