CVN( Japan ) Japan has released a progress report on its new foreign resident policy introduced in January.
The report covers 102 measures aimed at tightening oversight of foreign residents and visa systems.
Two major changes introduced in October 2025 showed significant impacts.
The pass rate for the written test to convert foreign driver’s licenses to Japanese licenses dropped sharply.
It fell from 92.5% in 2024 to 42.8% by the end of December 2025.
The practical driving test pass rate also declined from 30.4% to 13.1%.
Authorities tightened rules after loopholes allowed foreign tourists to use hotel addresses for applications.
Foreign visitors without resident records are now barred from converting licenses in Japan.
Police are also reviewing overseas licensing systems and foreign-driver accident cases in Japan.
The Business Manager visa program also faced criticism over misuse through paper companies with little real activity.
Some critics claimed the visa was being used as an easy path into Japan, especially for private lodging businesses.
In October 2025, the government raised the minimum capital requirement from ¥5 million to ¥30 million.
As a result, monthly Business Manager visa applications dropped from around 1,700 to only about 70.
A survey by Tokyo Shoko Research found many foreign-run businesses expect the stricter rules to affect operations, while some are considering closure.
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