{
  "id": 5272492,
  "title": "With Japan tightening rules for foreign residents, some wonder if it’s time to say ‘sayonara’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/03/with-japan-tightening-rules-for-foreign-residents-some-wonder-if-its",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-03T07:26:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Egypt Independent",
    "slug": "egypt-independent",
    "url": "https://www.egyptindependent.com/with-japan-tightening-rules-for-foreign-residents-some-wonder-if-its-time-to-say-sayonara/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Tokyo — A mix of Zen gardens, futuristic cityscapes, and a thriving food scene have made Japan a popular destination for tourists, with recent years seeing record numbers of visitors. The number of residents settling in Japan for longer periods, such as work or study, also hit a record last year, possibly due to the country's dependable safety and well-developed infrastructure. However, the Japanese government's recent series of stricter immigration policies has left foreign residents questioning if it's time to leave. Japan has historically maintained strict immigration policies and a homogeneous population, but its demographic crisis has led to a gradual opening up to foreign workers and tourism. But overtourism and rumors of foreign residents breaking rules have fueled a rise in \"Japan-first\" politics and shifted the country towards a more closed society. Last month, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced that visa fees would increase in October, with the cost to become a permanent resident skyrocketing to 200,000 yen ($1,257) - 20 times the current rate. Work and student visas will also see fee hikes. The government claims the rise in fees is to maintain an orderly society where foreigners and Japanese citizens coexist. Foreign residents most affected are those applying for permanent residency, which grants the right to work and live without limits. New requirements include having an income higher than average Japanese households, a pension fund equal to 30 years' worth of payouts, and intermediate-level Japanese language skills. The government aims to prevent permanent residents from becoming a public burden. Tourism and business visas have also been tightened, with capital requirements for foreign business owners rising 30 times. Japan's foreign population, which stood at 4.1 million last year, is now about 3.4% of the country's total. Chinese nationals make up the largest group, followed by Americans. The new rules come after allegations of foreigners driving up property prices and evading public health insurance payments.",
  "summary": "Tokyo — Zen gardens, futuristic cityscapes and a vibrant food scene, combined with a favorable exchange rate against the yen, have turned Japan into a tourist magnet that has been drawing in record numbers of visitors in recent years. The number of people settling down for longer-term stays, including work and study, also hit an all-time … The post With Japan tightening rules for foreign…",
  "key_points": [
    "Japan tightens immigration rules, raising visa fees and residency requirements.",
    "Overtourism and rule-breaking rumors fuel 'Japan-first' politics.",
    "Foreign residents most affected are those applying for permanent residency."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Japan's stricter immigration policies, including soaring visa fees and tougher residency requirements, signal a shift towards a more closed society, potentially driving away foreign residents who had been drawn to its stability and infrastructure.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}