TOKYO – Public support in Japan for accepting more foreign workers has fallen below 60 per cent, while opposition has continued to rise, reflecting growing concerns over immigration and public security, according to a nationwide survey.

The poll found that 58.2 per cent of respondents supported or somewhat supported expanding the intake of foreign workers, down 4.1 percentage points from a year earlier, as reported by The Japan Times.

Meanwhile, 33.2 per cent opposed or somewhat opposed the proposal, an increase of 2.7 percentage points.

The survey was conducted in May through face-to-face interviews with 1,172 respondents aged 18 and above across Japan.

The findings come as foreign worker policies gained prominence during the July House of Councillors election and amid government efforts to promote what it describes as an "orderly society of coexistence."

Despite increasingly cautious public sentiment, Japan's foreign workforce continues to expand.

According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the number of foreign workers reached approximately 2.57 million as of the end of October last year, marking a record high for the 13th consecutive year.

The survey also found stronger opposition among younger respondents.

Among those in their 30s, 39.5 per cent opposed accepting more foreign workers, while support stood at 53.9 per cent.

Among respondents aged 18 to 29, 36.9 per cent opposed the move compared with 53.8 per cent who supported it.

Support remained above 60 per cent among respondents in their 40s, 50s and 60s.

Among supporters, 85.5 per cent said expanding the foreign workforce would help ease labour shortages, while 62.3 per cent cited Japan's ageing population and need for younger workers.

Others said foreign workers were hardworking and could contribute to making Japan more international.

Among those opposed, 74 per cent cited concerns that illegal overstays and other offences could worsen public security.

Other reasons included prioritising jobs for unemployed Japanese citizens, concerns over compliance with local rules, rising social welfare costs and fears that expanding foreign labour could lead to broader immigration.

Support for accepting more foreign workers has declined steadily over the past two years.

In 2024, 71.8 per cent supported expanding the foreign workforce, compared with 62.3 per cent in 2025 and 58.2 per cent this year, while opposition rose from 21.1 to 30.5 per cent and then 33.2 per cent over the same period.

Japan has continued expanding legal pathways for foreign workers to address labour shortages caused by its ageing and shrinking population.

The government introduced the Specified Skilled Worker visa in 2019 and plans to launch a new Employment for Skill Development programme in fiscal 2027 to replace the Technical Intern Training Programme.

Earlier this year, Japan also set a target of accepting up to 1.23 million foreign workers under the two schemes by the end of fiscal 2028.