56% in Japan Now Oppose More Foreign Settlement, Up From 36% in 2024
As Japan’s population shrinks and ages, questions about how the country should respond to its changing workforce are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. While some argue that more foreign workers are needed to address labor shortages, a new survey suggests that opposition to accepting more foreigners may be growing, particularly among younger Japanese. The University […] The post 56% in…
Japan's shrinking and aging population has prompted questions about how to address the changing workforce. A new survey from the University of Tokyo's Institute of Social Science reveals that opposition to accepting more foreign residents has grown significantly, now standing at 56.3% — a 20.7 percentage-point increase from 2024.
Younger generations are particularly opposed, with those who feel there is no hope for Japanese society being more likely to hold this view. The surge in opposition coincides with Japan having the highest number of foreign residents and workers in its history, alongside the government's expansion of programs for foreign nationals.
Younger respondents express heightened concerns about Japan's future, given economic uncertainty, rising living costs, and a shifting labor market. Professor Shin Arita of the institute suggests that negative discussions about foreign nationals, driven by broader societal anxieties, may be influencing attitudes toward immigration.
The findings highlight a climate of uncertainty surrounding Japan's future, with online discussions playing a role in shaping public opinion, particularly among younger people facing economic challenges.
Written by urgent.news from Tokyo Weekender's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
