Mie Prefecture is considering reinstating a rule requiring Japanese nationality for its employees to prevent leaks of sensitive information. Officials cited China's national intelligence law as an example of potential risks to residents' private data and agricultural trade secrets. A survey of around 10,000 residents will be conducted in late January to inform the final decision.
The Mie Prefectural Government announced on December 24 that it is considering halting the hiring of foreign nationals to safeguard confidential information. Officials highlighted concerns over leaks, particularly referencing China's 2017 National Intelligence Law, which obligates Chinese citizens and organizations to assist intelligence authorities. At risk are residents' private data, trade secrets in the agricultural sector, and disaster management information.
In fiscal 1999, the prefecture eliminated the nationality requirement for all job categories except certain ones, such as tax collection, to promote the social integration of foreign residents. Currently, 44 out of 49 occupations, including those in the governor's department, are open to foreign nationals. Since fiscal 2005, nine foreign nationals have been hired, mainly in specialized professions, with one still employed as a health care official. Even if the nationality rule is reinstated, this employee will be retained, according to Mie officials.
Of Japan's 47 prefectures, Mie and 11 others, including Kanagawa and Osaka, currently have no nationality requirements for hiring in departments under the prefectural governor's direct supervision. In principle, national public servants in Japan must possess Japanese nationality, as per the National Personnel Authority.
Meanwhile, the Liberal Democratic Party's headquarters on foreign-national policy has established three project teams to enhance coordination across ministries and local governments on policies affecting foreign nationals. Yoshitaka Shindo, director of the headquarters, described foreign-national policy as “a national issue that underpins the maintenance and development of an orderly local society in Japan” during a meeting on Wednesday. The party plans to submit an interim report to the government in January. These developments reflect Japan's efforts to balance integration with security amid a record 3.9 million foreign residents as of June 2025 and growing immigration debates.
