TOKYO: Japan has registered a record number of foreigners living in the country this year despite growing anti-immigration sentiment, as the country grapples with problems caused by an ageing and shrinking population.

Data showed 4.28 million foreigners staying in Japan as of the end of June, excluding short-term visitors, the Immigration Services Agency said on Friday.

That marks an increase of 156,000 people from the end of last year, and accounts for roughly 3.5pc of Japan’s total population, according to calculations based on government estimates.

Immigration expert Toshihiro Menju said that Japan is facing a labour shortage on all levels, from highly skilled professionals to service workers.

“With Japan’s population shrinking by more than 900,000 a year... we have no choice but to rely on foreign workers,” said Menju, a visiting professor at the Kansai University of International Studies.

Government measures such as “the use of AI and robotics, and greater (workforce) participation by women and older people cannot fully make up for the shortfall,” he added.

Japanese businesses have urged the government to come up with a comprehensive policy to support foreign residents. But growing anti-immigration sentiment has prompted Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to push for stricter regulations.

Published in Dawn, October 18th, 2026