Key Facts
• As of June 2025, Japan’s foreign resident population reached 3,956,619.
• This marks an increase of 187,000 (5.0%) compared to the end of 2024.
• The “Specified Skilled Worker” visa category grew by 18.2% to 51,000 individuals.
• Permanent residents remain the largest group, increasing by 1.5% to 932,090.
• “Technical Intern Training” visa holders decreased by 1.6% to 449,432.
• Skilled workers under “Specified Skilled Worker 2” rose significantly from 832 to 3,073.
• Top nationalities: China, Vietnam, and South Korea, comprising nearly 50% of the total.
• Myanmar and Nepal saw the highest growth rates, increasing by 19.2% and 17.2%, respectively.
• In the first half of 2025, 21,376,170 foreign visitors entered Japan, up 3.55 million year-on-year.
Summary
Japan’s foreign resident population reached a record 3.95 million as of June 2025, reflecting a 5.0% increase from the end of 2024. The “Specified Skilled Worker” visa category saw significant growth, while permanent residents remained the largest group. Skilled workers under “Specified Skilled Worker 2” experienced a notable rise. China, Vietnam, and South Korea accounted for nearly half of all foreign residents, with Myanmar and Nepal showing the highest growth rates. Additionally, foreign visitor numbers surged in the first half of 2025, highlighting Japan’s growing international engagement.
