Takaichi Sanae Japan Immigration Policy 2026: Closing Doors Amid Labor Scarcity

Japan's doors are narrowing even as its workforce vanishes. Since taking office in October 2025, Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae has placed foreigner policies at the top of her legislative agenda. It's a move that signals a hardening stance in a nation long defined by ethnic homogeneity, despite a record 4 million foreign residents now living in the country.

Takaichi Sanae Japan Immigration Policy 2026: The Hardline Shift

The new administration has established a dedicated ministry to oversee a "well-ordered and harmonious coexistence." However, the rhetoric remains firm. Minister Onoda Kimi pledged to take "firm action" against law violations to alleviate public anxiety. This shift follows the success of Sanseito, an anti-immigrant party that secured 14 seats in the July 2025 election.

The coalition agreement between the LDP and Nippon Ishin no Kai outlines several strict proposals:

• Mandatory advance payment of health insurance premiums for foreigners
• Aggressive crackdowns on visa overstays
• Stricter checks on land purchases by foreign nationals
• Increased fees and higher hurdles for Japanese citizenship

The Trump Effect and Public Sentiment

Public opinion seems to be backing these measures. A Yomiuri survey from December 2025 showed that nearly 60 percent of respondents oppose accepting foreign workers, up from 46 percent just a year prior. Notably, the younger generation is increasingly aligning with Donald Trump's "America First" ideology, often linking foreign residents with rising crime rates.

However, researchers suggest these figures might be inflated by "pro-prejudice norms." In Japan’s social climate, respondents often feel pressured to express negative attitudes toward foreigners to conform to perceived national identity. Comparative studies show that the true level of xenophobia may be 20 percent lower than what direct surveys suggest.