The number of foreign nationals living in Japan has hit a new high. The Immigration Services Agency (ISA) announced on 16 October 2026 that 4,281,026 foreign residents lived in Japan at the end of June 2026. That is 155,631 more than at the end of 2025, an increase of 3.8% in six months.
The total combines 4,017,321 mid- to long-term residents and 263,705 special permanent residents.
Which countries are growing
China remains the largest group with 941,031 people, followed by Vietnam (693,750), South Korea (408,682), the Philippines (362,761) and Nepal (334,850). Indonesia (307,456), Myanmar (211,602), Brazil (209,550), Sri Lanka (85,415) and Taiwan (73,628) complete the top 10.
The biggest increases since the end of 2025 came from Indonesia (+41,387), Nepal (+33,858) and Myanmar (+29,035). Vietnam added 12,650 people, the Philippines 6,182 and Sri Lanka 6,287. Brazil was the only top-10 group that shrank (−464).
Which statuses are growing
Permanent residents are still the largest status at 961,342. Next come Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services (516,184), Student (479,626), Technical Intern Training (457,509) and Specified Skilled Worker (444,256).
The growth is uneven. Specified Skilled Worker rose by 53,960 in six months and Engineer / Humanities by 40,394, while Technical Intern Training rose by only 891. Technical Intern Training is due to be replaced by the new Employment for Skill Development system on 1 April 2027.
Where foreign residents live
Tokyo has the most foreign residents with 824,486 people, 19.3% of the national total. Osaka (389,846), Aichi (369,849), Kanagawa (331,515) and Saitama (305,867) follow.
Why it matters
If you are from Nepal, Indonesia, Myanmar, Vietnam or the Philippines, you will probably find a community, shops and support groups from your country in the big cities. More foreign residents also means more competition for some jobs and apartments, and more attention from the government: rules on permanent residence and fees have been tightened this year.
Planning your move? Read our guides to the Specified Skilled Worker visa and your first 14 days in Japan.