- 14 Mar 2002
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Nearly four in ten candidates running in Japan's lower house election — many from parties in the ruling coalition — say the country's immigration policy should be changed to limit the inflow of foreign workers, according to a Nikkei survey. The results point to a cautious view of further labour migration among a sizeable share of those seeking office.
Government data provides some context. The number of foreign workers in Japan rose above 2.5 million at the end of October 2025, up 11.7% from a year earlier. Other statistics indicate that the total workforce that year was 68 million, meaning foreign nationals accounted for approximately 4% of all workers.
Asked how Japan should approach the acceptance of foreign labour ahead of Sunday's election, 36% — the largest group — said the pace should be slowed. Only 1% called for a complete halt. Another 30% supported keeping the current pace, while 6% said more foreign workers were needed. Just over a quarter (27%) said they could not clearly choose between the two sides.
Figures by party:
In a December report, the Japan Business Federation (経団連 Keidanren) noted that foreigners are "already integral members of the community, supporting Japan's economy and society," and called on the government to implement "strategic recruitment" that is "well controlled in terms of both quality and quantity." The industrial organisation underscored the importance of upgrading Japanese-language education and advisory programs for foreign residents.
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Government data provides some context. The number of foreign workers in Japan rose above 2.5 million at the end of October 2025, up 11.7% from a year earlier. Other statistics indicate that the total workforce that year was 68 million, meaning foreign nationals accounted for approximately 4% of all workers.
Asked how Japan should approach the acceptance of foreign labour ahead of Sunday's election, 36% — the largest group — said the pace should be slowed. Only 1% called for a complete halt. Another 30% supported keeping the current pace, while 6% said more foreign workers were needed. Just over a quarter (27%) said they could not clearly choose between the two sides.
Figures by party:
- Liberal Democratic Party (LDP)
- 32% favour tighter controls on foreign workers
- 26% support maintaining the current pace
- Nearly 40% say it is difficult to decide
- Japan Innovation Party (Ishin no Kai)
- Nearly 90% call for greater restraint on inflows
- Centrist Reform Alliance
- 17% favour greater acceptance of foreigners
- 11% call for slowing inflows
- Around 40% support the current pace
- Democratic Party for the People (DPFP)
- Nearly 40% favour more restraints
- 20% support maintaining the current pace
- Sanseito
- 100% say inflows should be ended or restricted
- Japanese Communist Party
- More than 70% support the status quo
- Reiwa Shinsengumi
- 100% say they cannot answer yes or no
In a December report, the Japan Business Federation (経団連 Keidanren) noted that foreigners are "already integral members of the community, supporting Japan's economy and society," and called on the government to implement "strategic recruitment" that is "well controlled in terms of both quality and quantity." The industrial organisation underscored the importance of upgrading Japanese-language education and advisory programs for foreign residents.
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Nearly 40% of Japan election candidates want foreign worker curbs
Immigration policy debate is contentious despite labor shortage
asia.nikkei.com
