The Japanese government adopted a comprehensive package of measures on Friday to address issues related to foreign nationals, including plans for stricter rules on land acquisitions and nationality. The policies aim to respond to citizens' feelings of unease and unfairness.
The Japanese government approved a package of measures on January 23 to tackle problems related to foreign nationals. Approved at a meeting of relevant ministers, the package includes plans for stricter rules on land acquisitions by foreigners and nationality procedures. An outline for legal rules on land buys will be decided by summer. The government stated, “There have been situations in which citizens feel a sense of unease and unfairness over violations of rules and laws and inappropriate uses of systems” by some foreigners, adding, “What our country aims for is a society in which both Japanese and foreign nationals live safely with peace of mind and prosper together.” Concerns over land deals stem from unclear purposes and owners, as well as excessive speculation. To address these, the government will investigate legislative facts, including from a national security perspective, and draw on foreign examples. A source indicated that an experts' meeting could launch as early as February for substantive discussions. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said, “We drafted this policy package to respond to citizens’ sense of anxiety and unfairness.” Additional steps include making naturalization more difficult and doubling state-funded deportations escorted by officers. On the integration side, the government will ensure access to Japanese language programs for foreign workers and families. The land ministry launched a survey on January 6 into whether local governments track nationalities of public housing residents, with results to be compiled by February. It plans to issue a notice in fiscal 2025 urging municipalities to check new residents' nationalities, aiding etiquette awareness and disaster response. Some reports date the adoption to January 24, but it is primarily covered as a January 23 event.
