2026年1月23日，日本政府召開跨部會相關閣僚會議，正式確立最新版《外國人接收與共生綜合對策》的基本方針。這份政策文件被視為日本在人口結構劇烈老化與勞動力不足的現實壓力下，嘗試在「持續引進外國人」與「維持社會秩序與制度信任」之間重新取得平衡的重要轉折。整體政策不再只強調吸納外國勞動力，而是進一步要求外國居民在權利之外，同步承擔更明確的社會責任。

此次改革最受關注的部分，是對取得長期身份資格門檻的全面提高。政府研議將歸化入籍的基本居住年限，由現行原則上的五年延長至十年，使申請者需更長時間證明其生活穩定性與對日本社會的適應程度。政策制定者認為，延長觀察期有助於確認申請者是否真正融入社會，而非僅基於經濟利益短期居留。同時，永住權審查制度也將顯著強化，未來申請者除了需具備穩定收入與良好品行外，還可能被要求達到一定程度的日語能力，以確保能理解行政制度與社會規範。此外，政府計畫建立更明確的資格撤銷機制，一旦永住者被認定蓄意逃稅、長期欠繳社會保險費，或觸犯特定法律，主管機關將可依法取消其永住資格，改變過去「取得後幾乎終身有效」的制度印象。

在在留管理方面，日本政府亦計畫推動更細緻的合規監督。出入國在留管理廳將加強整合稅務與社會保險資料，追蹤外國居民的繳費紀錄，包括國民健康保險與醫療費用支付情形。未來若出現長期欠費或未履行經濟義務的紀錄，在更新簽證或延長在留資格時，可能面臨更嚴格審查甚至限制。政府同時規劃推行「社會規範教育」制度，透過課程向外國居民介紹日本法律、公共秩序觀念與生活習慣，並討論是否將學習成果或理解程度作為簽證審核的參考因素之一，藉此降低文化摩擦與制度誤解。

另一項引發討論的措施，是針對不動產交易透明度的強化。自2026財年（4月）起，政府擬要求外國人在購買日本房地產時必須申報國籍資訊，以強化土地交易監管與資金流向透明度。官方說法指出，此舉並非限制外國人購屋，而是回應近年部分地區對土地投資來源不明與安全疑慮的社會關注。

這一系列政策調整背後，反映的是日本社會氛圍的變化。隨著外國居民人數創下歷史新高，各地逐漸出現對治安、社會福利使用以及觀光過度集中（overtourism）的焦慮聲音。政府希望透過制度強化，回應民眾對「有秩序的多元共生」的期待，避免社會對外國人口增加產生過度反彈。

政策方向同時也體現現任首相高市早苗領導下的治理思路。官方論述強調，日本並非轉向排外，而是試圖在維持對外開放的同時，建立「權利與義務對等」的共生模式。換言之，外國居民被視為日本社會的重要成員，但也需在納稅、遵法與社會參與方面承擔與日本國民相近的責任。

整體而言，《外國人接收與共生綜合對策》的新版方針象徵日本移民政策從過去偏向經濟導向的勞動力補充，逐步轉型為兼顧社會整合與制度信任的長期治理框架。未來政策的實際影響，將取決於具體立法與地方執行方式，但可以確定的是，日本對外國居民的管理理念正進入一個更制度化與責任導向的新階段。

On January 23, 2026, the Japanese government convened a ministerial meeting and officially finalized the latest policy framework of the Comprehensive Measures for the Acceptance and Coexistence of Foreign Nationals. The policy is widely viewed as a significant turning point in Japan’s attempt to balance two competing priorities: securing the foreign labor force needed to sustain its aging economy while maintaining social order and public trust in domestic institutions. Rather than focusing solely on attracting foreign workers, the new framework emphasizes that foreign residents should assume clearer social responsibilities alongside the rights they receive.

One of the most notable aspects of the reform is the substantial tightening of requirements for obtaining long-term legal status. The government is considering extending the minimum residency requirement for naturalization from the current standard of five years to ten years. Policymakers argue that a longer evaluation period would better demonstrate an applicant’s social stability and genuine integration into Japanese society, rather than short-term residence motivated primarily by economic opportunity. At the same time, screening standards for permanent residency are set to become stricter. Applicants may soon be required to demonstrate a certain level of Japanese-language proficiency in addition to maintaining stable income and good conduct records. Authorities also plan to introduce clearer revocation mechanisms, allowing the government to cancel permanent resident status if individuals are found to have intentionally evaded taxes, persistently failed to pay social insurance premiums, or violated specified laws—marking a shift away from the previous perception that permanent residency was effectively lifelong once granted.

In terms of immigration compliance and residency management, the government intends to strengthen monitoring systems. The Immigration Services Agency will expand data coordination with taxation and social insurance authorities to track payment records of foreign residents, including national health insurance contributions and medical fee payments. Individuals with long-term unpaid obligations may face stricter scrutiny or restrictions when renewing visas or extending their period of stay. Additionally, the government plans to introduce structured “social norms education” programs designed to help foreign residents understand Japanese laws, social expectations, and public conduct standards. Policymakers are also considering whether participation or demonstrated understanding could become a reference factor in future visa evaluations, with the aim of reducing cultural misunderstandings and social friction.

Another measure drawing attention involves enhancing transparency in real estate transactions. Beginning in fiscal year 2026 (starting in April), foreign nationals purchasing property in Japan may be required to disclose their nationality as part of strengthened land transaction oversight. Officials emphasize that the policy is not intended to prohibit foreign ownership, but rather to improve transparency and address growing public concerns regarding unclear investment sources and land security issues in certain regions.

Behind these policy adjustments lies a broader shift in Japan’s domestic social climate. As the number of foreign residents reaches record highs, public anxiety has grown regarding public safety, potential misuse of welfare systems, and overtourism in major destinations. The government aims to respond to these concerns by promoting what it describes as an “orderly coexistence” model, seeking to prevent social backlash while maintaining openness to international migration.

The reforms also reflect the governing approach under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Official messaging stresses that Japan is not moving toward exclusionism; rather, it seeks to establish a framework in which rights and responsibilities are balanced. Foreign residents are increasingly framed as integral members of society, but ones expected to fulfill obligations comparable to those of Japanese citizens, particularly in taxation, legal compliance, and civic participation.

Overall, the updated Comprehensive Measures for the Acceptance and Coexistence of Foreign Nationals signal Japan’s gradual transition from an immigration policy primarily focused on economic labor supplementation toward a long-term governance model centered on social integration, accountability, and institutional stability. The ultimate impact of these reforms will depend on future legislation and local implementation, but it is clear that Japan’s philosophy toward managing foreign residents is entering a more structured and responsibility-oriented phase.