Story perspectives

Sri Lankan Chef Closes Japan Restaurant After Visa Capital Hike

5/31/2026

Summary

Story summary

Mahendra Dharmapriya closed his Daiya Ceylon restaurant in Shimotsuke, Japan, after the government raised business manager visa capital requirements to $188,000 and mandated at least one full-time staff member.
The capital requirement rose from $31,000 to $188,000 under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s administration, which pledged stricter immigration controls to curb perceived visa exploitation.
Dharmapriya said he feels alone, has no hope for the future, and will return to Sri Lanka.

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Story summary

Mahendra Dharmapriya closed his Daiya Ceylon restaurant in Shimotsuke, Japan, after the government raised business manager visa capital requirements to $188,000 and mandated at least one full-time staff member.
The capital requirement rose from $31,000 to $188,000 under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s administration, which pledged stricter immigration controls to curb perceived visa exploitation.
Dharmapriya said he feels alone, has no hope for the future, and will return to Sri Lanka.