{
  "id": 5282143,
  "title": "Japan eyes national-level language support for foreigners, possible ties to visa screening",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/03/japan-eyes-national-level-language-support-for-foreigners-possible",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-03T08:18:49.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Mainichi",
    "slug": "the-mainichi",
    "url": "https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260903/p2a/00m/0na/050000c"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Japanese government is contemplating establishing a nationwide program to aid Japanese-language learning and other necessities for foreign residents. This move would shift from local government efforts and aim to reduce disparities, encompassing a broader range of individuals, such as the families of foreign residents. While Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's administration has primarily emphasized stricter regulations, this support-oriented approach sets it apart. However, the government is also contemplating incorporating participation in the program as a potential prerequisite for residence status screening and permanent residence permits, which could result in stricter regulations.\n\nMidori Matsushima, a special adviser to the prime minister responsible for foreign national policy, emphasized during the inaugural meeting of an expert working group on August 18, \"Up until now, Japanese-language acquisition has been left to municipalities, but this is not acceptable.\" She highlighted the importance of assistance, stating, \"If they properly understand Japanese, things will go smoothly.\" The increasing number of foreign nationals residing in Japan, which reached a record high of 4.12 million in 2025, has exacerbated cultural and lifestyle differences, leading to friction with local residents. Currently, support for Japanese-language acquisition and related matters is primarily managed by municipalities and the companies that employ these workers, placing a considerable burden on them and causing disparities in assistance levels.\n\nThe government plans to take the lead in enhancing opportunities for learning Japanese, Japanese culture, and rules, and creating a conducive environment for foreign nationals. The specific program content will be determined following discussions within the government's expert council aimed at realizing a society of well-ordered and harmonious coexistence with foreign nationals. Two course types are being considered: one focusing on basic Japanese and daily life rules before and after arrival, and another with advanced content for those aiming for permanent residency or medium to long-term stays. The online system for the former course would enable individuals to complete it prior to their arrival in Japan. The cost of the program will likely be financed through fees associated with residence status renewals and other procedures. Senior officials noted that while the Takaichi administration is often perceived as right-leaning, its foreign national policy is more realistic, including support for Japanese-language education.",
  "summary": "TOKYO -- The Japanese government is considering creating a program to support Japanese-language learning and other needs of foreign residents, shiftin",
  "key_points": [
    "Japanese government plans nationwide language support program for foreigners.",
    "Program could be prerequisite for residence status screening and permits.",
    "Support aimed to reduce disparities among foreign residents."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "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."
}