On June 23, 2026, the Mayor of Fukuoka City called for the establishment of a centralized government agency—tentatively termed a “Foreign Residents Agency”—to oversee policies related to foreign nationals in Japan. This proposal stems from a significant increase in the number of children in Fukuoka who require foundational Japanese language instruction. Compared to 2015, the number has nearly tripled to 792 students in the 2025 academic year, highlighting a nationwide challenge in building a truly multicultural society.
This article is intended for foreign residents and their families living in Japan, as well as business owners and HR managers who employ foreign workers. As specialists in visa applications and immigration procedures, we will explain the core issues behind this proposal and what it means for you.
- 1. What Is Happening in Fukuoka? The Surge in Children Needing Japanese Language Support
- 2. The Problems with Current Foreign Resident Policies: Fragmented Administration and Local Burden
- 3. Why Is a “Foreign Residents Agency” Needed? Benefits of a Centralized Organization
- 4. Impact on Foreign Residents and Their Families
- 5. What Business Owners and HR Managers Should Know
- 6. Future Outlook: Will the “Foreign Residents Agency” Become a Reality?
- 7. What We Can Do as Specialists
- Conclusion
1. What Is Happening in Fukuoka? The Surge in Children Needing Japanese Language Support
Fukuoka City operates a program called the “Children’s Japanese Language Support Project,” which provides individualized instruction in basic Japanese and daily conversation to children with foreign roots. The number of students enrolled in this program has surged from a modest figure in 2015 to 792 in 2025—an increase of approximately 2.8 times in just one decade.
This trend is not unique to Fukuoka. Across Japan, as the number of foreign workers and their families grows, schools are facing a rising number of children who struggle with the language barrier. These children come from diverse backgrounds: some are children of technical intern trainees, others are dependents of professionals working under the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa, and some are family members of entrepreneurs holding the Business Manager visa. Despite the variety in circumstances, they all share a common challenge—difficulty understanding Japanese, which affects their ability to keep up with their studies.
2. The Problems with Current Foreign Resident Policies: Fragmented Administration and Local Burden
During the press conference, the Mayor emphasized that “policies related to foreign residents are fragmented across different government ministries, leaving local governments to handle the issues on their own.”
Currently, responsibilities are divided among multiple agencies:
- Ministry of Justice (Immigration Services Agency): Visa and residence status審査 and management
- Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT): Educational support for foreign children
- Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW): Employment management and social security for foreign workers
- Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications: Grants to local governments and multicultural coexistence policies
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Overseas public relations and visa issuance
While this division of labor may seem clear, in practice, it is often unclear who holds ultimate responsibility, resulting in fragmented and inconsistent policies. For example, when a foreign child enrolls in school, their residence status is handled by the Ministry of Justice, educational support by MEXT, and welfare or social services by MHLW and local governments. There is no integrated system to support the family as a whole.
As a result, local governments and schools are forced to develop their own responses, leading to significant disparities in the quality of support depending on the region.
3. Why Is a “Foreign Residents Agency” Needed? Benefits of a Centralized Organization
The “Foreign Residents Agency” proposed by the Mayor would function as a centralized body to oversee all policies related to foreign residents. Similar models exist in other countries: South Korea has the “Immigration and Foreign Policy Headquarters,” and Taiwan has the “National Immigration Agency,” both of which manage everything from entry procedures to education and welfare in an integrated manner.
Establishing such an organization in Japan could bring several benefits:
(1) Policy Consistency and Efficiency
Under the current fragmented system, different ministries sometimes implement overlapping or contradictory measures. A centralized agency could design coherent policies based on a comprehensive overview.
(2) Reduced Burden on Local Governments
Instead of leaving local governments to manage on their own, the national government could provide clear guidelines and adequate funding, enabling more effective support at the local level.
(3) Comprehensive Support for Foreign Residents and Their Families
A unified agency could offer a one-stop service for visa applications, children’s education, healthcare, and welfare, creating a more secure environment for foreign families.
(4) Support for Companies Employing Foreign Workers
Businesses hiring foreign talent would benefit from clear points of contact for visa procedures and family support, facilitating smoother recruitment and higher retention rates.
4. Impact on Foreign Residents and Their Families
The growing number of children needing Japanese language support is a reality that affects many foreign families directly.
When a child cannot understand Japanese at school, it impacts not only their academic performance but also their self-esteem. Parents may also face difficulties, such as being unable to read school notices or communicate effectively during parent-teacher meetings.
If a “Foreign Residents Agency” were established, the following improvements could be expected:
- Development of nationwide standardized Japanese language education programs
- Expansion of multilingual consultation services
- Integrated provision of educational support information during residence status renewal
- Flexible handling of residence status based on children’s educational needs
These measures would strengthen the foundation for families to live with greater peace of mind in Japan.
5. What Business Owners and HR Managers Should Know
For companies recruiting foreign talent, ensuring that employees’ families can live comfortably in Japan is crucial for successful hiring and retention.
For example, even if you hire a highly skilled engineer, if their child struggles to adapt to school and the family feels anxious about life in Japan, this can lead to early resignation or return to their home country.
Key points for employers to consider include:
(1) Understanding Family-Dependent Residence Statuses
Under visa categories such as Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, Highly Skilled Professional, and Business Manager, employees can bring their spouses and children to Japan under the “Dependent” residence status.
(2) Checking Educational Support in the Area
If a candidate wishes to bring their family, it is helpful to research whether local schools offer Japanese language support, and whether international schools or foreign communities are available nearby.
(3) Partnering with Immigration Specialists
Working with administrative scriveners (gyoseishoshi) and other specialists can help address not only visa applications but also broader concerns related to family life, reducing employee anxiety.
6. Future Outlook: Will the “Foreign Residents Agency” Become a Reality?
The concept of a “Foreign Residents Agency” is not new. In the past, expert panels and some lawmakers have made similar proposals, but inter-ministerial coordination challenges and budget issues have prevented progress.
What makes the Fukuoka Mayor’s recent statement noteworthy is that it comes from a local government leader on the front lines. With local governments across Japan facing similar challenges, voices from the regional level could influence national policy.
Furthermore, with the revised Immigration Control Act taking effect in 2024 and the expansion of foreign worker acceptance, improving educational and welfare infrastructure has become an urgent priority. Given that the government has pledged to build a “society of coexistence,” the establishment of a centralized agency is becoming a realistic option.
7. What We Can Do as Specialists
As administrative scriveners, we assist daily with visa applications, residence status changes, and family-dependent procedures. In the course of our work, we have witnessed many foreign residents and their families struggling with language barriers and complex regulations.
While we hope that the establishment of a “Foreign Residents Agency” will make procedures clearer and faster, we remain committed to supporting your peace of mind in the meantime.
If you have concerns about your child’s educational environment, residence status renewal, or establishing a foreign employment system for your company, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will explain the complex regulations in clear terms and propose the best course of action for your situation.
Conclusion
The surge in children requiring Japanese language instruction in Fukuoka and the Mayor’s call for a “Foreign Residents Agency” highlight challenges that Japan cannot avoid as it moves toward a multicultural society.
Centralizing foreign resident policies could bring significant benefits to both foreign families and employers. As specialists, we will continue to monitor policy developments and contribute to creating an environment where everyone can live and work in Japan with confidence.
📰Reference Article:
“Fukuoka Mayor Calls for ‘Foreign Residents Agency’ as Number of Students Needing Japanese Instruction Grows: ‘This Will Become a Nationwide Issue'” (Yomiuri Shimbun Online)
https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/21792214c5060675725580fdb2511986d5482a01
