Nikkei Asia reports that the Japanese government is tightening immigration rules for long-term residents and permanent residency, while expanding worker pathways for industries facing chronic labor shortages. This move aims to balance Japan's economic need for foreign workers with political pressure to adopt a tough stance on immigration. The government has set caps on two major work programs, increased application fees, and introduced stricter requirements. As of the end of 2025, Japan already had over 4 million foreign residents.