B2 – Upper Intermediate
Japan recorded a record 42.4 million foreign arrivals and 4.13 million foreign residents in 2025 while tightening immigration enforcement under its “Zero Plan.”
Overstayers declined for a second year, deportations and entry denials increased, and asylum applications fell as screening became stricter.
Despite tougher controls, tourism and regional travel continued to surge, raising questions about how Japan will balance stricter enforcement with its growing need for foreign workers amid population decline.
Listen to the audio and read the article about Japan’s tighter immigration controls yielding results.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/04/09/japan/society/immigration-control-data
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “overstayer” mean? “The government aims to cut asylum processing times to six months by 2030 and reduce the number of illegal overstayers to zero.” Use the word in a sentence in this context. Give a synonym.
- What does “humanitarian ground” mean? “Japan granted refugee status to 187 people in 2025, while 474 were given complementary protection and 525 were allowed to stay on humanitarian grounds.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
- What does “recognition rate for refugees” mean? “Recognition rates for refugees remain low. ” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
Discussion Questions:
- Why has the number of foreign arrivals increased in Japan despite stricter immigration controls?
- What are your insights on Japan’s Zero Illegal Foreign Residents Plan?
- Do you think stricter immigration policies can effectively reduce illegal overstayers without discouraging tourism and foreign workers?
- What are the possible advantages and disadvantages of faster asylum processing and expanded deportation efforts?
- Should Japan prioritize stronger border enforcement or a more welcoming immigration system to address labor shortages?