Japan’s Latest Visa and Immigration News: Policy Shifts and Local Strategies in 2025
shuttle5564204Here are the most recent updates on Japan’s immigration and visa policies, reflecting both national reforms and local strategies aimed at addressing labor shortages and managing foreign residency.
1. Hamamatsu Leads the Way in Attracting Skilled Immigrants
Hamamatsu, a major industrial city, is proactively recruiting foreign engineers—particularly from India—to support key local companies like Suzuki and Honda. The city is enhancing integration support through language training and cultural outreach, while the national government is easing skilled-worker visa rules to facilitate retention (Financial Times report) :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
2. Japan Establishes Immigration “Control Tower” to Address Public Unease
On July 15, 2025, Japan formed a cross–agency administrative body designed to tackle rising public concerns about the growing number of foreign residents, which now exceeds 3.8 million (about 3% of the population). The new entity will coordinate responses to issues like crime, over-tourism, and visa misuse, especially ahead of the national election (Reuters coverage) :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
3. Peru Joins Japan’s New Visa Waiver Program
Starting July 1, 2025, citizens of Peru holding valid machine-readable passports can enter Japan without a visa for short-term stays of up to 90 days, for business or tourism purposes—simplifying travel arrangements significantly :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
4. Business Manager Visa Requirements Set for Major Tightening
Japan plans to overhaul the Business Manager visa criteria by late 2025. The minimum required investment capital will rise to ¥30 million (~USD $203,000), up from the current ¥5 million. Applicants will also need to employ at least one full-time staff member, aiming to deter abuse of the relatively lax system :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
5. Pre-screening Visa-Free Visitors by 2028
Japan is planning to launch a pre-arrival screening system—similar to the U.S. ESTA—for visa-exempt travelers, starting in fiscal year 2028. This initiative is part of the government’s efforts to manage booming inbound tourism more effectively :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
6. Summary of Key Immigration Trends
- **Local innovation:** Cities like Hamamatsu are pioneering integration-focused recruitment strategies.
- **National coordination:** A new “control tower” addresses immigration policy and public concerns.
- **Visa liberalization:** Expanded visa waiver programs ease short-term travel.
- **Tighter investment-based visas:** Stricter prerequisites for business visa applicants.
- **Future digital screening:** Pre-arrival checks to manage increasing tourism.
Further Reading
— K-ZAK | Your Guide to Living and Working in Japan
