Japan's New Administrative Body Addresses Foreign Nationals Surge Ahead of Election

Japan has initiated a new administrative entity to address citizens' concerns over the increasing foreign population, as it emerges as a central theme in the forthcoming national election.

The organization will act as a cross-agency "control tower" addressing issues related to crime and over-tourism involving foreigners according to the government. Historically, Japan has enforced stringent immigration laws to maintain a homogeneous population, recently adjusting these laws to bolster its dwindling and aging workforce. Last year, the foreign national populace reached an unprecedented 3.8 million, constituting only 3% of the total population.

This body formation follows a proposal from Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's Liberal Democratic Party to facilitate harmonious coexistence with foreign nationals. Measures include strict criteria for switching to a Japanese driver's license and for foreign property ownership. The rise in foreign residents, supported by the populist Sanseito party, has raised concerns among voters, threatening the LDP-Komeito coalition's upper house majority.

(With inputs from agencies.)