Full-Scale System Review for a Cohesive Society Begins
The Takaichi administration has pledged to realize an “orderly and harmonious society” with foreigners and has decided to establish a new Foreigner Policy Council, comprised of relevant cabinet ministers.
The council is expected to focus on stricter system enforcement, including restrictions on real estate acquisition by foreigners and measures to address unpaid social insurance premiums.
At the same time, the government has clearly stated that it “draws a clear line between xenophobia and exclusionary nationalism” and its stated goal is not to restrict the acceptance of foreigners but to enhance the credibility of the system.
Impact on the Employment for Skill Development Program (ESDP)
The Employment for Skill Development Program (ESDP), scheduled to be fully implemented in 2027, is attracting attention as a new core system for foreign employment, replacing the Technical Intern Training Program.
The establishment of this policy council is expected to have a significant impact on the operation of the ESDP.
The following three points are particularly noteworthy.
- Ensuring Transparency and Reliability in System Operation
ESDP requires cost transparency through Memorandums of Cooperation (MoCs) with sending countries. The new conference is expected to discuss “strengthening governance of the entire foreign worker system,” including real estate acquisition and social insurance. This could potentially support this trend toward greater transparency. - Strengthening Measures Against Illegal Residence and Abuse of the System
Illegal residence and job-changing restrictions, which were issues facing the Technical Intern Training Program, have also influenced the design of ESDP. Going forward, stricter identity verification and clarification of transfer rules will likely be required. - Shifting from Expansion to Trust-Based Coexistence
Addressing the labor shortage caused by population decline is essential, but rather than simply increasing the number of workers, the focus of policy should be on how to develop human resources who can work together while gaining the trust of Japanese society. ESDP is a system that is aligned precisely with this direction, and the establishment of this conference can be seen as a move to reinforce its philosophy from an institutional perspective.
Future Outlook
According to the Immigration Bureau, the number of foreign residents in Japan will reach a record high of approximately 3.95 million as of June 2025.
As foreigners become an established part of Japanese society, what is needed is an open order. Stricter regulations are not about exclusion, but about building a stronger foundation for coexistence.
The new policy council is expected to be a step toward enhancing the reliability and effectiveness of the ESDP system.
Related article: Inside Japan’s New ESDP: What the Government’s Basic Policy Reveals
