Key Facts
• July 20, 2025: Japan’s 27th House of Councillors election held amid high voter turnout.
• Voter turnout increased by 6.46 points compared to 2022, reaching 58.51% (Ministry of Internal Affairs).
• Ruling coalition lost 19 seats, falling short of the 124-seat majority in the House of Councillors.
• Opposition parties gained traction: Democratic Party for the People added 13 seats, becoming the second-largest opposition party.
• “Japan First” party expanded from 2 to 15 seats, reflecting growing nationalist sentiment.
• Foreign workers became a key election issue, with public opinion divided into “acceptance” and “concern” groups.
• TBS survey (2024): 40% accepted foreign worker increase, 30% opposed, 30% neutral.
• Older generations leaned toward acceptance, while middle-aged groups showed more concern.
• Dissatisfaction with living standards correlated with opposition to foreign workers.
• 2024 saw a sharp rise in opposition due to new immigration policies allowing long-term stays.
• Acceptance group favored closer ties with neighboring countries like China and South Korea, while opposition group resisted.
• Japan’s foreign worker policies evolved since the 1990s, with the 2027 “Training and Employment” system set to replace the current Technical Intern Training Program.
Summary
Japan’s 2025 House of Councillors election highlighted shifting public attitudes toward foreign workers. With voter turnout rising to 58.51%, the ruling coalition lost its majority, while opposition parties gained ground. Foreign workers emerged as a key issue, with public opinion split between acceptance (40%) and concern (30%). Older generations tended to accept foreign workers due to labor shortages in sectors like healthcare, while middle-aged groups expressed concerns over job competition. Dissatisfaction with living standards also fueled opposition. The 2024 introduction of a new immigration policy allowing long-term stays for foreign workers intensified debates. Acceptance groups supported stronger ties with neighboring countries, contrasting with the opposition’s resistance. Japan’s evolving policies, including the upcoming 2027 “Training and Employment” system, reflect the nation’s struggle to balance labor needs with public sentiment.
