- Japan has established a new administrative body to address the impacts of over-tourism and other issues related to foreign nationals, following a record 36.8 million tourists in 2024.
- The creation of this “control tower” responds to growing concerns among residents regarding the rapid increase in foreign visitors and residents, and aims to tackle issues such as crime and disorderly conduct.
- The influx of foreign nationals, which reached a record 3.8 million last year, has made policies concerning non-Japanese residents a central issue in Sunday’s national election.
- Prime minister Shigeru Ishiba's Liberal Democratic Party proposed stricter rules for foreign nationals acquiring driving licences and buying property.
- Public unease over the rise in foreigners has boosted the popularity of the populist Sanseito party, posing a risk to the ruling coalition's majority in the 20 July upper house election.
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