Japan Responds To Overtourism And Immigration Pressure With New Oversight Agency As Election Battle Heats Up

Published on July 19, 2025

Japan sets up new immigration watchdog in response to rising public opposition to overtourism, growing numbers of foreign residents, and more right-wining nationalist political influence before July 20 national election. As tourist numbers reach record highs and foreign born residents now exceed 3.8 million, the government has set out to help restore public confidence by focusing on concerns over crime, housing and assimilation. The new multi-agency taskforce – likened an operation to a “control tower” – is intended to manage national responses to the social impact of immigration, maintaining orderly community living and countering populist rhetoric that has persuaded voters that immigration is out of control.

Japan Forms New Immigration Oversight Body to Address Concerns Over Surge in Foreigners as National Election Looms

Japan has launched a new administrative unit designed to address growing public unease about the increasing presence of foreign nationals in the country, as immigration policies and the integration of non-Japanese residents become central themes ahead of the national Upper House election scheduled for July 20, 2025. This initiative reflects a pivotal moment in Japan’s balancing act between preserving cultural identity and addressing labor shortages through immigration.

The newly established unit is expected to act as a cross-ministerial “control tower,” coordinating government efforts to tackle challenges linked to rising foreign populations. These include issues related to crime, over-tourism, and social integration. The move follows growing political pressure and heightened public discourse around how Japan manages its demographic transformation.

Rising Immigration Sparks National Debate

While Japan has historically maintained some of the world’s strictest immigration controls in order to preserve its cultural homogeneity, recent years have seen a quiet yet steady loosening of those restrictions. The country’s aging population and shrinking workforce have forced policymakers to reconsider the role of foreign workers and residents in sustaining economic growth and filling labor shortages in sectors like caregiving, construction, agriculture, and tourism.

As of 2024, the number of registered foreign nationals in Japan reached an all-time high of approximately 3.8 million, representing just over 3 percent of the total population.By 2024, Japan recorded a historic surge in its foreign resident population, with approximately 3.8 million registered non-Japanese nationals — the highest figure in the country’s history — now accounting for more than 3 percent of its total population, a significant demographic shift for a nation long known for its homogeneity. While this is a small share compared to many Western nations, the increase is significant for a country that has traditionally resisted large-scale immigration.

This uptick in foreign presence is most visible in urban centers and popular tourist destinations, where international visitors, workers, and long-term residents are becoming increasingly common. While some citizens view this shift positively, as a symbol of Japan’s global relevance and economic adaptability, others are voicing growing concerns about social harmony, crime, housing affordability, and cultural preservation.

Political Backdrop: A Divisive Issue Ahead of July 20 Election

The formation of the new administrative body aligns with recent proposals made by lawmakers in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), led by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. In June 2025, a parliamentary group within the LDP advocated a vision for a “society of orderly and harmonious coexistence with foreign nationals.” Among their proposed measures were:

• Tighter rules for converting foreign driver’s licenses into Japanese licenses
• Stricter regulations for foreigners purchasing real estate in Japan
• Increased surveillance and localized support to monitor community safety and integration

These proposals aim to address anxieties around foreign ownership and perceived increases in criminal activity, especially in urban neighborhoods with high densities of non-Japanese residents.

Adding fuel to the political discourse is the surging popularity of Sanseito, a minor yet increasingly vocal populist party promoting a “Japan First” doctrine. Sanseito has tapped into nationalist sentiments, warning of the potential erosion of Japanese values and safety if immigration continues unchecked.

With public opinion polls suggesting that the LDP and its junior coalition partner Komeito may lose their Upper House majority, immigration and foreigner-related policies have become a flashpoint issue that could sway undecided voters.

Tourism Boom: A Double-Edged Sword

Japan’s international appeal has grown tremendously in recent years, particularly following the reopening of its borders post-COVID-19. The country was named the world’s most desirable travel destination in the 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards by Condé Nast Traveler, and it hosted over 36.8 million inbound tourist arrivals last year alone — a new record.

While this tourism boom has injected much-needed revenue into local economies, it has also led to over-tourism in iconic locations such as Kyoto, Mount Fuji, and Tokyo’s historic districts. Reports of overcrowding, increased waste, and damage to cultural sites have stirred discontent among local residents. The new administrative body is also expected to focus on managing the socio-economic pressures brought by mass tourism.

Demographic Realities Clash with Public Sentiment

Japan faces a unique demographic dilemma: an aging population, a declining birth rate, and a shrinking domestic workforce. To sustain its economic vitality, experts argue that Japan must increasingly rely on foreign labor and international talent.

However, many Japanese citizens remain cautious or skeptical about embracing multiculturalism. This social tension is especially evident in the rise of anti-immigration rhetoric online and in the growing number of communities pushing back against the establishment of foreigner-heavy facilities, such as technical intern dormitories and foreign student housing.

To bridge this gap, the new government unit is expected to create cohesive policy solutions that address labor needs without compromising national security or public harmony. These include better language education, stricter monitoring of work conditions for foreign employees, and community integration programs designed to foster mutual understanding.

A Shift in Japan’s National Identity?

The launch of the control tower-style administration marks a turning point in Japan’s evolving approach to immigration. While its stated goal is to foster order and harmonious coexistence, the timing of its formation—just weeks before a crucial election—indicates that immigration has become a defining political issue in 2025.

Whether this initiative ultimately leads to more inclusive policies or tighter restrictions remains to be seen. What’s clear, however, is that Japan can no longer afford to avoid the question of how it defines itself in an increasingly interconnected world. With economic imperatives clashing with public sentiment, the country’s leadership must strike a delicate balance between pragmatism and national identity.

Japan has set up a new immigration supervisory organ to tackle lingering public fears over overtourism and influx of foreign residents. The step adds to the pressure on Mr. Mas that is building in the run-up to the July 20 national vote amid a political debate on immigration.

As Japan moves toward its July 20 national election, the establishment of a new administrative body to manage the presence of foreigners underscores the significance of immigration as both a policy challenge and an election-defining issue. With voter sentiment shifting and political parties responding to growing anxieties over integration, crime, and tourism, the outcome of this election may well shape the next chapter in Japan’s demographic and cultural future.