Driven by rising labor demand and expanded visa programs, the number of foreign residents in Japan exceeded 4 million for the first time at the end of 2025.

TOKYO, JAPAN (MERXWIRE) – According to official statistics released by Japan’s Immigration Services Agency, the number of foreign residents in Japan reached 4.12 million at the end of 2025, an increase of approximately 350,000 from the previous year. This marks a 9.5% year-on-year rise and the fourth consecutive year of record growth.

Foreign residents accounted for 3.36% of Japan’s total population, up from 3.04% a year earlier. The increase is largely attributed to the expansion of the Specified Skilled Worker visa program, which aims to address labor shortages by allowing foreign workers with specialized skills to enter the country.

The term “foreign residents” excludes tourists and short-term visitors staying for less than three months. The annual increase of 350,000 people is comparable to the population of a mid-sized city such as Nara or Nagano.

By nationality, Asian residents make up the majority. Chinese nationals represent the largest group at approximately 930,000, followed by Vietnamese at 681,000 and South Koreans at 417,000.

In terms of residency status, permanent residents accounted for the largest share at around 947,000, reflecting a 3.2% increase from the previous year. They were followed by professionals in technical, humanities, and international services, totaling about 475,000, up 13.6%, indicating growing demand for skilled labor.

Regionally, Tokyo had the highest number of foreign residents at approximately 801,000, followed by Osaka with 375,000 and Aichi with 357,000, highlighting a concentration in major urban and industrial areas. Meanwhile, the number of residents under the Specified Skilled Worker program reached 390,296, a 37% increase from the end of 2024 and the sixth consecutive year of record highs, underscoring its growing role in Japan’s labor market.