Recently, the Japan Immigration Bureau released the latest statistics on the number of foreigners in Japan.
The report shows that as of the end of June 2024, the number of foreigners settled in Japan has exceeded 3.58 million, reaching a new all-time high.
01
Foreigners in Japan exceed 3.58 million
Chinese people are the most numerous
According to the latest statistics, the foreign population residing in Japan has reached 3,588,956 as of the end of June 2024, an increase of 177,964,000 people compared to the end of 2023, once again setting a new all-time record!
Looking back at the figures for the end of 2023, when the number of foreigners in Japan had already increased by 11% compared to the end of 2022, the number continues to rise today, showing that the number of immigrants to Japan has continued to grow in recent years.
By status of residence, the largest category is “permanent residents,” followed closely by “technical internships” and “science and technology/humanities/international affairs.
The top five categories are as follows:
Permanent residents: 902,203 (+10,634)
Technical internships: 425,714 (+21,158)
Science and Technology/Humanities/International Affairs: 394,295 (+31,949)
International students: 368,589 (+27,706)
Accompanying Family Members: 283,204 (+17,184)
In terms of distribution by country and region, Chinese people account for the largest proportion of foreigners living in Japan.
Specifically, there were 844,187 from Mainland China and 67,277 from Taiwan, which together accounted for 25.6% of the total. This means that one out of every four foreigners in Japan is Chinese.
Going back to the end of 2023, the number of Chinese in Japan at that time was 821,838, and over the next six months, the number grew by 22,349.
02
Foreigners in Japan
Preferred Place of Residence
The largest number of foreigners was reported to reside in the Tokyo metropolitan area at 701,955, a 5.8% increase from the end of 2023 (i.e., 38,593), and accounting for 19.6% of the total, followed by Aichi, Osaka, Kanagawa, and Saitama prefectures.
The specific figures are as follows:
Tokyo: 701,955 (+38,593)
Aichi Prefecture: 321,041 (+10,196)
Osaka Prefecture: 317,421 (+15,931)
Kanagawa Prefecture: 280,020 (+12,497)
Saitama Prefecture: 249,327 (+14,629)
These areas are popular with foreigners mainly because they have developed economic systems, convenient transportation networks, and high-quality public services, which can provide more comfortable living environments and more employment opportunities for transplants.
03
How many people
Holders of these two types of visas
The Highly Talented Person Visa and the Management Visa are two of the most popular ways to move to Japan today.
The Highly Qualified Personnel Visa (or “Highly Qualified Vocational Visa” in Japanese) was created by the Japanese government in order to attract highly educated and skilled foreign personnel.
This visa is the fastest way to obtain permanent residency in Japan, and applicants can apply for permanent residency after living in Japan for one year at the earliest. Since its implementation in 2019, 26,803 people have held this visa.
The Management Visa is a long-term resident visa provided by the Immigration Bureau of Japan for foreigners who wish to start a business in Japan and reside there for a long period of time.
The application requirements are relatively easy and low-cost, and all that is needed to apply is to register a company in Japan and fulfill certain conditions. After holding this visa for 10 years, the applicant is eligible to apply for permanent residence in Japan.
As of the end of June 2024, there are 39,616 holders of the Management Visa.
In summary, the increasing number of people moving to Japan today stems from the pursuit of a different lifestyle, the need for asset allocation, and being attracted by the country's high quality education resources, world-class healthcare system, and many welfare benefits.
If you are interested in moving to Japan, please contact us and we will provide you with a customized plan.
Cyprus
Turkey
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Greece
