Japan's Sanae Takaichi announces new tightened measures for foreigners seeking permanent residency

Key Points:

• Japan has introduced stricter requirements for foreigners seeking permanent residency, including proof of above-average annual income and the ability to hold casual conversations in Japanese, as part of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's efforts to tighten immigration controls.
• The application fee for permanent residency has increased twentyfold, from 10,000 yen to 200,000 yen, prompting many applicants to rush to complete procedures before the hike takes effect.
• Despite Japan's aging population and labor shortages, growing public opposition to immigration has led to tighter regulations, with the government aiming for "orderly coexistence" amid rising anti-immigration sentiment and misinformation.
• Critics and business leaders argue that Japan needs to promote long-term settlement of foreigners by improving language education and treatment, warning that limiting immigration could harm the country's sustainability.
• The new rules follow recent tightening of business manager visa regulations and reflect broader political debates on immigration, highlighted by the rise of nationalist parties opposing foreign residency.