Japan launches government body to address over-tourism and unruly foreigners
Japan’s new system to manage 36.8 million tourists
- Japan has established a new administrative body to mitigate the effects of overtourism and other issues involving foreign nationals, following a record 36.8 million tourists in 2024.
- The formation of this 'control tower' addresses concerns raised by residents regarding the rapid increase in foreign visitors and residents, including issues of crime and disorderly conduct.
- Policies concerning non-Japanese residents have emerged as a key issue in the upcoming national election, with the number of foreign nationals in Japan reaching a record 3.8 million last year.
- Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's Liberal Democratic Party has proposed measures for 'orderly and harmonious coexistence,' including stricter requirements for foreign nationals obtaining driver's licenses and buying real estate.
- Public unease over the influx of foreigners has boosted the popularity of the populist Sanseito party, which advocates a 'Japanese First' agenda, potentially jeopardising the ruling coalition's majority in the upper house election.