Is Japan Really a Monolithic Society and what does this mean for Foreigners buying homes in Japan?

There’s a commonly held—and almost romantic—belief that Japan is a homogeneous society. This notion has deep historical roots, often tied to Japan’s famous isolationist period known as Sakoku, a policy that lasted from 1603 to 1868, during which Japan effectively closed its borders to the rest of the world for 265 years. The reasons for this isolation are still debated, but the most widely accepted theory is that it was meant to prevent colonial powers like Spain and Portugal from spreading Christianity and exerting influence.

This idea of Japan as a “pure” ethno-state has long persisted, and for much of modern history, it wasn't far off from reality. But today, things are shifting quite rapidly.

Japan’s Growing Foreign Population

At first glance, it’s easy to assume that Japan remains one of the world’s most homogeneous nations. As of the end of 2024, the foreign population in Japan stood at a record high of 3.7 million people—which is still only about 3% of the total population. But this surface-level figure doesn’t tell the whole story. If you zoom out and look at the historical context, the growth of Japan’s foreign population has been nothing short of exponential.

Back in 1985, Japan had only about 500,000 foreign residents. Fast forward to today, and that number has increased more than sevenfold. The momentum is especially striking in recent years. Even though Japan’s native population continues to decline—by around 2,200 people per day on average—the country is now adding about 1,200 new immigrants daily, and that figure is climbing. So while Japan is far from being as diverse as countries like the United States, Canada, or even Germany and France, the demographic shift that’s occurring right now is both rapid and significant.

Why the Sudden Increase in Immigration?

1. The Demographic Time Bomb

Japan has long been facing a demographic crisis. With one of the world's lowest birth rates (1.26 as of 2024) and a rapidly aging population—nearly 30% of Japanese citizens are over the age of 65—the country has had to face a hard truth: Without a boost from immigration, its labor force and economy are in serious jeopardy.

For years, Japan resisted mass immigration in favor of technological solutions and domestic reforms. But recently, that stance has started to shift. In 2019, Japan introduced a new visa category under the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) program, aimed at bringing in foreign workers to fill labor shortages in key industries like construction, nursing, food service, and agriculture. As of 2024, over 200,000 foreign workers have entered Japan under this new system—helping not only to plug labor gaps but also to slowly shift societal attitudes around immigration.

Japan’s government is now actively investing in support programs for foreign workers, easing language requirements for certain visa types, and even discussing pathways to permanent residency for those who stay long-term. This is a major departure from Japan’s historically strict immigration policy.

2. The Evolution of Japanese Corporate Culture

The other piece of the puzzle lies within Japan’s own business world. For decades, Japanese companies operated under a seniority-based pay system that heavily favored older employees. The majority of a company’s financial resources were reserved for senior staff, while entry-level salaries remained relatively low. This made it difficult for Japanese firms to attract foreign talent, particularly those with international skills, multilingual abilities, or experience working abroad.

This rigid pay structure didn’t just discourage foreign workers—it also limited innovation.

Since around 2020, especially in tech and global-facing industries, more companies have begun reforming their salary and promotion systems to reward performance over tenure. This shift has made Japan more competitive in the global labor market and far more attractive to young, ambitious foreigners looking to work abroad. The rise of remote work and international collaboration has only accelerated this trend, opening the door for a more global workforce.

Companies like Rakuten, Mercari, and even traditional giants like Toyota have increased their hiring of non-Japanese staff, with some firms now offering bilingual workplaces and international onboarding programs as the norm, not the exception.

What the Census Doesn’t Tell You

When diving into the details of Japan’s national census, something stands out—there is no question about race or ethnicity. Instead, there’s a single question about nationality, offering two checkboxes: Japanese or Foreign. If you’re a naturalized citizen, or the child of immigrants born in Japan, you’re often will check “Japanese.” That means ethnic diversity is effectively invisible in official statistics.

To illustrate: if my wife and I, and American couple of European descent moves to Japan, naturalizes, and has two children, all four members of our family will be counted as “Japanese” in the census. Even though very clearly we are not ethnically Japanese. This is extremely misleading compared to how most other nations do census data.

So while the official number of foreigners is 3.7 million, the actual number of non-ethnic Japanese living in Japan—naturalized citizens, multiracial Japanese (sometimes referred to as "hafu"), and second- or third-generation immigrants—is likely significantly higher. Some unofficial estimates suggest the real number could be twice or even three times higher than what is reported, potentially approaching 10% of the population.

Why doesn’t Japan track race or ethnicity in its census? The official explanation is that it’s done for privacy reasons. Others speculate that it helps avoid political controversy by downplaying just how diverse Japan is becoming.

The Quiet Rise of Multiculturalism

In recent years, Japan has slowly begun to open its doors due to pressing demographic challenges. With one of the world’s oldest populations and a shrinking workforce, Japan has introduced new visa programs to attract foreign labor, especially in industries like caregiving, construction, and hospitality.

You’ll now find growing communities of Vietnamese, Filipino, Chinese, Brazilian, and Nepali residents in cities across Japan. In 2023, for example, Vietnamese residents overtook South Koreans to become the second-largest foreign group after Chinese nationals. And in places like Tokyo, Yokohama, and Osaka, multicultural neighborhoods are becoming more common.

Tokyo, in particular, is evolving into an international city. As of 2024, over 580,000 foreign nationals live in the Tokyo metropolitan area ( and that’s counting only those who marked as foreigner on the census the number is likely much higher)—more than any other prefecture in Japan. Walk through neighborhoods like Shin-Okubo (Tokyo’s Koreatown), Ikebukuro (with its growing Chinese community), or even areas like Minato and Shibuya, and you’ll see signs in multiple languages, international grocery stores, and a growing number of foreign-run businesses. International schools are expanding, and English-speaking services are increasingly accessible. For many foreigners and multiracial families, Tokyo is becoming one of the few places in Japan where they feel truly at home.

So, Is Japan becoming an immigrant superpower?

Maybe just maybe.

While Japan is still overwhelmingly Japanese by ethnicity and culture, it is not as homogenous as it appears on paper. The lack of census data on ethnicity masks a growing and diverse population of foreigners, naturalized citizens, and multiracial families. As the country continues to face demographic pressure and labor shortages, this quiet multiculturalism is only expected to grow.

The romantic idea of a culturally pure, isolated Japan may live on in popular imagination, but the reality is more nuanced—and far more interesting.

What Does This Mean for You as a Buyer?

If you’re seriously considering buying a home in Japan—whether as an investment or a place to eventually live—the country’s evolving demographics and immigration policies are worth paying attention to.

What I always tell my clients is this: I hope Japan continues to ease immigration policies, and not just for the economic benefits. A more open Japan means more acceptance of foreigners, more international services, and an easier transition for expats looking to live here long term. The increase in foreign residents also supports real estate values in certain markets and slowly chips away at the narrative that Japan is difficult for outsiders to integrate into.

That said, if you’re planning on moving to Japan after purchasing your home with us, it’s essential to respect local customs and cultural expectations. Especially in rural areas, where communities are tight-knit and traditions are strong, it goes a long way to learn basic Japanese, show humility, and build rapport with neighbors. Something as simple as bringing a small gift to introduce yourself—a common custom called "osonae"—can earn a lot of goodwill.

At the same time, the increase in international residents, particularly in cities like Tokyo, Fukuoka, and Sapporo, will make the transition much easier than it would have been even ten years ago. The growing presence of foreign-owned businesses, English-friendly services, and global communities means that Japan is no longer as isolating for newcomers as it once was.

So, How Do You Get Residency or Citizenship in Japan?

Let me be clear—I'm not a visa specialist or immigration lawyer. But over the years, I've seen several clients successfully make the jump from foreign buyer to full-time resident, and in some cases, even naturalized citizen.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here are some of the more common paths foreigners have taken to live in Japan long-term after purchasing property:

Attending a Japanese University

Once being accepted into a Japanese University, the school will help you obtain your student visa. It is generally easier for a foreign student to gain admission to a Japanese university compared to their Japanese counterparts, but the basic requirements for having a chance to get accepted include:

12 years of school in your home country or an International Baccalaureate diploma (the German Abitur is also accepted by many universities)

A valid passport

Proof that you can pay all of your university expenses

Japanese language skills (not absolutely required but will certainly assist you with getting through classes more smoothly)

References from professors/teachers

High school transcripts/diplomas

Taking the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (which may also require taking the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) if you are not a native English speaker and applying for a program that requires English speaking skills)

Applying for a Japanese university is a post unto itself, but for a list of Japanese universities to which you can apply, check out the following link:

http://univinjapan.com/list.html

Studying at a Japanese Language School

Just like the Japanese university arranging the proper documents required for you to submit with your student visa application, Japanese language schools can also play the part of employer and help you achieve your dream of getting to Japan (if planning to study in Japan for longer than 90 days).

Please find a link below to a database of several Japanese language schools throughout Japan. Some of the websites will only be in Japanese, but use a Google Chrome browser that offers Google Translate to navigate your way through these all Japanese sites. If your Japanese is very limited, you may want to contact schools that offer more English support.

http://www.aikgroup.co.jp/j-school/english/index.htm

Please note that anyone receiving a student visa, whether from a university or language school, need to apply for the visa from a Japanese consulate or embassy before entering Japan. In order to be able to work as a student in Japan, you must apply for permission from the Minister of Justice in advance (please ask your employer in Japan or language school for information about this).

People residing in Japan on student visas are only able to work in Japan for up to 28 hours per week and up to eight hours a day when school is not in session.

Please also contact your university or language school at least two months in advance of your student visa expiration date so that they can assist you with renewing your student visa if necessary

1. For those with four-year (Bachelor’s) degrees

This is how I got in and how many people that I first met in Japan were able to get one-year visas to enter the country as English teachers on what is known as “Specialist in Humanities/International Services” visas. All in all, there are 14 different work visas to get into Japan, but the most common visa for English teachers being hired by eikaiwa (conversation schools) or other language schools is the “Specialist in Humanities/International Services.”

Essentially, you will first interview at an office of the Japanese-based company in your home country or go through a Skype or phone session that may will allow you to get the documents from a company already in Japan

I’ll be honest. For those with four-year degrees and have native English speaking ability, it is by far the easiest to get this visa in order to become an English teacher in Japan. You do not need to have a degree in anything English-related to become an English teacher – just a four-year degree.

Getting the degree will require a trip to your local Japanese consulate or embassy after the company that has hired you sends you their end of the paperwork, which hopefully should include a Certificate of Eligibility from the company or organization that is sponsoring your move to Japan. It is possible to obtain a work visa with alternative documentation (documents supporting your stated reason for living in Japan, proof of financial means of support), but getting a Certificate of Eligibility will make the process so much easier for you.

This visa usually lasts for one year and will require good standing with the company to get it renewed (a.k.a. they will have to give you more paperwork so that you can go to a Japanese immigration office and get it renewed). If you’re lucky, your renewed Specialist In Humanities/International Services visa may last 3 or 5 years. Five years of extension is becoming more common after Japanese Immigration policies underwent a major overhaul in July, 2012.

Here is a link to some of the most popular English language schools in Japan. I strongly advise you to research each of these schools separately to find out more about their reputations. A separate post will be forthcoming from me on the differences between these schools.

Eikaiwa (Conversation Schools)

Berlitz: http://teach.berlitz.co.jp/

Gaba: http://teaching-in-japan.gaba.co.jp/

ECC: http://recruiting.ecc.co.jp/

Coco Juku: http://www.cocojuku.jp/recruit/

NOVA: http://www.nova.co.jp/hd/teachinjapan/

2. The “Instructor Visa”

Some companies in Japan that hire people from abroad to work as Assistant Language Teachers in Japanese public schools will put new hires on what is known as an “Instructor’s Visa”. This visa is restricted to Japanese public schools. By its definition, the “Instructor’s Visa” does not allow someone working with it in Japan to work in as many capacities/types of companies as someone would be on a “Specialist in Humanities/International Services.” This makes it harder to transfer to non-teaching companies on the “Instructor Visa.” It is possible to get this visa changed by a new employer, but it may take longer starting out on the “Instructor’s Visa.”

Something important to note about working visas in Japan is that your visa belongs to you in Japan once you receive it. Those who teach in certain other countries, such as South Korea, for example, are no in control of their own visas. If you cut your contract early with the public school or conversation schools in these countries, you will have to leave the country and cannot switch companies on the same visa. In Japan, as long as you still have time left on your visa, you can switch to working with a different company on the same visa while continuing to stay in Japan.

Dispatch Companies That Will Help Place You in Japanese Public Schools as an Assistant Language Teacher

Interac http://www.interacnetwork.com/recruit/global.html

Sagan Speak http://saganspeak.com/recruit/

3. The JET Program (the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program)

According to the JET website, the JET Program “started in 1987 with the purpose of increasing mutual understanding between the people of Japan and the people of other nations. It aims to promote internationalism in Japan’s local communities by helping to improve foreign language education and developing international exchange at the community level. 2015 marks the 29th year of the JET Program. Over the past 29 years, it has seen significant growth, from its original 848 participants from 4 countries in 1987, to 4,786 participants from 43 countries at present.”

I personally think that the JET Program is one of the best deals for getting to Japan as it is a prestigious program to put on a CV or resume and is sponsored by the Japanese government itself. Being in the JET program allows one to be fully immersed in Japanese communities, often in rural locations, and receive a nice reduction in living costs while being paid a respectable salary compared to many working for conversation schools and dispatch companies to public schools but you must apply before arriving in Japan and it is competitive to get into the program. I also didn’t know about it before I made it to Japan. Those who are Japanese language majors and involved in cultural studies programs in university seem to have a better chance of finding out about the JET Program before arriving in Japan.

One important thing to note is that a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree is required to be accepted into the JET programme. Applicants should also not have lived in Japan for six or more years total before 2006.

For lots of information about the JET Programme, check out JET’s homepage at http://jetprogramme.org/en/eligibility/

4. The Working Holiday Life

If you come from certain countries that have bilateral agreements with Japan for working holiday visas, you will be able to get a working holiday visa for six months and then renew for two more six-month periods for a total of 18 months.

The working holiday program first started with Australia in 1980 and now includes 14 countries as of July, 2015. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan website, 10,000 young people get their working holiday visas to Japan annually from 14 different countries. For more information, click here: http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/w_holiday/

and pay close attention to the age, residency, and nationality limitations.

Please note: The U.S.A. is not included among the 14 countries. For those wanting to live in Japan from the U.S., you will not be able to enter the country on this visa. These countries include:

Australia

New Zealand

Canada

Republic of Korea

France

Germany

The United Kingdom

Ireland

Denmark

Taiwan

Hong Kong

Norway

Portugal

Poland

In order to get a working holiday visa, you will need to prove that you have sufficient funds to support yourself. You also need to submit a CV or resume along with all other required documents. Once you arrive in Japan, you must also need to register with the embassy of your home country. It is also important to note that the working holiday visa only allows entry to Japan once. If you need to leave Japan during the length of your working holiday visa, you may run the risk of being denied re-entry into Japan. Working holiday visas are often granted for six-month periods and can be renewed twice for a total of 18 months. This may vary from country to country, so please check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs link above.

For even more information on the working holiday programme, please click on the link to the Japanese Association for Working Holiday Makers (JAWHM): http://www.jawhm.or.jp/eng/

5. Cultural Activities Visas

For those people not covered by a student visa but who wish to stay longer than the typical period covered by a tourist visa, the “Cultural Activities Visa” is an option. This is a common route for martial arts students coming to Japan. Application for this visa includes the list of normal documents required along with proof of your cultural activities.

6. Volunteer Visa

Attention citizens from the United Kingdom!

Under a bilateral agreement between the United Kingdom and Japan, the “Volunteer Visa Scheme” makes it possible for UK citizens to volunteer in Japan for up to one year. Individuals on the Volunteer visa may volunteer in Japan for up to one year and must work for a registered charitable organization providing services to the public (such as The Red Cross). In addition, those on a Volunteer Visa may not receive payment for their work or bring children or spouses with them to Japan.

7. Spouse or Child of Japanese National

Like many countries, this is always an option. However, like many other countries, there are restrictions that require careful reading of requirements before applying for the visa.

On this visa, you can work freely, the same as if you were a Japanese citizen.

For those married to a Japanese spouse, you must be legally married to your spouse, be living together (unless unavoidable reasons for not doing so can be proven), and also prove that you have a stable income. I have heard of people receiving only a one-year spousal upon first application, but this should be able to be extended after the first one-year visa.

One important note here is that someone who gets a spousal visa can apply for a permanent resident visa after only three years instead of a waiting ten years to apply if they were on a working visa.

It turns out that there are 27 types of visas in Japan with different requirements and activities allowed under each one of them.

These 27 visas can essentially be broken down into 3 different categories:

Working Visas

Non-working Visas

Family-related Visas

To find out more about the 27 different visas including Japan’s points-based system for “highly skilled foreign professionals” (which includes advanced academic research, specialized/technical activities, and business management activities), please click the following link: http://www.juridique.jp/immigration.html

Want more insights like this? Follow along as we explore Japan beyond the surface. And if you're thinking about buying a home in Japan, from ski towns in Hokkaido to seaside escapes in Kyushu, we're here to help.👉 Visit YukiHomes.com or DM us to schedule your free consultation today.