Japan's Immigration Services Agency announced on March 14 that the number of foreign residents in the country reached a record high of 3,768,977 by the end of 2024. This marks a 10.5% increase from the previous year and the third consecutive year of record growth.
The agency also reported that 190 people were granted refugee status in 2024, down by 113 from the previous year.
Meanwhile, under the newly introduced 'complementary protection' status for those fleeing conflict but not meeting the strict refugee criteria, 1,661 individuals were approved.
Among foreign residents, permanent residents remain the largest group, totaling approximately 918,000 (a 3% increase from the previous year), followed by technical intern trainees at about 456,000 (a 12.9% increase).
By nationality, the largest populations were from China (873,000), Vietnam (634,000), and South Korea (409,000).
The number of refugee applicants in 2024 dropped by 10.5% to approximately 12,000. Of those recognized as refugees, 102 were from Afghanistan, 36 from Myanmar, and 18 from Yemen.
Additionally, 177 individuals were granted asylum due to persecution based on political opinions.
The complementary protection framework was introduced in December 2023, with the vast majority of the 1,618 recipients in 2024 being Ukrainians.
An additional 335 individuals who did not qualify as refugees or for complementary protection were granted residence based on humanitarian considerations.
Japan’s growing foreign resident population highlights ongoing shifts in immigration policy, particularly as the country navigates labor shortages and international humanitarian obligations.
What further steps should Japan take to balance economic needs and humanitarian considerations?.