■ Introduction: The Transportation Difficulties Highlighted by the JTA Survey Are Also Faced by Foreign Residents

According to the “Survey on the Reception Environment for Foreign Visitors to Japan,” published by the Japan Tourism Agency (JTA) in 2026, 11.3% of inbound travelers cited “using public transportation” as one of the problems they experienced during their trip. The survey was conducted between November 2025 and January 2026 at five major airports, gathering responses from 4,110 outbound foreign visitors.

A particularly noteworthy finding is that more than 60% of those who reported transportation difficulties reported difficulties with “railways other than the Shinkansen.” Many travelers struggled with transfer routes on private railway lines, locating the correct platforms, and purchasing tickets. Furthermore, approximately half of the visitors who traveled only to rural areas reported difficulties with bus transportation.

At the same time, more than 90% of respondents described Japan’s public transportation as “convenient,” indicating that the infrastructure itself is highly regarded. The issue lies not in infrastructure itself, but in information accessibility—information delivery and multilingual guidance.

These findings extend well beyond tourism. As an administrative scrivener (gyoseishoshi) who regularly handles applications for visas and statuses of residence, I see this issue as directly relevant to the daily lives and employment of foreign residents in Japan, as well as to the human resources strategies of companies that hire them.

■ Overview of the JTA Survey: Transportation Issues More Serious Than They Appear

The most frequently cited concern overall was “the scarcity of trash bins” (17.2%), followed by “using public transportation” (11.3%), which remained largely unchanged from the previous year.

About 40% of inbound travelers reported that they resolved problems by “searching the internet on their own.” This suggests that on-site guidance and multilingual signage remain insufficient. Many respondents also pointed out the lack of multilingual displays on trains and buses.

The most-visited cities were Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, and roughly 70% of respondents were repeat visitors. Even experienced travelers continue to struggle with Japan’s transportation system, which suggests that foreign nationals who are newly starting their lives in Japan likely face even greater challenges.

■ Status of Residence and “Stability of Life”: What the Immigration Authorities Consider

In examinations for the renewal or change of a status of residence, the Immigration Services Agency considers not only formal requirements but also, in substance, whether the applicant can sustainably live in Japan and continue engaging in the permitted activity.

For “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” applicants, examiners review the stability of the employment contract, the level of remuneration, and the consistency with the scope of work. For “Specified Skilled Worker” applicants, the working conditions and the support system provided by the host organization are key. For “Student” applicants, attendance rates, academic performance, and financial stability are assessed.

What these criteria share is a focus on whether a stable foundation for daily life in Japan has been adequately established. If commuting difficulties lead to repeated tardiness or absences, this can become a negative factor during renewal examination.

In other words, access to transportation infrastructure is closely linked to the sustainable maintenance of one’s status of residence. This perspective is essential not only for foreign residents themselves but also for companies that employ them, particularly from the perspective of employee retention.

■ Practical Steps That Employers Should Take

For business owners and HR managers hiring foreign nationals, employee retention is one of the most pressing concerns. Early resignation among foreign employees has been increasing in recent years, and the underlying reasons often relate less to work mismatches than to challenges in daily life.

The following practical measures are recommended:

  1. Pre-employment commuting simulation
    Provide a multilingual manual, including maps and photographs, that explains the route from the company dormitory or recommended housing to the workplace. Where possible, an HR representative or a senior colleague should accompany the new employee on a practice commute before the start date.
  2. Manuals for IC transit cards
    Suica, ICOCA, and similar IC transit cards are essential for daily life in Japan. Prepare materials in the employee’s native language explaining how to obtain, charge, and replace these cards.
  3. Support for setting up transit navigation applications
    During the onboarding orientation, walk the employee through configuring Google Maps, NAVITIME, or Jorudan in their preferred language.
  4. Emergency communication protocols
    Document, in the employee’s native language, how to respond to common situations such as train delays, accidents, and weather-related service suspensions. Clearly list emergency contacts and communication procedures.
  5. Bus and taxi guides for regional assignments
    Use photographs and step-by-step instructions to explain Japan-specific rules: boarding from the front or rear, payment methods, and how to signal a stop.

None of these measures requires significant cost, yet relatively few companies implement them. Implementing such basics can help position a company as an employer of choice for foreign talent.

■ Why Corporate Posture Matters in Status of Residence Applications

When preparing applications for a status of residence, we administrative scriveners also review the structure and support systems of the employing company. Especially for “Specified Skilled Worker” applications or transitions from the “Technical Intern Training” program, the host organization’s support framework is a critical factor.

What I emphasize to client companies is that, in today’s environment, it is not enough to satisfy formal documentary requirements. The Immigration Services Agency increasingly considers the practical realities of how foreign employees live and work. This includes not only the working environment but also the overall living environment.

Commuting support, multilingual living guides, and emergency response frameworks shape a company’s reputation among foreign workers well beyond any single application. As competition for foreign talent intensifies, these often-overlooked investments will distinguish forward-looking employers.

■ A Message to Foreign Residents: Please Reach Out When You Need Help

To the foreign nationals living in Japan: if you find daily transportation or other aspects of life difficult, please do not assume the responsibility lies entirely with you. As the JTA survey shows, these are challenges shared by many people, and society as a whole bears responsibility for improving them.

These daily challenges can also affect the examination for renewal or change of your status of residence. Rather than facing them alone, please consult your company’s HR department, your school’s international student office, or a qualified professional such as an administrative scrivener.

If you are approaching a renewal or change of status of residence and have concerns about your living situation, I strongly recommend consulting a professional early. In addition to assistance with documentation, we can also advise on practical ways to strengthen your overall living environment.

■ Conclusion: Supporting the Future of Foreign Talent Through Both Legal Framework and Daily Life

The JTA survey may appear to be data for the tourism industry, but it raises a broader question: how well is Japanese society receiving foreign nationals? Closing the gap between the 90% who find public transportation convenient and the 10% who do not is essential—not only for tourism, but also for building a society where foreign talent can live and work with peace of mind over the long term.

As an administrative scrivener, I remain committed to supporting clients across a wide range of needs—from the legal framework of status-of-residence procedures to the quality of daily life that follows. For consultations regarding foreign employment or status of residence applications, please feel free to reach out at any time.

Reference article:
https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/60185c92d853c033ef574905c360d89202e54e8a

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