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Japan's Foreign Resident Population Hits Record 4.1 Million

3/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

By the end of 2025, Japan's foreign resident population reached a record 4,125,395, up 9.5% from 2024.
Foreign nationals now represent 3.36% of Japan's population, with 930,000 Chinese, 681,000 Vietnamese, and 407,000 South Koreans.
Permanent residents total about 947,000, with 475,000 in specialized work fields.
Japan recognized 187 refugees last year, a decline from 2024.
Refugee-status applications fell 8.7% amid ongoing immigration management due to labor shortages.

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Story summary

By the end of 2025, Japan's foreign resident population reached a record 4,125,395, up 9.5% from 2024.
Foreign nationals now represent 3.36% of Japan's population, with 930,000 Chinese, 681,000 Vietnamese, and 407,000 South Koreans.
Permanent residents total about 947,000, with 475,000 in specialized work fields.
Japan recognized 187 refugees last year, a decline from 2024.
Refugee-status applications fell 8.7% amid ongoing immigration management due to labor shortages.