New Visa Rules Challenge Foreign Business Owners in Japan

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s immigration policies are tightening, impacting foreign entrepreneurs. Mahendra Dharmapriya, a Sri Lankan businessman, recently closed his restaurant, Daiya Ceylon, in Shimotsuke, Japan. This move results from not meeting new visa requirements aimed at reducing the number of foreigners entering Japan.

Dharmapriya, who arrived in Japan in 2015, infused his neighborhood with Sri Lankan flavors through dishes like creamy lentils and fish curry. However, due to stricter visa rules, he must return to Sri Lanka. These rules are part of a broader initiative by Prime Minister Takaichi, who campaigned on regulating immigration more firmly.

Japan is known for its cautious stance on immigration, with foreigners comprising only about 3% of the population. Some experts suggest increasing immigration to address labor shortages and mitigate the declining population. Despite this, there is a growing nationalist sentiment pushing for stricter immigration controls under the “Japan First” movement.

New visa regulations require business manager visa applicants to show $188,000 in capital, a significant increase from the previous $31,000. Additionally, applicants must employ at least one full-time staff member. These measures aim to prevent the exploitation of visa rules for indefinite stays.