The number of immigrants broke a record in the country whose population is melting: 4.28 million people

Migration expert Toshihiro Menju, a visiting professor at Kansai University of International Studies, emphasized in his statement to AFP that Japan faces a workforce shortage at all levels, from highly qualified specialists to service sector workers.

Pointing out that the population is decreasing by more than 900 thousand people a year, Menju said, "We have no choice but to rely on foreign workers."

Menju stated that the government's steps such as the use of artificial intelligence and robotics and the increased participation of women and the elderly in the workforce are not enough to close this gap.

The country's business community is also calling on the government to create a comprehensive policy to support foreign residents.

Despite the demands of the business world, the rising anti-immigrant wave in public opinion directly affects the government's steps.

The Sanseito party, which defines itself with the words "Japan first" and describes immigration as a "silent invasion", made significant gains in last year's upper house elections.

Unfounded claims are spreading on social media that foreigners receive a large share of social aid payments and make the streets more unsafe.

This atmosphere led Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to impose stricter regulations.

Japan this month toughened permanent residence rules, requiring foreigners to have a higher annual income and better knowledge of Japanese.

Menju stated that the effect of the new regulations may have already begun to be seen, and that the increase in the number of foreign residents decreased from 360 thousand in the previous year to approximately 300 thousand in the last year.

Noting that if it becomes difficult to obtain permanent residence, people will give up staying long-term, the expert stated that the weak yen and low wages may also repel foreigners.

Despite this, Menju expects the foreign population to reach 10 million in the 2040s due to a labor shortage.

On the other hand, the Japanese Ministry of Justice announced that the number of foreigners who overstayed their visas and stayed illegally in the country decreased by 4.8 percent compared to the beginning of the year, to approximately 65 thousand, as of July 1.