不動産購入規制や「司令塔」強化、外国人政策で論戦…自民党総裁選主張分析（読売新聞オンライン） - Yahoo!ニュース
In the 2025 Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) presidential race, foreign policy—particularly concerning foreign residents and real estate ownership—has become a major point of contention. The issue gained momentum after being a key topic during the Upper House election in July.
Real Estate Restrictions
Two candidates, Takayuki Kobayashi (former Economic Security Minister) and Sanae Takaichi (former Economic Security Minister), have advocated stricter rules on property acquisitions by foreign individuals and corporations. They argue that increasing purchases of land and apartments by foreigners are driving up prices nationwide and raising national security concerns.
Kobayashi vowed to tighten regulations on “strategically important land and residential properties.”
Takaichi, recalling her attempt in 2011 to legislate restrictions, explained that Japan’s commitment under WTO agreements—requiring equal treatment for Japanese and foreigners—blocked progress at the time. She now calls for negotiations with WTO members and new rules governing property ownership.
Toshimitsu Motegi (former LDP Secretary-General) stressed centralized land management and greater transparency, along with strict responses to improper acquisitions.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi suggested requiring nationality disclosure for all land transactions, similar to the current system for farmland applications.
Strengthening Oversight
Shinjiro Koizumi (Minister of Agriculture) emphasized the need for greater transparency in property deals and action against misuse of welfare systems such as health insurance and child allowances. He pledged to create an action plan by year’s end, focusing on data collection and rule revisions.
The government already launched a new headquarters organization for foreign resident issues in July. Both Koizumi and Takaichi proposed expanding this into a stronger command center directly led by the Prime Minister, with powers to draft and enforce laws.
Managing Foreign Worker Inflows
Japan faces an aging population and severe labor shortages, prompting the government to expand foreign labor acceptance. In 2019, it introduced the “Specified Skilled Worker” visa, targeting industries like agriculture, caregiving, and construction. That program set numerical limits on entrants, and the upcoming “Training Employment” system (to replace Technical Intern Training in April 2027) is also expected to impose caps. However, many other visa categories have no upper limits.
Within the government, debate has begun over whether to establish nationwide ceilings on foreign worker intake. Opposition parties are also weighing in:
Nippon Ishin (Japan Innovation Party) proposed capping the overall ratio of foreigners in the population and introducing total intake limits.
Hayashi responded positively, noting the need for Japan to carefully “adjust the pace” of foreign population growth.
Kobayashi also emphasized reducing reliance on foreign labor by promoting digitalization and creating more opportunities for Japanese workers.
The Bigger Picture
While foreigners have become an essential support in Japan’s labor force, there is growing tension between national security, economic needs, and public opinion. The article stresses that instead of fueling xenophobic or exclusionary rhetoric, candidates should present practical frameworks for coexistence—balancing transparency, fair rules, and sustainable integration.
The LDP race thus reflects broader questions about Japan’s future direction: how to protect national interests while building a society that works with, rather than against, foreign residents.
