Section 1 Japanese Society and People Deepening Their Ties with the World

1 Linking the Vibrancy of Foreign Nationals to the Growth of Japan

(1) Growth Strategy and Relaxation of Visa Requirements

In 2018, the number of foreign visitors to Japan reached the highest on record at 31.19 million. The Government of Japan set new goals for the number of foreign visitors to 40 million in 2020 and 60 million in 2030 in the “Tourism Vision to Support the Future of Japan” issued in March 2016. In the Vision, it is stated that the Government will engage in strategic relaxation of visa requirements, for the five countries that require a visa to visit Japan (China, Russia, India, the Philippines and Vietnam) out of 20 countries and regions that have high market potential to attract tourists. Based on it, in 2018, MOFA examined and implemented strategic relaxation of visa requirements from the perspective of promoting people-to-people exchanges, strengthening bilateral relations, etc. In this regard, specific measures were taken as follows: the simplification of documentation requirements and the expansion of eligible persons for multiple entry visas for Indian nationals, the introduction of multiple entry visas for Ukrainian nationals, and the relaxation of multiple visas for Moldova and Belarus nationals on January 1; the introduction of multiple entry visas for nationals of Pacific Island countries and the relaxation of multiple entry visas for the Philippines and Saudi Arabia nationals on August 1; and the relaxation of multiple entry visas for nationals of St. Vincent and Ecuador, the introduction of multiple entry visas for nationals of Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia, and the introduction of single entry visas for group package tours for Russian nationals on October 1. In addition, Japan instituted a working holiday program with Chile, Iceland, and the Czech Republic.

As described above, further expansion of the relaxation of visa requirements is expected as it is effective for promoting people-to-people exchanges and Japan's economic growth. On the other hand, the Government intensifies visa control as a part of border control measures to prevent the entry of criminals and foreign visitors with the intention of being illegal labor, as well as those who could become victims of human trafficking. MOFA is going to continue working on the relaxation of visa requirements in order to increase the number of visitors to Japan while maintaining “Japan, as the safest country in the world,” and to contribute to making Japan a tourism-oriented country both in quality and quantity through attracting the wealthy class, repeat visitors, and the young generation. Also, MOFA intends to conduct such relaxation of visa requirements from a comprehensive perspective, taking into account factors such as bilateral relations and their diplomatic significance.

(2) Acceptance of Foreign Nationals and their Social Integration

Since the financial crisis in 2008, the number of long-term foreign residents in Japan had kept decreasing until 2012 when the trend turned upward. While the aging of the population continues with low birth rate resulting in the decrease of the population, it is important for Japan to secure capable human resources, irrespective of their nationality, in order to further vitalize Japan's economy and improve its competitiveness. The “Basic Policy on Economic and Fiscal Management and Reform 2018” and “Investments for the Future Strategy 2018” aim at an effective utilization of foreign human resources. Revisions were made to the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act in December with the goal of beginning to take in foreign human resources by way of introducing the status of residence “Specified Skilled Worker” in April 2019. It is expected that the number of competent foreign nationals living in Japan will further increase in the future.

MOFA cooperates with the relevant ministries and agencies on such policies taking into account foreign nationals' human rights. MOFA also hosts “International Workshop on Acceptance of Foreign Nationals and Their Integration into Japan,” aiming to encourage debate among the people by providing opportunities to discuss concrete challenges and measures. In March, MOFA co-hosted a workshop with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) under the theme of “Advancing Vitalization of Local Communities with Foreign Nationals.” The panelists discussed the acceptance of foreign nationals in taking advantage of the characteristics of each region.

International Workshop on Acceptance of Foreign Nationals and Their Integration into Japan (March 1, Tokyo)

In June, MOFA and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government co-hosted the Disaster Management Seminar for Diplomatic Missions and Foreign Delegations in Tokyo, in order to facilitate and reinforce information communication as well as collaboration with diplomatic missions and foreign delegations in Tokyo, considering the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020.