Japan says hosting record number of foreigners

Japan has recorded a record number of foreigners residing within its borders this year, despite increasing opposition to immigration. As the nation grapples with the challenges posed by an aging and dwindling population, data released by the Immigration Services Agency revealed that there were 4.28 million foreigners living in Japan by the end of June, excluding short-term visitors.

This represents a 156,000-person increase from the previous year, accounting for approximately 3.5% of Japan's total population, according to government estimates.

Immigration expert Toshihiro Menju, a visiting professor at Kansai University of International Studies, told AFP that Japan is currently facing a labor shortage across various levels, from highly skilled professionals to service workers. With Japan's population declining by over 900,000 annually, Menju stated that the country has no alternative but to rely on foreign workers.

While government measures such as the adoption of AI and robotics, as well as efforts to increase workforce participation by women and older individuals, cannot fully compensate for the shortfall, Menju emphasized the necessity of relying on foreign labor.