Japan has become an attractive tourist destination for record numbers of visitors in recent years, thanks to its appealing attractions, including elegant gardens, futuristic urban landscapes, and a vibrant culinary scene.
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The number of people settling in the country for extended periods, whether for work or study, also reached an all-time high last year.
But recently, a series of stricter immigration policies imposed by the government has raised a question among those who have made Japan their second home: is it time to say goodbye?
Japan has a long history of strict immigration policies and is known for its demographically homogeneous society.
Nevertheless, the country has gradually begun opening its doors to foreign labor and seeking to attract more international tourists, given the worsening demographic crisis it faces.
But those efforts haven't been fully successful. The phenomenon of "overtourism" and some reports whether accurate or based on misperceptions about certain foreign residents violating local rules have bolstered "Japan First" policies and reshaped the trajectory of a society that had been heading toward greater openness, diversity, and welcoming of others.
Last month, the Japanese government, led by conservative Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, announced fee increases for a range of visa categories starting in October, as part of a series of stricter measures toward foreigners.
Under the new rules, those wishing to settle permanently in Japan will have to pay 20 times more, an amount of $1,257, to obtain permanent residency status.
Fees for other work and study visas will also see similar increases.
Justice Minister Hiroshi Hiraguchi said the goal of this substantial fee increase is to build "an orderly society in which foreigners coexist with Japanese citizens."
The move has raised concern among some foreign residents in Japan over whether it marks the start of a trend toward stricter policies for newcomers.
The Most Affected Categories
The sweeping changes affect those planning to stay in Japan for as long as possible, particularly applicants for permanent residency — a status that grants the right to work, unrestricted entry into the country, and indefinite stay.
Starting in October, applicants will be required to prove income exceeding the average income of Japanese households.
Those seeking permanent residency will also, starting next April, need to demonstrate an expected pension balance covering payments equivalent to 30 years, in addition to needing intermediate proficiency in Japanese.
Hiraguchi said at a press conference held in August that since permanent resident status is the most stable form of residency, this amendment introduces necessary updates to the application of the requirements for independent livelihood capability and national interest, to ensure applicants don't become a burden.
Earlier this year, the government also tightened rules for foreign business owners, raising the minimum capital required to obtain a "business manager visa" a visa popular among entrepreneurs from $31,000 to $126,000.
An Impossible Balance
The number of foreign residents reached 4.1 million last year, a record level representing about 3.4% of Japan's total population.
More than 930,000 Chinese nationals live in Japan, making them the largest group, while about 70,000 Americans also reside there.
These recent changes came following reports that some foreign residents had contributed to rising housing prices or evaded payment of public health insurance fees.
Japan operates a national healthcare system requiring every resident to pay monthly or annual fees to receive medical services at reduced cost.
Others were accused of exploiting relatively affordable residency policies to obtain residence rights by establishing shell companies.
The large influx of tourists has also caused resentment among some local residents, who have accused them of causing nuisance and driving up the cost of living problems political analysts say have sometimes been wrongly attributed to foreign residents.
This anger has fueled the rise of the Sanseito party, a small right-wing party that rallied support against immigrants during the recent elections, putting pressure on the ruling Liberal Democratic Party government.
But the new government policies have raised concerns among foreigners who have built their lives in the country.
Some business owners have complained that the new capital requirement, which rose sixfold, has significantly reduced their cash flow, making it harder to keep their businesses running.
Tokyo-based immigration lawyer Kazuki Yoda of the Touch Immigration law office said inquiries have increased significantly recently as people rush to submit their applications before the new changes take effect.
He noted that the new rules are very strict, so he expects the number of people eligible for permanent residency to drop sharply.
The Takaichi government is walking a fine line between the need to calm public anger and the urgent need to bolster the country's workforce, at a time when neighboring countries, from South Korea to Singapore, are easing restrictions to attract young talent.
Japan's fertility rate the average number of children a woman is expected to have over her lifetime fell to its lowest level in a decade last year, reaching 1.14, though there were signs of a slight rise in the first half of this year, according to official statistics.
A fertility rate of at least 2.1 is generally considered necessary to keep a population stable without relying on immigration.
As a result, Japan finds itself in a difficult position, caught between a shortage of local workers able to fill jobs and a climate of distrust toward the immigrants who could provide that labor.
