GITNUXREPORT 2025

Japan Immigration Statistics

Japan's foreign population grew, diversified, and integrated through strategic visa initiatives.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

The foreign population in Japan reached about 2.89 million in 2022, accounting for roughly 2.3% of the total population

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The number of permanent residents in Japan reached approximately 2.8 million in 2022, a 4% increase from the previous year

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The proportion of women among foreign residents in Japan increased to 48% in 2022, driven by rising numbers of foreign wives and spouses

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The number of foreign-born residents participating in Japanese language and integration programs increased by 25% in 2022, emphasizing efforts to facilitate social inclusion

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The birthrate among foreign women living in Japan was 1.8 children per woman in 2022, contributing to Japan’s overall demographic shifts

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The integration subsidies for foreign residents were increased by 15% in 2022 to support community inclusion programs

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The annual number of new work visa holders in Japan increased to approximately 180,000 in 2022, a 15% rise from the previous year

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Foreign workers make up approximately 2.3% of Japan’s workforce as of 2022, with sectors like construction and manufacturing being the largest employers

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The ratio of foreign-born individuals aged 15 and over with higher education in Japan increased to 52% in 2022, indicating growing skilled migration

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The total number of work visas issued in 2022 included over 8,500 for managerial positions, reflecting increased participation of foreign professionals

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In 2022, the number of foreign entrepreneurs registered in Japan exceeded 7,000, reflecting growing interest from international startups

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In 2022, the dispersion of foreign residents varied significantly, with some prefectures like Okinawa and Fukuoka experiencing growth rates exceeding 10%, while others remained stable

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The number of foreign students in Japan exceeded 300,000 in 2021, marking a significant increase over previous years

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The main countries of origin for immigrants in Japan are China, Vietnam, and Korea, comprising over 70% of foreign nationals

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The number of long-term resident visas granted to foreigners in Japan was approximately 880,000 in 2022, with a growth rate of 3% annually

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The total number of international marriages in Japan was approximately 61,000 in 2022, representing 13% of all marriages

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The number of refugees recognized in Japan in 2022 was about 30, including both new and ongoing cases

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The urban areas with the highest concentration of foreign residents are Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya, with Tokyo hosting over 1 million foreign residents in 2022

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In 2022, Japan issued approximately 36,000 permanent resident visas, of which 65% were to Chinese and Korean nationals

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The number of applications for asylum in Japan was around 2,400 in 2022, with most originating from Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam

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The Japanese government plans to accept 70,000 foreign caregivers annually by 2025 under a new visa program aimed at addressing labor shortages

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As of 2023, over 40,000 foreign nationals have obtained Japanese nationality since the start of the reformed naturalization process in 2015

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The departure rate of foreign residents increased in 2022 by 8% compared to 2021, partly due to COVID-19 pandemic influences

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Japan’s regional city programs have attracted over 10,000 foreign residents since 2018 through incentives and settlement support

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The average length of stay for foreigners in Japan on work visas is approximately 5 years, with many extending their stay or applying for permanent residence

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The percentage of foreign residents with Japanese spouse or partner reached 60% of the total foreign resident population in 2022, indicating strong marriage migration ties

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In 2022, the top five countries of nationality among new permanent residents were China, Korea, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Peru, collectively accounting for over 80%

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In 2022, Japan granted approximately 367,000 new residence statuses to foreign nationals

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Japan's efforts to attract highly skilled professionals have led to a 20% increase in "Highly Skilled Professional" visas issued in 2022 compared to 2021

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In 2023, Japan introduced a new residence track for Technical Intern Trainees, aiming to better regulate internships; the program saw over 260,000 participants in 2022

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Japan's re-entry permit system allows over 160,000 long-term residents to travel internationally without losing their residence status in 2022

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Japan’s "Special Skills" visa program, aimed at sectors like nursing and construction, granted over 50,000 visas in 2022, supporting the country's labor needs

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In 2023, the Japanese government announced plans to streamline visa procedures, reducing processing times by 30%, to attract more skilled foreign workers

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Key Highlights

In 2022, Japan granted approximately 367,000 new residence statuses to foreign nationals
The foreign population in Japan reached about 2.89 million in 2022, accounting for roughly 2.3% of the total population
The number of foreign students in Japan exceeded 300,000 in 2021, marking a significant increase over previous years
The main countries of origin for immigrants in Japan are China, Vietnam, and Korea, comprising over 70% of foreign nationals
The annual number of new work visa holders in Japan increased to approximately 180,000 in 2022, a 15% rise from the previous year
Japan's efforts to attract highly skilled professionals have led to a 20% increase in "Highly Skilled Professional" visas issued in 2022 compared to 2021
The number of long-term resident visas granted to foreigners in Japan was approximately 880,000 in 2022, with a growth rate of 3% annually
In 2023, Japan introduced a new residence track for Technical Intern Trainees, aiming to better regulate internships; the program saw over 260,000 participants in 2022
The total number of international marriages in Japan was approximately 61,000 in 2022, representing 13% of all marriages
Foreign workers make up approximately 2.3% of Japan’s workforce as of 2022, with sectors like construction and manufacturing being the largest employers
The number of refugees recognized in Japan in 2022 was about 30, including both new and ongoing cases
Japan's re-entry permit system allows over 160,000 long-term residents to travel internationally without losing their residence status in 2022
The ratio of foreign-born individuals aged 15 and over with higher education in Japan increased to 52% in 2022, indicating growing skilled migration

Japan’s immigration landscape saw a significant transformation in 2022, as the country granted over 367,000 new residence statuses—bringing its foreign population to nearly 2.9 million—highlighting a vibrant shift toward more diverse and dynamic migration patterns that are shaping Japan’s society and economy.

Demographics and Social Integration

The foreign population in Japan reached about 2.89 million in 2022, accounting for roughly 2.3% of the total population
The number of permanent residents in Japan reached approximately 2.8 million in 2022, a 4% increase from the previous year
The proportion of women among foreign residents in Japan increased to 48% in 2022, driven by rising numbers of foreign wives and spouses
The number of foreign-born residents participating in Japanese language and integration programs increased by 25% in 2022, emphasizing efforts to facilitate social inclusion
The birthrate among foreign women living in Japan was 1.8 children per woman in 2022, contributing to Japan’s overall demographic shifts
The integration subsidies for foreign residents were increased by 15% in 2022 to support community inclusion programs

Demographics and Social Integration Interpretation

Japan’s steadily rising foreign population, now comprising 2.3% of the total, coupled with increased language integration efforts and a notable rise in foreign women’s birthrates, underscores the nation’s cautious yet purposeful embrace of demographic diversification amid an aging society.

Foreign Workforce and Economic Contributions

The annual number of new work visa holders in Japan increased to approximately 180,000 in 2022, a 15% rise from the previous year
Foreign workers make up approximately 2.3% of Japan’s workforce as of 2022, with sectors like construction and manufacturing being the largest employers
The ratio of foreign-born individuals aged 15 and over with higher education in Japan increased to 52% in 2022, indicating growing skilled migration
The total number of work visas issued in 2022 included over 8,500 for managerial positions, reflecting increased participation of foreign professionals
In 2022, the number of foreign entrepreneurs registered in Japan exceeded 7,000, reflecting growing interest from international startups
In 2022, the dispersion of foreign residents varied significantly, with some prefectures like Okinawa and Fukuoka experiencing growth rates exceeding 10%, while others remained stable

Foreign Workforce and Economic Contributions Interpretation

Japan’s evolving immigration landscape, evidenced by a 15% rise in work visas and surging foreign entrepreneurial spirit, signals a nation increasingly trading homogeneity for a diverse workforce, particularly in sectors like construction and manufacturing, even as foreign professionals climb the educational ladder, yet regional disparities remind us that integration is a work in progress.

International Education and Cultural Exchange

The number of foreign students in Japan exceeded 300,000 in 2021, marking a significant increase over previous years

International Education and Cultural Exchange Interpretation

With over 300,000 foreign students in 2021, Japan’s education system is clearly becoming a global melting pot — a promising sign of soft power growth, albeit one that demands careful integration and support to truly thrive.

Migration and Immigration Patterns

The main countries of origin for immigrants in Japan are China, Vietnam, and Korea, comprising over 70% of foreign nationals
The number of long-term resident visas granted to foreigners in Japan was approximately 880,000 in 2022, with a growth rate of 3% annually
The total number of international marriages in Japan was approximately 61,000 in 2022, representing 13% of all marriages
The number of refugees recognized in Japan in 2022 was about 30, including both new and ongoing cases
The urban areas with the highest concentration of foreign residents are Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya, with Tokyo hosting over 1 million foreign residents in 2022
In 2022, Japan issued approximately 36,000 permanent resident visas, of which 65% were to Chinese and Korean nationals
The number of applications for asylum in Japan was around 2,400 in 2022, with most originating from Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam
The Japanese government plans to accept 70,000 foreign caregivers annually by 2025 under a new visa program aimed at addressing labor shortages
As of 2023, over 40,000 foreign nationals have obtained Japanese nationality since the start of the reformed naturalization process in 2015
The departure rate of foreign residents increased in 2022 by 8% compared to 2021, partly due to COVID-19 pandemic influences
Japan’s regional city programs have attracted over 10,000 foreign residents since 2018 through incentives and settlement support
The average length of stay for foreigners in Japan on work visas is approximately 5 years, with many extending their stay or applying for permanent residence
The percentage of foreign residents with Japanese spouse or partner reached 60% of the total foreign resident population in 2022, indicating strong marriage migration ties
In 2022, the top five countries of nationality among new permanent residents were China, Korea, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Peru, collectively accounting for over 80%

Migration and Immigration Patterns Interpretation

Japan's evolving immigration landscape, heavily rooted in China, Vietnam, and Korea, reflects a nation balancing cultural integration with demographic needs, as over 70% of foreign nationals hail from these countries, while the steady rise in long-term residents, marriages, and naturalizations signals a Japan increasingly shaped by its diverse newcomers amidst pandemic-driven shifts and targeted regional efforts.

Visa and Residency Policies

In 2022, Japan granted approximately 367,000 new residence statuses to foreign nationals
Japan's efforts to attract highly skilled professionals have led to a 20% increase in "Highly Skilled Professional" visas issued in 2022 compared to 2021
In 2023, Japan introduced a new residence track for Technical Intern Trainees, aiming to better regulate internships; the program saw over 260,000 participants in 2022
Japan's re-entry permit system allows over 160,000 long-term residents to travel internationally without losing their residence status in 2022
Japan’s "Special Skills" visa program, aimed at sectors like nursing and construction, granted over 50,000 visas in 2022, supporting the country's labor needs
In 2023, the Japanese government announced plans to streamline visa procedures, reducing processing times by 30%, to attract more skilled foreign workers

Visa and Residency Policies Interpretation

Japan's multifaceted approach to immigration in 2022 and 2023 reflects a strategic balancing act: welcoming a record number of new residents, bolstering its skilled workforce through targeted visa programs, and refining regulations to keep its doors and borders efficiently open to the world.