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Japan’s 51st General Election Concludes: The Sanae Takaichi Era Begins—Where is Immigration Policy Headed?

On February 8, 2026, Japan’s Lower House election concluded with a landslide victory for the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) coalition led by Sanae Takaichi. The alliance (LDP + Nippon Ishin no Kai) secured a combined 352 seats (approximately 75% of the total), marking an overwhelming triumph.

 

This result represents the highest seat count for the LDP since its founding in 1955 and the first time in the post-war era that a single party has achieved a "supermajority" exceeding two-thirds (310 seats) of the House of Representatives. Following an agreement between the government and the ruling parties, a special Diet session will be convened on February 18 for the formal election of the Prime Minister.

 

For those tracking Japanese immigration, this serves as a definitive watershed moment, signaling a shift toward "security-oriented" policies and "higher eligibility thresholds".


 

Based on Sanae Takaichi’s campaign strategy, personal platform, and latest policy directions, we can interpret the future trajectory of Japan’s immigration policy through the following dimensions:

 

Ⅰ Core Policy Trends: A Shift from “Labor Supplementation” to “Strict Compliance”!

In her pre-election platform, Sanae Takaichi explicitly pledged to make Japan “more prosperous and secure” by strengthening immigration screening.

● Strict Background Checks: Takaichi emphasizes the necessity of preventing the entry of “terrorists” and “industrial spies.” This implies that background investigations—including research history and sources of funding—will become far more rigorous for both Work Visas and Business Management Visas.

● Mandatory Compliance: Takaichi has publicly stated on multiple occasions: “We must verify whether foreign nationals are paying their taxes in full and contributing to health insurance.” Japan is likely to establish a stricter credit scoring or compliance evaluation system for foreign residents. Any instance of tax evasion or failure to pay social insurance premiums could lead to an “automatic rejection” of visa renewals or Permanent Residency (PR) applications.

● Crackdown on Illegal Stay: To address the concerns of domestic conservatives and supporters of the Sanseito party, the government will intensify its crackdown on illegal employment and visa overstays.


 

Ⅱ The Logic Behind Takaichi’s Strategy: “Japan First”.

Sanae Takaichi’s campaign strategy carries distinct hallmarks of “Neo-Thatcherism”: utilizing proactive fiscal policies to safeguard national welfare while maintaining a hardline stance on foreign affairs.

● Curbing Far-Right Defection: By championing the tough slogan of “Strengthening Immigration Control,” Takaichi successfully recaptured votes that had been drifting toward Sanseito (the "Japan First" faction). This strategy dictates that she must maintain a high-pressure external posture throughout her term to solidify her core voter base.

● Linking Immigration to Economic Security: As a key architect behind the Economic Security Promotion Act, Takaichi views immigration policy as a vital link in the chain of national economic security.

○ The Upside: Top-tier technical talent (AI, semiconductors, quantum computing) will remain highly welcome, potentially benefiting from even faster "Green Channels" for residency.

○ The Downside: Foreign capital inflows and the appointment of foreign executives in sensitive sectors (such as energy, telecommunications, and infrastructure) may face significantly more stringent entry standards.



Ⅲ Contradictions and Balances: Economic Reality vs. Political Stance.

Despite her hardline rhetoric, Takaichi faces the undeniable reality of Japan’s shrinking population; the Japanese economy’s dependence on foreign labor has reached a point of no return.

● Selective Openness: A Total Shift from “Quantity” to “Compliance”

○ Welcome: High-end talent who identify with Japanese culture, possess high tax-paying capacity, and align with economic security needs. Applica77月nts qualifying for the Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) track will maintain their competitive edge, enjoying priority processing and sustained policy support as Japan’s most welcomed demographic.

○ Excluded: Groups that rely on government welfare, fail to integrate into local communities, or present compliance risks.

● Restrictions on Land Acquisition: Takaichi has previously proposed a "review of rules governing land acquisition by foreign nationals."

○ Moving forward, foreign nationals may face stricter limitations on purchasing forest land, water source areas, or land adjacent to critical military facilities. The Japanese government plans to establish a centralized database by April 2027 (FY2027) to track foreign property ownership. For foreign capital attempting to purchase land through Japanese shell companies, the government will mandate "look-through" inspections to identify the underlying foreign executives and major shareholders.



Globevisa: Advice for Applicants Interested in Japanese Immigration

In the Takaichi Era, applicants must pay close attention to the following:

1. Assetization of Status: Treat "Social Security & Taxes" as Your Core Invisible Investment

In the past, some applicants viewed social security and taxes as "extra costs," even seeking gray paths for third-party payments or underpayment.

● The New Logic: Takaichi has set the tone by linking visa renewals directly to social security records.

● Practical Advice: Applicants must establish a "Status Maintenance" budget. From day one of entry, ensure that all public obligations (pension, health insurance, residential tax) for yourself, your spouse, and dependents have zero gaps and zero delays. Hiring a professional tax accountant (Zeirishi) for monthly audits is no longer just a financial expense—it is a necessary investment to ensure your "political safety."

 

2. Legalization of Documentation: Shift from "Information Piling" to "Defensive Applications" with Self-Consistent Logic

Under Takaichi, the Immigration Bureau’s logic will shift from simply "confirming authenticity" to "screening for risk points."

● The New Logic: Examiners will use big data and cross-referencing to dig for "fake employment" or "unclear sources of funds" within business plans.

● Practical Advice: File preparation must follow a "Defensive Principle." For Business Management Visas in particular, business plans can no longer rely on templates. Every step—the capital inflow path (remittance vouchers, exchange records), the independence of the office space, and the hiring logic for the first full-time employee—must form a closed loop.

 

3. Elite-Oriented Tracks: Avoid "Security Red Lines" and Embrace "National Strategy"

Takaichi’s "Neo-Thatcherism" is not about blind exclusion, but precision screening.

● The New Logic: Sectors such as energy, telecommunications, and infrastructure are entering a period of tightened entry; conversely, AI, semiconductors, and green energy will enjoy "Green Channels."

● Practical Advice: When establishing a Japanese company, re-evaluate your business scope. If it involves highly sensitive industries, consult legal experts immediately. If your business aligns with Japan’s stimulus areas, highlight its contribution to "National Competitiveness" in your application—turning "passive screening" into "proactive contribution."

 

Japan is entering an immigration environment where "Order trumps Liberty, and Compliance outweighs Scale." In this context, immigrating to Japan is no longer a simple "application" but a "Compliance Marathon."

 

As a professional institution deeply rooted in Japanese immigration, Globevisa does more than just secure a visa, we are dedicated to helping you build a "Residency Credit System" that can withstand the audits of the Takaichi administration. From corporate financial structures and precise social security payments to the dynamic compliance of business plans, we use a rigorous legal mindset to "clear the mines," ensuring every step you take in Japan is secure. 

 

In the Takaichi Era, the true luxury is not the visa itself—it is a "Beyond Reproach" compliant status.

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