Japan's prime minister sharply tightens immigration rules

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's new immigration rules come at a time when nationalist parties with Trump-inspired messages such as "Japan first" are gaining ground. The right-wing populist Sanseito party, which won strongly in the last upper house election, has warned of an "invasion".

At the same time, the number of foreigners in Japan is at a record high. Tourists are pouring in, attracted by a weaker foreign currency, and more are seeking to work and live in the country.

The development has led to criticism on social media that foreigners do not respect Japanese customs and are making the country less safe.

Takaichi, who came to power last October, belongs to the right-wing phalanx of his LDP party and has the issue high on his agenda. Among other things, she has introduced a new ministerial post with responsibility for "well-ordered and harmonious coexistence with foreign citizens".

And now her government is tightening the requirements for foreigners in Japan. Among other things, the price of a permanent residence permit will be 20 times more expensive. From previously costing the equivalent of SEK 630, the price tag from October 1 is SEK 12,600. In addition, those who want to stay in Japan must earn more than the average income for a Japanese household (364,000 kroner) and have an expected pension in line with someone who has worked for 30 years. In addition, a language test and requirements to understand Japanese customs and laws are being introduced for the first time.

At X, Takaichi justifies the new rules by saying that she wants to meet the Japanese who have a sense of "injustice". Some have, erroneously, conveyed messages that foreigners come to Japan and take advantage of the Japanese welfare system. Others have said that the foreigners make Japan more insecure. According to Takaichi, the new rules will ensure that both Japanese citizens and foreigners can live "safely and securely".

But the changes are criticised. Japan's population is declining and getting older. Companies in some industries are desperately looking for workers. And many experts argue that the country needs more foreign workers to offset the declining population and boost the economy, not the other way around. There are also warnings that the new rules will fuel increased xenophobia.

"The rules go against human rights and should be withdrawn," writes the liberal newspaper Mainichi Shimbun in a critical editorial.