Japan’s Immigration Policy Faces Major Overhaul

Japan’s Immigration Policy Faces Major Overhaul

法務大臣が外国人政策の大胆な見直しを提言――今こそ、欧米の失敗に学び、日本独自モデルをつくる最大のチャンスだ！（文春オンライン） - Yahoo!ニュース

Foreign resident policy has become a central topic in Japan’s ruling party leadership race — a stark contrast from the last election. On August 29, Justice Minister Keisuke Suzuki released a bold report calling for a comprehensive review of Japan’s immigration and residency policies.

From “Workers” to “Residents”

The report criticizes past policies as “short-sighted and reactive,” emphasizing the need to see foreign nationals not merely as laborers, but as community members and long-term residents. Suzuki warns that neglecting “social integration” risks repeating Europe’s mistakes.

A Narrow Window for Reform

While OECD countries average a 10% foreign population, Japan’s remains around 2.8%. Suzuki stresses that Japan still has time to design its own integration model before challenges escalate — making this moment a crucial turning point for the nation’s foreign resident policy.

【World News】India and China to Resume Direct Flights

インド中国の直行便、今月中に再開 関係改善加速、米政権関税に反発（朝日新聞） - Yahoo!ニュース

India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed on October 2 that both countries agreed to restart direct flights by late October, ending a suspension since 2020 border clashes.

First Route: Kolkata–Guangzhou

Low-cost carrier IndiGo will launch daily services between Kolkata and Guangzhou starting October 26. Flights connecting New Delhi and Guangzhou are also set to resume soon.

Strategic and Economic Significance

The move follows an August summit between PM Modi and President Xi, signaling thawing ties. It also reflects India’s push to normalize business relations with China, particularly after tensions with the U.S. over Russian oil imports and new tariffs.

【World News】Record Number of Foreign Workers under “Specified Skilled Worker” Visa

特定技能滞在33万人、過去最多 熟練要する「2号」は3千人（共同通信） - Yahoo!ニュース

Japan’s Immigration Services Agency announced on September 30 that the number of foreign residents under the “Specified Skilled Worker” visa reached a record 336,196 as of the end of June. This system, created in 2019 to address labor shortages, allows workers to stay up to 5 years (Type 1) or, with advanced skills, obtain a long-term path close to permanent residency (Type 2).

The number of Type 2 visa holders has surged to 3,073, about 3.7 times more than at the end of last year. By sector, the largest group works in food and beverage manufacturing (about 84,000). By nationality, Vietnam accounts for about 40%, followed by Indonesia and Myanmar. Roughly half of Type 1 holders transitioned directly from completing the Technical Intern Training Program.

From fiscal 2027, the government will abolish this program and launch a new system, “Development Employment,” designed to flow into the Specified Skilled Worker visa.

【World News】Burkina Faso Teachers Learn from Japanese Education

An NPO in Otsu City invited three elementary school teachers from Burkina Faso to Japan as part of an education support project. The initiative, led by former JICA volunteer and ex-teacher Yoko Ichikawa, was funded through crowdfunding that raised over 1.5 million yen.

The visiting teachers, including Donacien Dambrel, Fatimata Dao, and Bernard Sanu, observed classes at Ohara Elementary School in Koka City. They were especially interested in Japan’s jugyou kenkyuu (lesson study), where teachers observe and exchange feedback to improve teaching methods. The visitors noted children practicing calligraphy and eagerly asked about strategies to motivate students.

Sanu praised the structured system and philosophy of sharing experiences, saying it would be useful to apply back home. The group will continue visiting schools in Nagano, Tochigi, and Saitama before returning on the 29th.

【World News】Russia Launches Massive Attack on Kyiv

ウクライナ ロシア軍が無人機などで大規模な攻撃 首都では12歳の少女を含む4人死亡（TBS NEWS DIG Powered by JNN） - Yahoo!ニュース

Ukraine faced one of the largest and longest attacks on its capital since the start of the war. Between the night of September 27 and the morning of the 28th, Russia launched about 600 drones and 48 missiles across the country.

In Kyiv, four people, including a 12-year-old girl, were killed. The National Heart Institute and other buildings were damaged. Nationwide, more than 60 people were injured as strikes hit regions including Zaporizhzhia and Khmelnytskyi.

Reuters described the assault as “one of the longest sustained attacks on Kyiv” since the full-scale invasion began. President Zelenskyy urged stronger responses from Western nations, the G7, and G20 to increase pressure on Russia.

In response, Poland scrambled two fighter jets early on the 28th, though no airspace violations were confirmed. Heightened alerts remain after recent Russian drone incursions near its border.

【World News】Japan Tops Golden Week Travel Destinations

中国・国慶節連休23億人超が移動 当局が予測 海外旅行先は日本1位 大阪が人気（テレビ朝日系（ANN）） - Yahoo!ニュース

China’s “Golden Week” holiday, running from October 1 to 8, is set to see a massive 2.36 billion trips across the country, according to Chinese authorities. About 80% of travelers are expected to move by car, leading to heavy traffic nationwide.

When it comes to overseas travel, Japan has once again taken the top spot as the most popular destination among Chinese tourists. Osaka, currently hosting the World Expo, is the most sought-after city. This highlights Japan’s continued appeal as a nearby travel spot offering culture, shopping, and world-class attractions.

As travel demand surges, Japan’s inbound tourism sector is expected to benefit significantly from this seasonal rush.

【World Topics】Renewed Clashes at Thai–Cambodian Border

タイ・カンボジア国境「攻撃受けた」両軍主張 停戦2カ月、緊張再燃（朝日新聞） - Yahoo!ニュース

 

Border Clash Erupts Again

On September 27, Thai and Cambodian forces accused each other of firing across their shared border, raising fears of renewed conflict despite a ceasefire agreed in July.

The incident occurred near Thailand’s Ubon Ratchathani province and Cambodia’s Preah Vihear province. Thailand claimed Cambodian troops used guns and grenades, while Cambodia insisted Thai forces opened fire first. Local Thai media reported an exchange of gunfire lasting about 30 minutes. No casualties have been confirmed.

Ceasefire Under Strain

The two countries fought heavy battles in July, involving artillery and airstrikes, which left over 30 people dead and displaced nearly 100,000. The ceasefire, mediated by the U.S. and ASEAN, has been fragile, with both sides accusing each other of repeated violations.

Earlier this month, tensions flared again when Cambodian villagers clashed with Thai security forces at another border settlement, leading Thai troops to use rubber bullets and tear gas.

Unstable Future

The September 27 clash highlights the volatility of the border dispute. With both governments trading accusations and little trust between them, the risk of escalation remains high—threatening not only bilateral relations but also wider regional stability