Japan has opened public comments on a draft second basic plan for entry and residence management, and the practical message is clear: the next policy cycle is intended to lean harder on digital screening at the border and closer management after arrival.
The draft groups policy into four buckets: stricter and smoother border control, more appropriate residence management, support for orderly coexistence with foreign residents, and stronger action against illegal overstayers. Under those headings it flags stronger information collection and analysis, closer coordination with related agencies, the introduction of the electronic travel authorisation system JESTA, wider use of digital tools, further work on permanent-residence permit administration, review of landing-permission criteria, preparations for the new training and employment system, and stronger information and consultation support for foreign residents.
The overview note frames that agenda against labour shortages, population decline and forecasts that the foreign-resident share of the population will rise further. Separate reference materials say foreign arrivals topped 40 million in 2025, a record, while foreign residents reached about 4.13 million at year-end, or 3.35% of the population. The draft also says that statistical chapter is reference material and outside the scope of the consultation.
For employers, schools and immigration advisers, this is a policy map, not a final rule change. Comments opened on June 30. The e-Gov listing shows the electronic cutoff at 00:00 on July 10, while the attached guidelines say submissions must arrive by July 9.