Foreign residents now transform many Japanese communities. Their rising numbers contrast with Japan’s shrinking native population. Government data shows that 27 municipalities have foreign residents exceeding 10%. These areas include factory towns, ski resorts, and older immigrant hubs. Together, they reveal accelerating demographic change.
Fastest increase ever
Japan recorded 3.76 million foreign residents last year. The total rose by 350,000, marking the fastest increase ever. This rapid growth highlights the country’s deep reliance on foreign workers. Researchers project foreign residents could reach 10.8% of Japan’s population by 2070, signaling a dramatic long-term shift.
Several municipalities show especially high ratios. Shimukappu Village in Hokkaido leads the country at 36.6%. Furthermore, Hokkaido’s Akaigawa Village, Gunma Prefecture’s Oizumi, Hokkaido’s Kutchan, and Osaka’s Ikuno Ward also exceed 20%. These places depend on foreign workers to keep daily life running. Their experiences offer early glimpses of a more multicultural Japan.
Local leaders monitor these changes closely. Many report rising demand for workers in tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing. Towns now see broader cultural diversity in schools, shops, and housing.
Tourism and industry pull workers from around the world
Tourism-heavy regions experience the sharpest shifts. Kutchan now hosts 3,627 foreign residents. The town added 833 newcomers in one year, the fastest rise among all towns and villages. International ski resorts attract workers from many regions. Hotels and restaurants depend on them to sustain daily operations.
Hakuba Village in Nagano Prefecture sees similar trends. Foreign residents there increased by 505, reaching 1,744 people. The village now runs a multilingual website to support daily life. It explains waste rules, evacuation sites, and neighborhood customs in ten languages.
Local governments expand integration programs. Kutchan opened a community salon in 2022 to help residents meet. The town plans multicultural seminars in 2025. Officials hope these efforts reduce confusion and build trust. They stress the value of steady cooperation between newcomers and long-time residents.
Tourism officials welcome the rising diversity. They say foreign employees support hotels, guide tours, and maintain ski facilities. Many leaders believe these workers improve Japan’s global appeal. They argue that cultural exchange also enhances visitor experience.
Industrial towns rely on foreign workers to survive
Manufacturing regions depend heavily on foreign trainees and long-term residents. Many factories face severe labor shortages.
Oizumi Town in Gunma illustrates this pattern clearly. Local factories have recruited foreign workers for decades. These workers now anchor communities and support entire industries. The area is known in particular for its large Brazilian population, a product of the reverse immigration from Brazil that began during the 1970s.
Industrial zones seek workers from Vietnam, China, Myanmar, Indonesia, and other countries. Many young Japanese avoid industrial jobs, so factories turn to foreign applicants. Employers say these workers stabilize production and secure supply chains.
Local governments recognize the importance of strong support. They organize language classes, consultation desks, and cultural events. Officials also guide residents through paperwork and workplace rules. They believe clear communication prevents disputes and accidents. Stable relationships strengthen both companies and neighborhoods.
Industrial towns also face cultural adjustments. Shops now use multilingual signs. Schools welcome children from many countries. Community groups add diverse voices. Residents learn new customs as neighborhoods evolve. Many leaders say these changes boost resilience during population decline.
Labor demand drives record foreign employment
Japan employed 2.3 million foreign workers in 2024. The figure marks a 12% rise from the previous year. It also represents the twelfth straight record year for immigration.
Vietnam remains the lead country for immigration to Japan. China holds second place, while Myanmar and Indonesia grow fastest.
Manufacturing employs more than 590,000 foreign workers. This sector accounts for 26% of total foreign labor. Service industries employ 354,000 workers. Medical and welfare fields grow quickly as Japan ages.
Tokyo leads with 585,791 foreign workers. Prefectures such as Nagasaki, Hokkaido, and Fukui are also experiencing rapid increases.
Employers say foreign workers keep businesses open. They maintain production, support patient care, and strengthen tourism. Many expect deeper reliance on foreign talent as labor shortages intensify.
Foreign residents help ease economic strain. They fill essential roles in agriculture, care facilities, factories, and hotels. Families also bring new skills and perspectives. Many towns now view them as long-term partners rather than temporary labor.
Debate sharpens over immigration limits
Political debate now grows sharper as foreign populations rise, and particularly as Japan’s political right wing gains more traction. Some leaders call for “total volume controls.” They want strict caps on foreign residents. These leaders argue rising numbers could spark tension.
Justice Minister Suzuki Keisuke urges careful monitoring. He points to European cases with growing friction. Western Europe averages about 19% foreign residents. Japan remains near 3%.
Some officials worry about future challenges. Nippon Ishin no Kai pushes for stronger limits. Party leaders argue tensions rise once foreign ratios pass 10%. They propose numerical targets and tighter controls. Other groups echo similar demands.
Government ministries now examine long-term scenarios. The Immigration Services Agency assembled a 30-member policy team. Members review labor data, social conditions, and overseas comparisons. They study possible safeguards, including regional quotas and new visa structures. Officials aim to balance economic needs with social stability.
However, many local leaders are pushing back against restrictions. They argue that strict limits would devastate their economies. Towns depend on foreign residents to sustain factories, farms, hotels, and clinics. These leaders report few local conflicts and describe stronger community ties after recent integration efforts. Many urge Tokyo to focus on support programs rather than restrictions.
Researchers also warn against blunt limits. They note Japan’s shrinking workforce and rising elderly population and argue that sharp caps would reduce care workers, factory staff, and service employees. Scholars argue that stable immigration systems work better than sudden cuts.
Public opinion shows mixed feelings. Many residents welcome foreign workers who support essential services. Others fear cultural change or weaker job security.
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Sources
外国人1割超、27市区町村に 全国35万人増、地場産業担い手 共同新聞
日本人90万人減、前年比で最大 外国人は35万人増え過去最多367万人 日本経済新聞
外国人比率は何％まで適切か「10％」で何が起きる 高市連立政権で維新「総量規制」要求 産経新聞
外国人人口、町村でも増加 共生へ各地で取り組み―住基台帳 JIJI.com
外国人労働者２３０万人 人手不足で過去最多更新―２４年 JIJI.com
