Economy of Japan – Author Carlo Carrasco

Japan And The Philippines Committed To Develop Luzon Economic Corridor

June 3, 2026May 29, 2026carlocarrasco

Following the big meeting between Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae and Philippines president Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos in Tokyo, the two nations confirmed they will work together on developing the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) into an economic hub described as “world-class”, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…

The Philippines and Japan have reaffirmed their commitment to transform the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) into a “world-class economic hub,” recognizing its strategic role in strengthening regional economic architecture and global supply chain resilience.

In a joint statement following a summit meeting in Tokyo, Japan on Thursday, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi pledged to deepen cooperation on high-impact infrastructure and economic initiatives under the LEC framework.

Priority areas include rail and port modernization, clean energy, semiconductor supply chains, digital connectivity, agribusiness, and civilian port upgrades.

“They also reaffirmed their strong commitment to transforming the LEC into a world-class economic hub that strengthens global supply chains, accelerates economic development, and delivers mutual economic prosperity,” the joint statement read.

The LEC is a trilateral initiative involving the Philippines, Japan, and the United States (US) aimed at enhancing connectivity and economic growth across Luzon, particularly along the Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas corridor.

The Philippines and Japan acknowledged the importance of trilateral cooperation with the US and coordination with like-minded partners such as Australia and India in upholding a “free and open” international order based on the rule of law.

The two leaders emphasized that strengthening infrastructure connectivity and resilience through Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) is vital not only to the Philippines’ economic growth but also to regional stability.

Japan reaffirmed its support for “high-quality, resilient, and sustainable infrastructure development” to help advance the Philippines’ economic and social transformation.

The two countries also agreed to deepen cooperation in economic security, including efforts to strengthen resilient and diversified supply chains in critical minerals, renewable energy, automotive manufacturing, and advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI).

They likewise committed to enhancing collaboration on digital infrastructure, including undersea cables and 5G Open RAN technologies, while promoting secure and trustworthy AI ecosystems through the Japan-ASEAN Co-creation Initiative for AI.

On trade and investment, both sides stressed the importance of full implementation of existing agreements such as the Philippines-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership, and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think Japan’s involvement in the Luzon Economic Corridor will be beneficial to the Philippines economically? What do you think Japan can gain from developing the Luzon Economic Corridor?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Tanker With Oil From The Middle East Finally Arrives In Japan

May 30, 2026May 26, 2026carlocarrasco

After previously getting blocked from passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a Japanese oil tanker finally arrived home with two million barrels of crude oil from the Middle East and they did not pay a transit fee to the terrorist state of Iran, according to a Kyodo News report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of Kyodo News. Some parts in boldface…

A Japanese oil tanker arrived in Japan on Monday, becoming the first to transit the Strait of Hormuz since the start of the Iran war, which has left traffic through the vital energy route heavily restricted.

The tanker, operated by a unit of major refiner Idemitsu Kosan Co., brought 2 million barrels of crude, equivalent to about 80 percent of daily domestic demand, to Aichi Prefecture in central Japan, according to sources close to the matter.

Its crew, including three Japanese, is in good health, they said.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara told a press conference the ship’s arrival in Japan is “pleasant news in terms of securing a stable energy supply.”

After the effective closure of the strait by Iran, the Japanese government asked the country to ensure free and safe passage through the strait for vessels of all countries.

There are still 39 Japan-related vessels stranded in the Persian Gulf, including one with Japanese crew members aboard, said Kihara, the top government spokesman.

“We will continue to proactively make all diplomatic efforts and ensure coordination,” so all vessels can pass through the strait as soon as possible, he added.

According to data from the Automatic Identification System on vessels, the Idemitsu Maru, a Panamanian-flagged ship measuring more than 300 meters, entered the Persian Gulf in late February before the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran.

It loaded crude oil in Saudi Arabia and left in early March after the strait was blocked. Its passage was temporarily halted off the coast of Abu Dhabi, but it passed the Strait of Hormuz on April 28. It did not pay Iran a transit fee, the sources said.

After leaving the Persian Gulf, the vessel passed through waters off India and the Strait of Malacca before arriving in Japan.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the remaining stranded Japanese oil tankers will eventually pass through the Straight of Hormuz to deliver crude oil home safely? Do you think the terrorist regime of Iran will harass international oil tankers and engage in extortion soon?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Japan Supports Oil Diversification In Southeast Asia

May 29, 2026May 26, 2026carlocarrasco

For a few months now, the economies of Southeast Asian nations have been affected by the higher costs of imported oil from the Middle East and there is no telling what evil the terrorist state of Iran could do with regards to the critical Strait of Hormuz. As such, the need for Southeast Asian nations to diversify their crude oil procurement sources is clear and Japan confirmed it will help them, according to a news article by Jiji Press with additional content from Manila Bulletin.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article of Jiji Press. Some parts in boldface…

The Japanese government plans to help Southeast Asian countries diversify their crude oil procurement sources, in order to stabilize petrochemical supply chains amid the ongoing Middle East tensions.

Faced with recent energy shocks following the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Southeast Asian nations, which depend heavily on imported crude oil, are working to reduce their reliance on Middle East oil.

The Philippines has depended on the Middle East for more than 90 pct of its crude oil imports. In March, the Philippines declared a national energy emergency due to soaring crude oil prices.

The Southeast Asian nation recently started importing crude oil from Russia, even while some countries have reduced or halted imports from Russia as part of sanctions following its invasion of Ukraine. The Philippines has also shown a willingness to pursue joint oil and gas exploration with China in the South China Sea, where the two countries have territorial disputes.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said in a recent interview, “I don’t think that we will go back to the old system where the majority of the petroleum products that are coming out of the Strait of Hormuz are going to Asia.”

Marcos expressed expectations that Asian countries will further advance the diversification of their crude oil supply sources in the coming years.

Other member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, such as Thailand and Vietnam, are also seeking to diversify their procurement of crude oil by increasing imports from the United States and African countries, in addition to Russia.

At an ASEAN summit in Cebu in the Philippines earlier this month, leaders reaffirmed in a joint statement their commitment to diversifying crude oil procurement sources and promoting energy trade in the region. They also exchanged views on the idea of establishing joint oil and gas reserves.

Meanwhile, the Japanese government is wary of the potential impact on domestic supply chains if supply chains in Southeast Asia, a petrochemical manufacturing hub, are disrupted.

“Supporting supply chains in Asian countries will directly contribute to strengthening the Japanese economy,” Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said, indicating her intention to support ASEAN.

In April, the Japanese government announced a framework to provide financial support of 10 billion dollars, or around 1.6 trillion yen, to help stabilize energy supplies in Asian countries.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think Japan’s support for oil diversification in Southeast Asia is crucial for both itself and the region? Do you think Japan’s $10 billion plan will succeed in stabilizing the energy supplies of Asian nations? Do you think the Philippines will fall into an economic recession this year if the oil prices remained high? Do you think it is a wise idea for the Philippines to pursue a joint oil and gas exploration in the South China Sea with Communist China?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Economy Of Japan Grows 2.1% In 1st Quarter Of 2026

May 24, 2026May 19, 2026carlocarrasco

Thanks to the recovery in exports and private consumption, the economy of Japan grew by 2.1% in the first quarter this year, according to a Kyodo News report. Still, there will be challenges ahead for the Japanese economy as the nation is still dependent on the Middle East for its crude oil needs and there is the possibility that the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran could start a new series of conflicts in the said region.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of Kyodo News Some parts in boldface…

Japan’s economy grew an annualized real 2.1 percent in the January-March period, marking the second straight quarterly expansion, led by a recovery in exports and private consumption, government data showed Tuesday, with the full impact of the Middle East conflict yet to be felt.

In the first quarter of 2026, gross domestic product adjusted for inflation increased 0.5 percent from the October-December period, the Cabinet Office said in its preliminary report, beating market expectations. GDP is the total value of goods and services produced in a country.

Economists polled by the Japan Center for Economic Research had forecast an annualized real expansion of 1.56 percent while expecting growth to slow to 0.45 percent in the April-June quarter, amid concern that the Middle East crisis and surging crude oil prices will weigh on corporate profits and consumer spending.

In the January-March period, private consumption, which accounts for more than half of the economy, grew 0.3 percent, rising for the fifth straight quarter, helped by strong demand for clothing and a boost in spending at restaurants, an official said.

Spending was also underpinned by state subsidies for gas and electricity bills and solid wage growth, as rising earnings saw companies move to attract and retain talent, economists said.

But with data showing a rapid deterioration in consumer sentiment due to the Middle East conflict, its impact on private consumption warrants close attention, another government official said.

In the January-March period, exports rose 1.7 percent from the October-December quarter on a recovery in auto shipments bound for the U.S. market and strong demand for machinery and electrical devices for industrial purposes. Imports edged up 0.5 percent.

Economists said shipments to the world’s largest economy have been recovering due to receding uncertainty over U.S. tariff policy following a bilateral deal struck last year.

Business investment rose 0.3 percent from the previous quarter, with increased expenditure for research and development on the back of robust corporate profits and for general-purpose machinery and electric lighting fixtures, the first official said.

She said the impact on the data of the Middle East conflict, triggered by U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran that began in late February, was unclear.

Prolonged tensions in the Middle East could affect imports of crude oil and petroleum products such as naphtha and hit exports bound for the region, economists said.

GDP was dampened 0.1 percentage point by a reduction in private inventories, apparently due to the government’s decision to release oil from stockpiles, starting with those held by the private sector.

Japan’s heavy reliance on oil imports from the Middle East makes the country vulnerable to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping artery, with surging oil prices feared to drive up inflation.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Monday the government will consider compiling a supplementary budget for fiscal 2026 to ease the impact of elevated crude oil prices.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the economy of Japan can still maintain its growth rate in the 2^nd quarter? Do you think Japan will soon import oil from other parts of the world to reduce its dependence on the Middle East? Do you think Japan’s ties with Trump-led America will open new windows that will help Japanese exporters a lot?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Japan’s Child Population Declines To New Low Of 13.29 Million

May 14, 2026May 11, 2026carlocarrasco

Japan, which is one of the largest economies of the world, has an enduring population growth problem as low fertility rates stubbornly remained. That said, the child population of Japan has declined yet again reaching a new all-time low of 13.29 million, according to a news report of Kyodo News. The said figure even includes foreign residents.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of Kyodo News Some parts in boldface…

Japan’s child population has shrunk to an estimated 13.29 million as of April 1, down 350,000 from a year earlier and marking a new record low, the government said Monday.

The ratio of children under 15 dropped 0.3 percentage point to 10.8 percent of the total population, also the lowest since comparable data became available in 1950, according to data released by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications ahead of the national Children’s Day holiday on Tuesday.

The figures, including foreign residents, were calculated using population estimates that are based on a national census conducted every five years.

While the Japanese government has prioritized measures to address the declining birthrate and designated the period through 2030 as a “final opportunity to reverse the trend,” the decline has continued for 45 years despite steps such as expanding financial support for child-rearing households.

By gender, there were 6.81 million boys and 6.48 million girls, according to the data.

By age, 3.09 million children were 12 to 14, whereas 2.13 million were 0 to 2, indicating a trend of fewer children being born.

The number of children, including foreigners, born in Japan in 2025 hit a record low of 705,809, declining for the 10th consecutive year, according to preliminary data released by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.

Japan’s child population has been falling since 1982, after peaking in 1954 at 29.89 million, while a second baby boom was observed between 1971 and 1974. The ratio of children has also been falling for the 52nd consecutive year since 1975.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the government’s efforts to reverse Japan’s low birthrate will eventually create positive results over the next several years? Are you convinced that allowing a larger number of foreigners to migrate to Japan will solve the birthrate problem? Do you think the government of Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae will come up with new plans to increase Japanese birthrates?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Ibaraki Prefecture’s Rewards Program For Tips On Illegal Foreign Workers In Effect

May 12, 2026May 11, 2026carlocarrasco

Ibaraki Prefecture’s policy on rewarding those who report businesses hiring illegal foreign workers has officially taken effect yesterday and if the information leads to an enforcement action, the tipster will be rewarded 10,000 ten (over US$60), according to a report by Kyodo News. Ibaraki Prefecture (population: 2.9 million) currently has the largest number of undocumented foreign workers among all of Japan’s prefectures.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of Kyodo News Some parts in boldface…

Ibaraki Prefecture, northeast of Tokyo, launched a controversial program Monday to reward people for reporting businesses that hire illegal foreign workers.

After verifying the information as accurate, the prefectural government will report the employers to the police. If the information leads to an enforcement action, the tipster will receive a reward of 10,000 yen ($64).

The program was introduced after the prefecture said it had the highest number of undocumented foreign workers among the country’s 47 prefectures for four consecutive years.

The local government says foreign workers are necessary amid severe labor shortages and the crackdown on illegal hiring will help to address human rights violations.

According to the prefecture’s guidelines, reporting will be limited to businesses hiring, brokering or suspected of facilitating illegal employment, and information submitted with malicious intent or about individuals based on their appearance or nationality will not be accepted.

Reports can be filed through the prefectural website by providing personal information such as name, address and phone number, and must include a copy of identification, such as a driver’s license, the prefecture said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think Ibaraki Prefecture’s newly launched policy will soon spark a crackdown on businesses that hired illegal foreign workers? Do you think the police will deter illegal immigrants/aliens in Japan from going to Ibaraki Prefecture for work? Is the reward of 10,000 yen sufficient? Do you think other prefectures in Japan will eventually follow the Ibaraki Prefecture policy on illegal foreign workers? Does anyone in your household support illegal immigrants/aliens and prefer all government units to accept them as refugees?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Ibaraki Prefecture’s Plan On Giving Rewards For Reporting Illegal Foreign Workers To Take Effect On May 11

April 24, 2026May 11, 2026carlocarrasco

Even though controversy hounded it, the approved plan of Ibaraki Prefecture in Japan on rewarding those who report businesses hiring illegal foreign workers will take effect on May 11, according to a news report by Kyodo News. Ibaraki Prefecture (population of around 2.9 million) is located northeast of Tokyo and it already has a high number of illegal foreign workers.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of Kyodo News Some parts in boldface…

A controversial plan to reward people who report businesses hiring illegal foreign workers will take effect May 11 in a prefecture northeast of Tokyo, the local government said Wednesday.

Ibaraki Prefecture, which, as of 2024, had the highest number of illegal foreign workers among the country’s 47 prefectures, will report such employers to police after verifying the information. It will offer 10,000 yen ($63) if a tip leads to a case being opened.

Reports will be limited to businesses hiring foreign workers unlawfully, and the prefecture plans to issue guidelines, including not basing reports solely on individuals’ appearance or nationality.

Reports can be filed through the prefectural website by providing personal information such as name, address and phone number, and must include a copy of identification, such as a driver’s license, the prefecture said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think more local government units and prefectures in Japan should follow Ibaraki Prefecture’s policy on dealing with illegal foreign workers found being hired by businesses? Do you think such a policy will improve Japan’s way of removing illegal foreign workers and cleaning up the private sector from such people? Is Ibaraki Prefecture’s 10,000 Yen reward good enough? Do you think Ibaraki Prefecture should come up a new policy to punish foreigners who cause public disturbances?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Japan Releases Oil Reserves

March 17, 2026March 16, 2026carlocarrasco

As expected, Japan officially started releasing yesterday its oil reserves to stabilize the distribution of petroleum products and to ensure a good supply as the war against the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran continues, according to a Kyodo News report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of Kyodo News Some parts in boldface…

Japan began to release oil from its reserves Monday to alleviate supply concerns that have grown amid the U.S.-Israel war with Iran and stabilize the distribution of petroleum products, taking the step ahead of a planned International Energy Agency-led move.

In its first oil release since 2022, when it joined an IEA coordinated effort following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Japan is initially freeing up 15 days’ worth of reserves held by the private sector, with a month’s worth of state-held oil to follow.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said the release was decided as Japan’s crude oil imports are expected to decrease significantly from late March onwards due to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which many tankers traverse.

“We plan to make efforts so that (the released oil) will circulate in the market smoothly,” he said, adding the government will “continue to take every possible step to ensure the stable supply of energy, through international coordination and without ruling out any options.”

The IEA said Sunday the planned coordinated release of oil by its 32 member countries, including Japan, will “soon start.”

It said last week that the countries will make 400 million barrels of oil available to the market in response to the disruptions resulting from the Middle East conflict.

Crude oil futures have been surging amid growing prospects of a prolonged conflict, with the benchmark West Texas Intermediate crude oil futures contract briefly topping $100 per barrel again in New York on Sunday, after a similar spike a week earlier.

The Japanese government will reduce the mandatory 70-day reserve requirement for oil refiners and trading companies under Japan’s oil stockpiling law to 55 days’ worth, allowing them to draw down their existing stocks for use.

Last Wednesday, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced the government’s plans to release about 80 million barrels of oil, the largest ever, equivalent to 45 days’ worth of domestic consumption and 1.8 times the amount released after the massive earthquake and tsunami in 2011 that devastated Japan’s northeast.

Preparations are under way to sell oil in government-held reserves to wholesalers.

As of the end of 2025, Japan held reserves of approximately 470 million barrels of oil, equivalent to 254 days of domestic consumption, of which 146 days’ worth were government-owned, 101 days held by the private sector, and the remainder jointly stored by oil-producing countries.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think newly released oil reserves will stabilize the Japanese market for petroleum products? Do you think the joint Israel-US campaign against the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran will ultimately cause the enemy to surrender this month?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Japan To Release Oil Reserves As Early As March 16

March 13, 2026March 12, 2026carlocarrasco

As many countries around the world are already struggling with the economic disruptions and the spike in oil prices as a result of the ongoing chaos in the Middle East, Japan has decided to release its own oil reserves and it could happen as early as Monday (March 16), according to a news report by Kyodo News.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of Kyodo News Some parts in boldface…

Japan will begin drawing down its oil reserves as early as next Monday to deal with a possible sharp rise in gasoline and other petroleum product prices amid the Middle East conflict, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said.

Takaichi told reporters on Wednesday that Japan will release 15 days’ worth of reserves held by the private sector and then one month’s worth of government-held oil without waiting for a decision coordinated by the International Energy Agency.

It will be the first time Japan has released its government oil reserves individually, not in an internationally coordinated way, since the stockpiling of oil began in 1978.

Japan’s dependency on the Middle East for crude oil is “prominently high” compared with other countries and imports are expected to “significantly drop late this month or later,” necessitating measures to prevent a disruption to the supply of gasoline and other petroleum items, Takaichi said.

Citing the possibility that the average price of domestic retail gasoline could surpass 200 yen ($1.26) per liter, Takaichi also said she aims to keep the price at around 170 yen by utilizing a government fund.

The price of gasoline hit as low as 154.70 yen in mid-January but rose to 161.80 yen per liter as of Monday, according to industry ministry data.

“We will flexibly review the support measures to ensure continuous relief for the public even if the (Middle Eastern) situation is prolonged,” Takaichi said.

Japan imports more than 90 percent of its oil from the Middle East, making it highly vulnerable to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has prevented the transportation of oil and gas from suppliers in the Persian Gulf, after the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran late last month.

As of the end of December, Japan had 470 million barrels of oil reserves equivalent to 254 days of domestic consumption, of which 146 days’ worth were government-owned, 101 days held by the private sector, and the remainder jointly stored with oil-producing countries.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think Japan made the right decision to release its oil reserves good for fifteen days? Do you think Japan will be able to find new and alternative sources of oil so that it can cut its reliance on Middle East oil?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Japan Moves With Establishing Pre-Entry Immigration Checks And Higher Residency Fees

March 12, 2026March 10, 2026carlocarrasco

The establishment of online pre-entry immigration checks and much higher residency fees could become a reality as the Japanese government approved a bill to amend the immigration control law, according to a Kyodo News report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of Kyodo News Some parts in boldface…

The Japanese government on Tuesday approved a bill to amend the immigration control law to establish an online pre-entry screening system for overseas arrivals and significantly increase residence status application fees for foreigners.

The Cabinet-endorsed bill will be submitted to the current Diet session, and if enacted, the government aims to implement the entry eligibility screening system called the Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization, or JESTA, in fiscal 2028.

The amendment includes raising the upper limit for visa application and renewal fees from 10,000 yen ($63) to 300,000 yen, marking the first increase since 1982.

The introduction of JESTA aims to prevent terrorism and illegal employment, according to the Immigration Services Agency. It would target the current 74 countries and regions whose citizens are exempt from obtaining short-stay visas.

Several days before traveling to Japan, applicants would be required to provide information online, including their name, the purpose of their stay, and the locations they intend to visit. Those suspected of traveling for illegal employment or other violations would be denied boarding on aircraft and ships.

Fees are currently set at 10,000 yen for application for permanent residency and 6,000 yen for residence period renewals.

It has been pointed out that these fees, which cover only actual costs and are also allocated to coexistence measures, are significantly lower than those in Western countries.

The number of foreign residents in Japan at the end of 2025 stood at approximately 4.13 million, a record high.

The government would aim to use the increased cap to cover system costs for efficient visa screening and the establishment of consultation services.

The amendment sets the cap at 300,000 yen for permanent residency applications and 100,000 yen for visa extensions and similar procedures.

The limits have been set in anticipation of future inflation. Going forward, the specific amounts for each fee would be determined by government ordinance with the aim of applying them within fiscal 2026.

According to sources, the permanent residency application fee is being considered at around 200,000 yen, while other fees would range from 10,000 yen to 70,000 yen depending on the intended period of stay.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the proposed changes will make a tremendous impact on immigration in Japan? Do you expect the bill to be approved this year? How far do you think Japan should go with reforming their immigration system?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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