"Japan Tightens Foreign Residency Status" attracted attention on Chinese SNS.

On the 27th, a blogger on Chinese SNS Weibo wrote, "Everyone still staying in Japan, be careful. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will likely further tighten issues related to residency in the future," and introduced Prime Minister Takaichi's post on X (formerly Twitter) from the same day.

Ms. Takaichi explained "initiatives concerning foreign residency status," including "revising the permission standards for 'Business Manager' residency status," "tightening the screening for 'Intra-company Transferee' residency status," "tightening the screening for 'Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services' residency status," and "optimizing the permanent residency permit system."

Chinese netizens raised voices such as: "Japan is trying to do to China, Vietnam, and India what the US did to Mexico," "If they don't do things like this, they won't gain the support of the right wing," and "Aging is entering a serious stage, yet they are becoming even more exclusive. Moreover, those being excluded are the highly qualified people who abide by the law. It seems Japan's future will truly be 'brilliant'."

Also, opinions such as: "Isn't it fine?", "Sanae-chan, step on the accelerator (for foreigner restrictions) more!", "Those who want to exclude (Japan) and those who want to be excluded (Chinese people who still remain in Japan in this situation). What's the problem?", "(Chinese people in Japan) don't come back to China!", and "It doesn't matter. In the end, only 'Sei-Nichi' (spiritual Japanese; Japan lovers) will be affected. They brought it upon themselves" were seen.

On the other hand, views also emerged such as: "Isn't this primarily targeting Indians?", "Regarding the Business Manager visa, it's true that many people have been exploiting loopholes, and it's prone to misuse," and "There will be no particular impact on ordinary Chinese residents in Japan." (Translation and editing/Kitada)

政府では、在留外国人数の増加に伴って不安や不公平感を感じる国民の皆様がいらっしゃることに向き合い、「外国人政策」を「秩序」あるものとし、国民の皆様と外国人の双方が安全・安心に生活していけるようにするため、本年１月、『外国人の受入れ・秩序ある共生のための総合的対応策』を取りまとめ、…

— 高市早苗 (@takaichi_sanae) September 27, 2026