Category: Immigration

by Michael Gillan Peckitt December 26, 2025 Number of comments0
Disability Immigration Japan Podcast

‘Unboxing’ Proposed New Japanese Visa Requirements on Boxing Day [Podcast Episode]

Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party is considering adding Japanese language proficiency as a requirement for permanent residency for foreigners, sources familiar with the matter said Friday. To obtain the status, foreigners will also be mandated to take a program aimed at helping them smoothly integrate into local communities, the sources said. The envisaged new requirements will be included in a draft package of proposals on policy for foreign nationals, to be compiled next month for submission to the government.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt December 23, 2025 1
Foreign Residents Immigration Japan Politics

Japanese Proficiency Eyed as Permanent Residency Requirements

Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party is considering adding Japanese language proficiency as a requirement for permanent residency for foreigners, sources familiar with the matter said Friday. To obtain the status, foreigners will also be mandated to take a program aimed at helping them smoothly integrate into local communities, the sources said. The envisaged new requirements will be included in a draft package of proposals on policy for foreign nationals, to be compiled next month for submission to the government.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt November 4, 2025 Number of comments0
Foreign Residents Health Immigration Japan

Japan to Counter Foreigners Refusing to Pay Health Insurance Premiums

Japan’s health ministry is planning to deny in principle the renewal or change of residential status for foreign citizens who refuse to pay national health insurance premiums, it was learned Tuesday. “We’re preparing to start it in June 2027,” health minister Kenichiro Ueno told a press conference. Ueno also said that his ministry will strengthen measures against foreign residents who do not pay medical expenses. The ministry will collect nonpayment information from medical institutions and share it with the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt July 25, 2025 Number of comments0
Election Immigration Japan Politics

Prefectural Governors Call for Multicultural Society

Japanese prefectural governors issued a declaration Thursday vowing to seek a multicultural society while rejecting exclusivism and xenophobia. The governors also called for nation-building efforts across party lines, noting that the people of the country need a long-term vision for the future. The declaration was adopted at a meeting of the National Governors’ Association in the northeastern city of Aomori, after the ruling Liberal Democratic Party-Komeito coalition lost its majority in the House of Councillors in Sunday’s election.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt July 18, 2025 Number of comments0
Election Immigration Japan

“We’ll see more clashes between Japanese people and foreigners in society” says Sanseito Leader Sohei Kamiya at Stump Speech in Western Japan

Sanseito, which is seen expanding its Upper House presence by gaining constituency and proportional representation seats, based on public opinion polls, is advocating a “Japanese First” policy. It is urging that Japan review its admission of foreigners. “We’ll see more clashes between Japanese people and foreigners in society,” Sanseito leader Sohei Kamiya said in a stump speech Thursday in Maibara, Shiga Prefecture, western Japan, expressing concern over the government’s current policies.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt July 16, 2025 Number of comments0
Election Immigration Japan Podcast

Foreigners at center of debate in Japan’s tense election campaign [Podcast Episode]

Ahead of the July 20 House of Councillors election, policies toward foreigners in Japan have emerged as a central issue, with minor conservative opposition parties gaining momentum amid waning support for the long-dominant ruling bloc. Analysts warn that the discussion extends beyond short-term electioneering, saying that if xenophobic rhetoric — often lacking a factual basis — gains broader acceptance, it could deepen discrimination and social divisions.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt July 14, 2025 1
Disability Election Immigration Japan

Foreigners at center of debate in Japan’s tense election campaign

Ahead of the July 20 House of Councillors election, policies toward foreigners in Japan have emerged as a central issue, with minor conservative opposition parties gaining momentum amid waning support for the long-dominant ruling bloc. Analysts warn that the discussion extends beyond short-term electioneering, saying that if xenophobic rhetoric — often lacking a factual basis — gains broader acceptance, it could deepen discrimination and social divisions.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt July 8, 2025 Number of comments0
Disability Health Immigration Japan Welfare

Foreigners May Have to Pay Lump Sum for Health Insurance in Some Parts of Japan

Foreign residents may soon have to pay their national health insurance premiums up front in some areas, according to a plan by the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry. The move is meant to keep foreign residents from dodging medical fees. As of the end of 2024, foreigners were only paying their insurance premiums 63% of the time, well below the 93% figure for all residents of Japan, both Japanese and foreign nationals, according to a survey by the ministry of 150 municipalities.