Japan's General Election Results and Their Impact on Foreign Residents
- Yuki sensei
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Hello everyone! This is Yuki-sensei.
On Sunday, February 8, 2026, Japan held its General Election for the House of Representatives. The result was a landslide victory for the Liberal Democratic Party (自民党(Jimintou):LDP).
For those of you thinking, "Japanese politics seems complicated..." or "How will this change my life in Japan?", I have summarized the Japanese political system and how these election results will specifically affect foreign residents and travelers.
1. Basics of Japanese Politics: How it differs from a Presidential System
First, let's look at the basic rules of the Japanese government.
Parliamentary Cabinet System Unlike the "Presidential System" in the U.S. or South Korea, the people do not vote for the leader directly. Instead, the "Diet members" elected by the people choose the leader (the Prime Minister) from among themselves. The election held last Sunday was to choose these Diet members.
Role of the Diet The Diet is the "sole law-making organ" of the state. This is where new laws are created and where rules regarding visas and immigration are decided.
2. 2026 General Election Results: A Landslide for the LDP
In this election, the ruling LDP (under the administration of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi) achieved a historic victory.
By securing more than two-thirds of the seats (316 seats) in the House of Representatives, the LDP now has the power to pass policies and laws much more easily. This means their vision for Japan will be very strongly reflected in the coming years.
3. Key "Foreign Resident Policies" of the LDP
The LDP aims for a "Strong and Prosperous Japan." Their policy regarding foreign nationals focuses on balancing "Stricter Management" with "Accepting High-Quality Human Resources."
Stricter Screening: Examinations for visa status and Japanese citizenship will become more thorough and cautious.
Countermeasures against Illegal Stays: The budget will be significantly increased to ensure proper immigration management.
Land Transaction Regulations: Rules will be established for the purchase of Japanese land (real estate) by foreign nationals based on national security.
4. Specific Impacts on Your Life in Japan
With the LDP's victory, certain policy changes will now accelerate. Based on the latest information, here is what you can expect:
① Significant Increase in Visa (Status of Residence) Fees
The government is planning to significantly raise the fees for immigration procedures, aiming for implementation within the 2026 fiscal year. These fees are expected to rise from a few thousand yen to several tens of thousand yen.
Type of Procedure | Current Fee | Estimated Fee (from 2026) |
Extension of Stay | ¥4,000 | ¥30,000 〜 ¥40,000 |
Change of Status | ¥4,000 | ¥30,000 〜 ¥40,000 |
Permanent Residency | ¥8,000 | ¥100,000 or more |
※Yuki-sensei's Advice: The purpose of this increase is to strengthen the screening system. If your visa is up for renewal soon, make sure to set aside extra funds for these costs!
② 1.23 Million Workers by 2028: "Specified Skilled Worker" & "Training and Employment"
Japan is facing a serious labor shortage, so the government plans to significantly increase the number of foreign workers.
Expansion of Acceptance: The government has decided on a plan to accept up to 1,231,900 workers over the five-year period ending in fiscal 2028.
New System: The new "Training and Employment" (Ikusei Shuro) system will replace the old Technical Intern Training Program, making it easier for workers to improve their skills and eventually aim for permanent residency.
③ Real Estate: Stricter Rules and Surveys
If you are planning to buy a home or invest in Japan, please take note of these two major changes:
Mandatory Nationality Registration (Starting 2026)
Previously, it was not required to state your nationality on the real estate register. However, starting in 2026, all individuals (both Japanese and foreign) will be required to report their nationality when registering property. You will need to submit a copy of your passport or a certificate of residence.
Restrictions near "Critical Land" Land within approximately 1km of Self-Defense Force bases, airports, or nuclear power plants will be subject to the "Important Land Use Restriction Act." The government will survey the names and nationalities of owners. If use is deemed "inappropriate" for national security, the government can order the cessation of use or the sale of the land. (※This is a law that is already in place.)
④ Taxes: Zero Consumption Tax on Food?
Prime Minister Takaichi has proposed a plan to temporarily reduce the consumption tax on food and beverages to zero. This would be great news for both residents and tourists, as it would lower daily living costs.
Conclusion: What does the future hold?
With the LDP’s landslide victory, Japan is moving toward a future where "those who follow the rules will have more opportunities, but management and oversight will be stricter than ever."
Laws and rules in Japan change quickly. At Yuki sensei's class , I am here to support you not just with the language, but with the latest news you need to live safely and happily in Japan!
Learn Japanese and Stay Informed!
Understanding political news in Japanese will make your life in Japan much easier and more enjoyable. Why not study words like "Election" (Senkyo), "Law" (Horitsu), and "Renewal" (Koshin) with Yuki sensei?
Start with a trial lesson! [Contact me here]
See you in the next lesson!
Comments