Foreign residents reach record 4.28 million, making up 3.48% of Japan’s population

Japan's foreign resident population grew 3.8% to a record 4.28 million in the first half of 2026, according to the Immigration Services Agency.

By Jessica SpeedOct 16japantimes.co.jp1 min read

Intelligence analysis by Qwen 2.5 (3B)

Japan's foreign resident population has reached a record high of 4.28 million, accounting for 3.48% of the country's total population.

Japan has more people from other countries living there now than ever before. This is good for the country because it means more people are working and spending money, but it also means the government needs to make rules to make sure everyone follows the rules.

Analysis

Immigration Services Agency Data Release":"The Immigration Services Agency released data showing a 3.8% increase in foreign residents to a record 4.28 million in the first half of 2026, according to the agency's report. This represents a significant rise from the 4.02 million recorded at the end of 2025.","

Overstayers and Temporary Visitors":"The data also revealed that the number of overstayers fell by 4.8% to just over 65,000, indicating a reduction in illegal stays. However, the overall increase in foreign residents suggests that the number of temporary visitors who stay for less than three months has not significantly impacted the overall population.","

Policy Implications":"The increase in foreign residents could have implications for Japan's immigration policies. The government is expected to finalize its foreign resident policy by March, with the aim of addressing the growing number of foreign residents and their impact on the country's economy and social fabric."}

Key points

Foreign residents in Japan reached a record high of 4.28 million
This represents a 3.8% increase from the end of 2025
The number of overstayers fell by 4.8%
The government plans to finalize its foreign resident policy by March

The Upside

The increase in foreign residents could lead to more cultural diversity and economic growth in Japan.

The Downside

There could be challenges in integrating these new residents into Japanese society and ensuring they follow the rules.

Tagsjapan society immigration foreigners

More from this desk

Panasonic Recalls 640,000 Washer-Dryers Over Fire Risk

Oct 15japantimes.co.jp

Panasonic Recalls 640,000 Washer-Dryers Over Fire Risk

Panasonic recalling 640,000 washer-dryers due to fire risk. 18 models in Japan, 3 in Taiwan manufactured between 2021-2025, no injuries reported.

Yana’s exit halts crisis, but questions about Takaichi’s administration remain

Oct 15japantimes.co.jp

Yana’s exit halts crisis, but questions about Takaichi’s administration remain

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi accepted Agriculture Minister Kazuo Yana's resignation following two scandals, appointing Arata Takebe as his replacement to address an immediate political crisis.

As population grays, Tokyo mulls more crematoria to meet demand

Oct 15japantimes.co.jp

As population grays, Tokyo mulls more crematoria to meet demand

Tokyo is considering building several small public crematoria to address projected increases in cremation demand due to its aging population and rising service costs, with 99.97% of Japanese people opting for cremation.

Ukraine Accuses U.S. of Helping Russia as Missiles Hit Kyiv

Oct 15japantimes.co.jp

Ukraine Accuses U.S. of Helping Russia as Missiles Hit Kyiv

Ukraine accuses the U.S. of helping Russia by failing to warn of missile strikes and slowing down Starlink, a battlefield communication system used by Kyiv.