Japan government compiles foreigner policy plans ahead of snap election

TOKYO - The Japanese government on Jan 23 compiled a policy package to toughen rules for foreigners in Japan and promote social cohesion, as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi aims to show commitment to the issue before a snap election on Feb 8.

Billed as measures to promote “well-ordered and harmonious coexistence”, the proposals approved by a meeting of relevant Cabinet ministers include tougher rules on permanent residency and naturalisation, as well as measures to prevent delinquent tax and social insurance payments.

They also include facilitating discussions on creating rules for foreign nationals’ land acquisitions – which is considered a national security issue – and considering the establishment of a programme to teach foreigners Japanese and social norms.

Pundits have said that one of the key campaign issues for the upcoming House of Representatives election is how to better engage with foreign residents in Japan.

“We have put together a new framework for initiatives to ensure public safety and security, and outlined measures that will be carried out quickly,” said Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara, who chaired the meeting.

The measures increase the number of years that individuals seeking Japanese citizenship must live in the country, and make application inspections stricter.

The proposed education programme is expected to influence decisions about granting residency, and the government will determine which residence categories the programme will apply to.

By the summer of 2026, a framework of rules on foreign land acquisitions, informed by the approaches of other countries, will be compiled. KYODO NEWS