News / Policy
Policy and news affecting foreign residents.
NPA figures show the written-test pass rate fell to 42.8% and the practical test to 13.1% in the first quarter under the new rules, down from 92.5%/30.4% the year before.
Japan Tightens Standards for Foreign Driver's License Conversions
(asia.nikkei.com)
Confirms the new rules took effect October 1, 2025 - tourists can no longer use a hotel address as proof of residency to convert a license.
The NPA's draft of the new rules: a residence-certificate requirement (closing the hotel-address loophole tourists used), and a written test jumping from 10 questions/70% to pass to 50 questions/90%.
Japan's Tighter Immigration Controls Yielding Results
(japantimes.co.jp)
Japan Times reporting on falling overstayer numbers following 2025's stricter immigration enforcement measures.
Supporting Child-Rearing - Tokyo Metropolitan Government
(english.metro.tokyo.lg.jp)
Tokyo's official page on its digital child-rearing support initiatives, including streamlined daycare enrollment and financial-support applications.
A proposal to replace the Immigration Services Agency entirely - worth watching even though it's an opposition bill, since it signals where the debate is heading.
Japan freezes visa applications for foreign restaurant workers
(japantimes.co.jp)
The restaurant-sector visa category hit its five-year cap of 50,000 workers - relevant if you or someone you know is in food service.
Government unveils tighter policies on immigration and foreign residents
(japantimes.co.jp)
The broader policy package behind this year's naturalization and PR rule changes - useful for understanding where things are heading, not just what changed.
Foreign workers in Japan reach a record 2.57 million in 2025
(japantimes.co.jp)
You're part of a fast-growing group - 11.7% year-on-year growth - which is reshaping how employers think about hiring and retention.
Japan to tighten requirements for naturalization starting April 1
(japantimes.co.jp)
Residency requirement for naturalization doubles to 10 consecutive years, with longer tax/insurance-record screening - relevant if citizenship is part of your long-term plan.