Event Recap: The Changing Landscapes for Immigration

Driven by demographic decline and labor shortages, Japan faces a critical inflection point in its immigration strategy. This evolving immigration landscape creates both challenges and opportunities for employers of foreign talent.

The American, British, and Canadian Chambers of Commerce in Japan were honored to host a joint-chamber discussion on the realities of Japan’s changing immigration landscape with keynote speaker Professor Toshihiro Menju from Kansai University of International Studies, followed by an expert panel featuring Jeff Jackson, former Managing Partner of Deloitte Immigration Japan; Robby Feldman, Senior Advisor at Morgan Stanley MUFG Securities; William Titus, Chief Operating Officer at Relo Japan; and Minaho Shiraishi, EMA Head of Global Mobility Services at KPMG. Former Japanese Ambassador to Canada Sadaaki Numata concluded the event by underscoring the importance of this discussion.

Key trends and outlook:

• Demographic shifts: In his keynote, Professor Toshihiro Menju projected that Japan's foreign resident population could exceed 10 million by the 2040s, nearly 30 years ahead of official projections. Reliance on foreign workers has grown significantly across key sectors over the past decade.
• Modernization over exclusion: The panelists noted that recent changes to tax and pension verification, visa requirements, and fees reflect efforts to modernize and digitize administration, rather than restrict foreign talent.
• Japan remains competitive: Compared to other regions, which feature higher fees, stricter income thresholds, and longer processing times, Japan’s system remains relatively lower-cost and accessible for foreign talent.
• Technology and talent: AI and automation can help address specific operational bottlenecks, but technology cannot solve all of Japan’s workforce challenges. Both technology and human talent investment are needed.

Key considerations for employers of foreign talent:

• Clear HR communication: The panelists emphasized the need to counter misinformation by giving employees accurate information on visa, compliance, and regulatory changes.
• Plan ahead: Factor updated fees and compliance requirements into long-term workforce planning.
• Invest in integration: Support Japanese-language training, career development, and family resources to retain long-term foreign employees.
• Remain data-driven: Focus on operational realities and engage with policymakers to support transparent, effective immigration policy that enables Japan’s economic growth.

Overall, the speakers expressed optimism about Japan’s ability to attract and retain foreign talent, highlighting that thoughtful policy, modernization, and greater investment in integration will be key to meeting the country’s future workforce needs.

We sincerely thank all the speakers for their enlightening perspectives, moderator Paul Lee, and the British and Canadian Chambers for co-hosting as we continue to monitor these important developments in Japan’s immigration approach. 

This post-event recap is provided by the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan.