The Current State of the Debate on Foreign Worker Policy
—Insights from Dialogues with Policymakers, Businesses, and Other Stakeholders—

■ Foreign Worker Policy Remains a Salient Public Concern
In January this year, the Takaichi administration articulated its basic policy on foreign residents as the realization of an “orderly and harmonious society of coexistence with foreign nationals.” While the business community’s attention has recently shifted toward geopolitical risks such as tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, this does not imply a waning of societal interest in foreign worker policy. On the contrary, public concern appears to be steadily deepening beneath the surface, akin to an underground current.
Against this backdrop, I had increasing opportunities to exchange views with members of the Diet, policymakers, and business leaders, following the publication (co-authored) of a book on foreign worker policy in March. In parallel, close attention has been paid to online discourse and commentary from Japanese nationals residing abroad.
What emerges from these multiple channels is a dual reality: perceptions surrounding foreign worker policy are becoming more sophisticated, yet, at the same time, a diffuse sense of unease and discomfort is spreading. This paper seeks to organize and articulate this “current state.”

■Current State (1): A Broadening and More Accurate Understanding of Overseas Developments
One notable trend is the increasingly accurate understanding among the public of developments abroad. In Europe and the United States, resistance to inflows of foreign workers has fueled the rise of right-wing political forces, contributing to deepening social divisions. This dynamic is no longer confined to expert discourse.
Among Diet members and policymakers, there is now a shared recognition of the challenge: how to design foreign worker policies that do not exacerbate societal fragmentation.
This shift in awareness has been facilitated not only by real-time access to overseas media, but also by the growing presence of Japanese residents abroad who disseminate first-hand information via social media. The availability of lived-experience perspectives from abroad has played a significant role in enhancing domestic understanding.

■ Current State (2): Limited Exclusionary Sentiment, but Widespread Diffuse Anxiety
Media coverage frequently highlights the strengthening of exclusionary attitudes toward foreigners. While such narratives are indeed becoming more visible, it would be inaccurate to conclude that explicitly xenophobic sentiment is rapidly expanding across society.
Rather, what appears more prevalent is a vague and generalized sense of anxiety—particularly regarding public safety and the management of local communities—shaped in part by information from overseas.
At the same time, in many regions—especially in rural areas—there is a growing number of cases in which local economies and essential services cannot be sustained without foreign workers. In such contexts, attitudes toward foreign workers tend to be more positive. Companies that rely heavily on foreign personnel often exhibit a welcoming stance.
While policymakers and local politicians are well aware of these realities, many express hesitation in openly endorsing increased acceptance of foreign workers due to perceived public sentiment.

■ Current State (3): Growing Recognition of the Importance of Pre-Arrival Education
Another recent development is the growing emphasis on pre-arrival education and training. Traditionally in Japan, Japanese language instruction and vocational training have been provided after workers arrive in the country.
However, an increasing number of firms are establishing training hubs overseas, where prospective workers receive a certain level of preparation before entering Japan.
Such initiatives not only reduce mismatches between employers and workers but are also expected to mitigate friction with local communities. Calls to strengthen institutional support for pre-arrival education are likely to gain further momentum.
Current State (4): Rising Perception Among Japanese Citizens of Relative Disadvantage One of the most frequently heard concerns over the past year is the perception that “government policies favor foreign nationals and overseas interests, leaving Japanese citizens at a disadvantage.”
Public dissatisfaction often arises from comparisons between support measures for foreign workers or international engagement and those aimed at domestic populations.
For example, proposals to expand educational support for foreign workers are sometimes met with the counterargument that priority should first be given to the education of Japanese citizens. To advance coexistence with foreign nationals, it will be essential to clearly and carefully demonstrate the tangible benefits for Japanese society as well. Failure to do so risks intensifying public backlash.

■ The Need for Acceptance Policies Grounded in “Order and Stability”
There is broad consensus that Japan faces a severe labor shortage, which will be further exacerbated by ongoing demographic decline and population aging. At the same time, a social climate persists in which expressing support for increased acceptance of foreign workers remains difficult.
Moreover, some proponents of expanded acceptance tend to emphasize the perspective of foreign workers, without adequately addressing the concerns of Japanese citizens.
Japan’s foreign resident population has already reached approximately 4 million, increasing at an annual pace of roughly 300,000. The country has now entered a phase in which it must seriously consider a balanced approach—neither exclusionary nor indiscriminately expansionary—aligned with its specific circumstances.
To avoid the social tensions observed in Western countries, policy design must go beyond labor supply considerations and incorporate a strong emphasis on “order and stability” within society and local communities.
Gradual acceptance of foreign workers who possess Japanese language proficiency, the skills demanded by Japan, and a solid understanding of Japanese society represents a pragmatic path forward. Notably, many stakeholders interviewed by the author—across political affiliations—expressed broad support for such an approach.
Given the tendency for foreign worker policy to become emotionally charged, there is a pressing need for calm, pragmatic, and evidence-based discussion.

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