The Migration Boom! Why do so many people prefer to live in Japan?

On May 30, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), in partnership with Japan's National Institute for Social Security and Population Issues, released a weighty report revealing thatThe rate of settlement of highly skilled foreign workers in Japan is much higher than in major European and American countries.

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Higher rate of settlement of foreigners in Japan

According to a report issued jointly by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and the National Institute for Social Security and Population Studies of Japan:

Foreign nationals with a highly skilled person visa, such as "Technology, Humanities, International Business", who arrived in Japan between 2011 and 2017, will continue to be eligible for a visa after five years.Nearly 40% chose to continue working and living in Japan.

This percentage significantly exceeds that of major European countries such as the Netherlands (35%) and Germany (25%).

In this regard, Yuki Yesukawa, Minister of International Relations at SHRI, commented.Japan is "at a high level internationally" in attracting and retaining highly skilled foreign workers.

In addition, according to the latest statistics from the Japan Immigration Service.Japan's foreign population had exceeded 3.41 million by the end of 2023.This is a record increase of 111 TP3T from the end of 2022. This data further corroborates Minister Yesukawa Yuki's statement.

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Why Japan?

There are multiple factors that support the fact that many foreigners choose to settle in Japan.

Educational factors

In terms of education, Japan is globally renowned for the quality of its education. According to the 2024 Asian University Rankings published by Times Higher Education, five Japanese universities are ranked among the top 30, including the University of Tokyo, which is ranked 5th in Asia.

In addition, Japan's high school education and public university tuition fee waiver policies have reduced the financial pressure on many families.

Medical factors

In terms of medical care, Japan's life expectancy is among the highest in the world, thanks to its advanced medical technology and comprehensive medical services.

Japan is a global leader in technology in areas such as cancer, regenerative medicine and minimally invasive medicine.

At the same time, high medical reimbursement rates provide Japanese residents with solid health protection.

Quality of life factors

In terms of quality of life, Japan is known as a "livable country" with a comprehensive social welfare system, good security, clean streets and clean air.

In addition, compared to the prices in first-tier cities in China, the prices in Japan are relatively affordable, providing more living options for foreigners.

According to data released in April by Tokyo-based KANTEI Real Estate Research, the average expected selling price of a small, newly-built single-family home in Tokyo's 23 wards is about 71.94 million yen (roughly 3,318,500 yuan), an attractive price level.

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Time to move to Japan

The report suggests that Japan should further relax the conditions for foreigners to obtain permanent residency and improve the rules for family members to work in Japan in order to attract more foreign workers to choose long-term residence. As a matter of fact, in recent years, Japan has been actively relaxing the conditions for the admission of human resources in order to cope with the social problems of "childlessness and aging".

Currently.The Highly Qualified Person visa has become the most popular way to move to Japan.This visa policy provides eligible foreigners with a fast track to obtaining permanent residency in as little as one year. This undoubtedly provides more opportunities and convenience for those who are interested in moving to Japan.

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