Japan sets up new body to address public concerns over rising foreign population

Ahead of Sunday’s upper house election, Japan has established an administrative body to coordinate government responses to crime, over-tourism, and public unease linked to the country’s growing foreign population.

On July 15, the Japanese government launched a new cross-agency administrative body designed to address concerns over the rapid increase in the number of foreign nationals, which has emerged as a key issue in the upcoming July 20 national election.

The new "control tower" body aims to tackle a range of issues—such as crime and the strain of over-tourism—often associated with the growing presence of non-Japanese residents, according to officials.

Japan, known for its historically strict immigration stance, has slowly eased rules in recent years to offset its declining and ageing workforce. As of last year, the number of foreign residents reached a record 3.8 million—roughly 3% of the population.

The formation of the body follows proposals from ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) lawmakers in June calling for a “harmonious coexistence with foreign nationals.” The suggested measures include tighter rules for converting foreign driver’s licences and real estate purchases.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba cited public anxiety over “crimes and disorderly conduct by some foreigners,” adding that the inappropriate use of public systems had led citizens to feel “uneasy and cheated.”

The issue has fuelled rising support for the nationalist Sanseito party, which promotes a “Japanese First” platform. Recent opinion polls suggest the ruling LDP-Komeito coalition risks losing its majority in the upper house.

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