Japan to Convene Ministerial Meeting on Foreigner Policy, Eyeing Tighter Controls on Land and Immigration

Government to Discuss Comprehensive Foreigner Policy Review

The Japanese government is preparing to hold a ministerial meeting as early as next week to deliberate on a comprehensive review of its policies concerning foreign nationals. The discussions are expected to focus on tightening regulations related to land acquisition by foreigners and strengthening immigration and residency controls.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who assumed office on October 21, 2025, has made issues concerning foreigners a key part of her policy agenda. Her administration, formed through a coalition between the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Innovation Party), signals a shift towards a more security-focused and reform-oriented approach.

Focus on Land Acquisition and National Security

A significant aspect of the upcoming discussions will be the tightening of rules on land acquisition by foreign nationals. Concerns have been raised regarding foreign ownership of land in sensitive areas, particularly those near military installations or vital water sources.

While Japan enacted the Act on the Review and Regulation of Land Use in National Security Areas in 2021, its scope has been criticized as limited. The new discussions aim to identify the current status of land ownership and potentially implement stricter measures to address national security implications.

Strengthening Immigration and Residency Controls

Ministers are also expected to address various aspects of immigration and residency management. Key areas of concern include:

• Strengthening controls to manage undocumented individuals.
• Preventing the nonpayment of taxes and social security premiums by foreign nationals.
• Tackling adverse impacts from surges in tourists, often referred to as overtourism.
• Implementing stricter responses to crimes committed by foreigners.
• Improving overall residency management and potentially tightening requirements for naturalization.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara clarified the government's stance, stating that the aim is 'to address public anxiety and a sense of injustice, not to exclude foreigners.' Economic Security Minister Kimi Onoda echoed these sentiments, noting that 'the current reality is that the people are feeling anxiety, dissatisfaction or a sense of unfairness due to crimes, nuisances, and inappropriate use of various systems by a small number of foreign nationals.'

New Council to Oversee Policy Development

To facilitate these policy changes, the government plans to launch a new ministerial council dedicated to reviewing policies on foreign nationals. This council will be chaired by Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara, with Economic Security Minister Kimi Onoda and Justice Minister Hiroshi Hiraguchi serving as vice chairs. The council's mission is to achieve 'well-ordered and harmonious coexistence' with foreign nationals. Basic policies are anticipated to be finalized around January, following the establishment of an expert panel comprising specialists in areas such as population issues, economics, multicultural coexistence, social security, and land policy.