Silviase/jgov_v1.4_full_ann huggingface dataset:
(1) (ii) of the Immigration Control Act). Such cases numbered 9,722, a decrease of 4,076 (down 29.5%) from 2007 and accounted for 76.8% of the total of new cases in 2008. This was followed by cases which were assigned to special inquiry officers on suspicion of falling under one of the reasons for denial of landing (not meeting the conditions provided for in Article 7, Paragraph (1)(iv) of the Act). Such cases numbered 1,563 in 2008, a decrease of 1,065 (down 40.5%) from 2007, accounting for 12.3% of the total of new cases in 2008. This was followed by cases in which foreign nationals were suspected of not having valid passports or visas, such as trying to enter Japan using a forged or an altered passport (not meeting the conditions provided for in Article 7, Paragraph (1)(i) of the Act). Such cases numbered 1,365, a decrease of 676 (down 33.1%) from 2007 and accounted for 10.8% of the total.

Three persons were handed over to special inquiry officers for refusing to provide information for personal identification, which became obligatory for passengers to provide on and after November 20, 2007 (those who fall under Article 7, Paragraph (4) of the Act).

Foreign nationals visiting Japan with illegal purposes decreased since Japan’s strict landing examination at the front gate, such as the procedure utilizing information for personal identification, became widely known to foreign countries, which is considered to be the reason for a decrease in the number of new cases for the hearing for landing. (Table 4)

Table 4 Changes in the number of new cases for the hearing for landing by conditions for landing

(Cases)

Year Conditions for landing	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008
Total	16,214	16,665	18,258	18,473	12,660
Using fake passports or visas (Not conforming to Article 7-(1)-(i))	2,422	2,102	2,267	2,041	1,365
False landing application (Not conforming to Article 7-(1)-(ii))	13,177	13,242	14,313	13,798	9,722
Not meeting the period of stay (Not conforming to Article 7-(1)-(iii))	0	8	2	4	7
Falling under the reasons for denial of landing (Not conforming to Article 7-(1)-(iv))	615	1,313	1,676	2,628	1,563
Not providing personal identification information (Not conforming to Article 7-(4))	—	—	—	2	3

Looking at the processing of the hearing for landing in 2008 (Note 2), the number of cases where landing was permitted as it was known that conditions for landing were met as the result of the hearing for landing, decreased to 4,405 cases (down 26.6%) from 2007.

Also, in 2008, cases in which foreign nationals were ordered to leave Japan because they were found not to meet the conditions for landing at a hearing by a special inquiry officer and who later consented to the findings numbered 5,537, a decrease of 33.5% from 2007.

Similarly, cases in which foreign nationals filed objections with the Minister of Justice in 2008 because they were not satisfied with the finding by a special inquiry officer that they did not meet the conditions for landing numbered 1,967, a decrease of 36.5% from 3,097, in 2007. (Table 5)
Table 5 Changes in the processing of the hearing for landing

(Cases)

Year Division	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008
Total	16,214	16,660	18,240	18,496	12,661
Landing permission	5,309	5,843	6,155	6,003	4,405
Expulsion order	8,174	8,126	9,126	8,326	5,537
Filing of objection	1,231	1,400	1,706	3,097	1,967
Withdrawal landing application	293	296	308	307	368
Others	1,207	995	945	763	384

(*) "Others" includes cases where the jurisdiction has changed or the application has been withdrawn owing to the departure, escape or death of the applicant during the hearing for landing by the special inquiry officer.

(Note 1) “Landing examination” by the immigration inspector and “landing judgment” after the hearing are jointly called the landing examination procedure in the wide sense of the term.

Further, the procedure of decision by the Minister of Justice is not applicable to those who fail to provide information for personal identification.

(Note 2) In some cases, the total number of new cases for the hearing for landing by conditions for landing (Table 4), is not the same as that of the changes in the processing of the hearing for landing (Table 5). This is because a case may be assigned by the immigration inspector to the special inquiry officer at the end of the year, or the hearing may be prolonged, and it may be the next year after the case is assigned by the immigration inspector to the special inquiry officer when the hearing for landing is processed.

## (2) Foreign Nationals Who Fall under Any of the Reasons for Denial of Landing

In principle, foreign nationals denied permission for landing are those who (1) are ordered to leave Japan after a hearing for landing or (2) are ordered to leave Japan after the results of filing an objection with the Minister of Justice.

The number of foreign nationals denied permission for landing in 2008 was 7,188, a 31.0% decrease from 10,424 in 2007.

According to statistics by nationality (place of origin), the largest number of foreign nationals denied permission for landing came consistently from R.O. Korea from 2004. However, the number in 2008 decreased similarly to the decrease in the total number of foreign nationals denied permission for landing by 1,137 (down 31.9%) from 2007. In other countries, while the number decreased in China, China (Taiwan), the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Turkey or others from 2007, the number increased in Myanmar, Nigeria or others. (Chart 11)
Chart 11 Changes in the number of foreign nationals who were denied landing by major nationality (place of origin)

## (3) Special Permission for Landing

The Minister of Justice may, even if he/she finds that the objection filed is without reason, grant special permission for landing if the applicant (1) has received re-entry permission, or (2) has entered Japan under the control of another person due to human trafficking, or (3) if the Minister of Justice finds special circumstances which warrant granting special permission for landing. (Article 12, Paragraph (1) of the Immigration Control Act)

Cases in which the Minister of Justice granted special landing permission to foreign nationals denied permission as a result of filing an objection in 2008 numbered 1,421. This was a 43.0% decrease from 2,492 in 2007. (Table 6)

Table 6 Changes in the number of filings of objections and decisions by the Minister of Justice

Year Division	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008
Filing of Objection (*)	1,232	1,400	1,707	3,103	1,973
Decisions	With reason	1	6	23	16	10
Without reason (Order to leave Japan)	197	209	288	513	492
Special Permission for Landing	1,021	1,157	1,379	2,492	1,421
Withdrawal	13	27	11	76	42
Outstanding	-	1	6	6	8

$ ^{*} $ "Filing of objections" includes the number of outstanding cases of the previous year.
## 3 Pre-entry Examination

## (1) Advance Consultation for Issuance of Visas

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is in charge of visa administration, coordinates with the Ministry of Justice, which is in charge of immigration administration, with regard to the entry of foreign nationals. The Minister of Foreign Affairs consults with the Minister of Justice as the need arises, on whether a visa should be issued to a certain foreign national. This is called advance consultation for issuance of visas.

The number of cases of advance consultation for visa issuance was 6,661 in 2008, showing a decrease of 60 from 6,721 in 2007. (down 0.9%).

## (2) Certificate of Eligibility

The system of the certificate of eligibility was introduced by the amended Immigration Control Act which entered into force in 1990. This system enables any foreign national who presents or submits a certificate of eligibility to obtain a visa and permission for landing quickly.

In 2008, the number of cases of applications for a certificate of eligibility was 329,032, a decrease of 24,238 (down 6.8%) from 2007. (Table 6)

Further, the advance consultation for issuance of visas and the examination of certificate of eligibility are jointly called pre-entry examination. In recent years, the number of processed cases of application for issuing a certificate of eligibility has steadily occupied the total number of processed cases of pre-entry examination. (Table 7)

Table 7 Changes in the number of cases of pre-entry examination

(Cases)

Year Division	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008
Advance consultation for issuance of a visa	5,637	3,690	4,716	6,721	6,661
Application for Certificate of Eligibility	386,129	368,578	359,910	353,270	329,032
# Section 2 ☐ Foreign Nationals Residing in Japan

## The Number of Registered Foreign Nationals Residing in Japan

While the number of registered foreign nationals residing in Japan indicates the state of the "stock", which shows how many foreign nationals live in Japan and their purpose for residing in Japan, the statistics of foreign nationals on entry and departure from Japan show the "flow" of foreign nationals to and from Japan.

In principle, every foreign national who has entered Japan must apply for registration to the mayor or head of the city, town, or village in which his/her residence is located, in accordance with the Alien Registration Act (hereinafter referred to as the "Registration Act"), within 90 days of the date of his/her landing (Article 3 of the Registration Act). However, most foreign nationals who have entered Japan with the status of residence of "Temporary Visitor", accounting for more than 90% of the total number of foreign entrants, leave Japan without registering. Therefore, the registered number of foreign nationals with the status of residence of "Temporary Visitor" is small, accounting for only 1.8% of the total number of registered foreign nationals as of the end of 2008. As a result, the statistics on the foreign nationals registered in Japan can be considered as the data mainly for foreign nationals who stay in Japan for a relatively long period of time for such purposes as study, employment or cohabitation, living a "settled life" in the local community.

Further, persons with temporary permission for landing, persons with special permission for landing (excluding those who received landing permission as a temporary refuge), diplomats, etc. having the status of residence of “Diplomat”, travelers on official purposes for a foreign government having the status of residence of “Official” and military personnel, and civilian employees and their family members who fall under the Japan-US Status of Forces Agreement, are not the subject of alien registration.

## (1) The Total Number of Registered Foreign Nationals Residing in Japan

A number of foreign nationals newly entering Japan each year remain and live in Japan for a medium or long period of time. As a result, the total number of registered foreign nationals residing in Japan has been increasing every year, and is expected to increase in the future as well. As of the end of 2008, the number of registered foreign nationals hit a new record high of 2,217,426. The number increased by 64,453 (up 3.0%) from the end of 2007, and by 705,310 (up 46.6%) from the end of 1998.

The proportion of registered foreign nationals to the total Japanese population has also been increasing every year. The proportion increased by 0.05% from 1.69% at the end of 2007 to reach a record high of 1.74% in 2008, when the total population of Japan was 127,692,000 (based on the Current Population Estimates as of October 1, 2008 by the Statistics Bureau of the
Chart 12 Changes in the number of registered foreign nationals and its percentage of the total population in Japan

## (2) The Number of Registered Foreign Nationals by Nationality (Place of Origin)

According to the statistics of the number of registered foreign nationals by nationality (place of origin) as of the end of 2008, China marked the largest number at 655,377, accounting for 29.6% of the total. This was followed by North and South Korea (589,239 accounting for 26.6%), Brazil (312,582 accounting for 14.1%), the Philippines (210,617 accounting for 9.5%), and Peru (59,723 accounting for 2.7%).

Looking at yearly changes, we find that the number of registered foreign nationals from North and South Korea has been gradually decreasing, while the number of those from China, the Philippines, and Peru has been continuously increasing. In particular, the number of registered foreign nationals from China significantly increased, rising by 167,807 (up 34.4%) from 487,570 in 2004. Brazil has been increasing year by year, however, decreased by 4,385 (down 1.4%) at the end of 2008 from 2007. While the number of registered foreign nationals from the Philippines showed a decrease at the end of 2005, by the end of 2008 it had increased by 8,025 (up 4.0%) compared with the end of 2007. (Chart 13)
Chart 13 Changes in the number of registered foreign nationals by major nationality (place of origin)

According to the statistics of the number of registered foreign nationals by nationality (place of origin), China exceeded North and South Korea for the first time to reach top place at the end of 2007, and continuously maintained the position at the end of 2008. North and South Korea which had continuously accounted for the largest percentage in the past decreased by 4,250 (down 0.7%) at the end of 2008 from the end of 2007.

## (3) The Number of Registered Foreign Nationals by Purpose (Status of Residence)

### A. “Permanent Resident” and “Special Permanent Resident”

## (Data Section 2, Statistics (1) 10)

According to the statistics of the number of registered foreign nationals by status of residence, those with the status of “Permanent Resident” (excluding Special Permanent Resident) were the largest group as of the end of 2008. The number of permanent residents was 492,056, an increase of 52,299 (up 11.9%) from the end of 2007, accounting for 22.2% of the total.

The number of permanent residents steadily increased during the period between the
Special Permanent Residents may possibly further decrease depending on the movement of so-called third generation and fourth generation foreign nationals residing in Japan in connection with the selection of nationality.

### B. Foreign Nationals Residing in Japan for the Purpose of Employment (Data Section 2, Statistics (1) 1-2 through 6-2)

The number of registered foreign nationals residing in Japan for the purpose of employment increased by 17,750 (up 9.2%) from the end of 2007 to 211,535 as of the end of 2008, accounting for 9.5% of the total. Looking at changes in this number from the end of 2004 to the end of 2008, we find that the number of registered persons was on a decreasing trend until the end of 2006 due to a decrease in the number of foreign nationals entering Japan with the status of residence of “Entertainer”. However, it reached a record high at the end of 2008 as a result of an increase in the number of foreign nationals entering Japan with a status of residence other than “Entertainer”, as compared with the previous year at the end of 2007 and 2008. (Chart 14)

Chart 14 Changes in the number of registered foreign nationals by the status of residence for employment
Since the end of 2004, there has been a steady increase in the number of registered foreign nationals who come under the category of “Specialist in Humanities/International Services”, “Engineer”, “Skilled Labor”, “Investor/Business Manager” and “Legal/Accounting Services”. The number of those with the status of residence of “Entertainer” decreased by 2,697 (down 17.1%) at the end of 2008 from the end of the previous year, showing a continuous decrease. This is caused by the decrease of new entries with the status of residence of “Entertainer”.

The numbers of registered foreign nationals with such statuses of residence as “Engineer”, “Specialist in Humanities/International Services” and “Intra-company Transferee” which were basically designed for foreign employees, were 52,273, 67,291 and 17,798, respectively, as of the end of 2008. They increased by 7,589 (up 17.0%), 5,528 (up 9.0%), and 1,687 (up 10.5%) from the end of 2007 respectively.

At the end of 2008, the percentage of the number of registered foreign nationals with such status of residence as “Engineer”, “Specialist in Humanities/International Services” and “Intra-company Transferee” against the total number of registered foreign nationals residing in Japan for the purpose of employment was 24.7%, 31.8%, 8.4% respectively, and so-called foreign employees accounted for about 60% of foreign nationals residing in Japan for employment purposes.

### C. “College Student” and “Pre-college Student”

## (Data Section 2, Statistics (1) 7-2, 8-2)

The number of registered foreign nationals with the status of residence of “College Student” exceeded 100,000 for the first time at the end of 2002, and the number of foreign nationals registered as “College Student” as of the end of 2008 reached 138,514, an increase of 6,054 (up 4.6%) as compared with the end of 2007. On a nationality (place of origin) basis, the number of Chinese college students was 88,812, accounting for 64.1% of the total, followed by North and South Koreans (19,441 accounting for 14.0%).

Looking at changes in the total number from the end of 2004 until the end of 2008, the number as of the end of 2008 was about 1.1 times that as of the end of 2004.

On the other hand, the number of registered foreign nationals with the status of residence of “Pre-college Student” had been increasing in recent years, but took a downturn as of the end of 2004. However, the number of such registered foreign nationals increased from the end of 2006, and foreign nationals registered as Pre-college Student as of the end of 2008 was 41,313, an increase of 3,183 (up 8.3%) from the end of 2007. According to statistics by nationality (place of origin), China stood at 25,043, accounting for 60.6% of the total, followed by North and South Korea (10,286 accounting for 24.9%).
### D. “Trainee” (Data Section 2, Statistics (1) 9-2)

The number of registered foreign nationals with the status of residence of “Trainee” was 86,826 as of the end of 2008 with a decrease of 1,260 (down 1.4%) compared with the end of 2007, marking a slight decrease from the previous year which stood at a record high. According to statistics by nationality (place of origin), the number of those from China was 65,716, accounting for 75.7% of the total, followed by Viet Nam (6,763 accounting for 7.8%) and Indonesia (5,085 accounting for 5.9%).

Looking at the change from the end of 2004 until the end of 2008 by nationality (place of origin), China was about 1.6 times, and Viet Nam about 1.9 times.

### E. Foreign Nationals Residing in Japan with the Status of Residence for Resident Activities Based on Civil Status or Position

(Data Section 2, Statistics (1) 11-2,12-2)

As of the end of 2008, the number of registered foreign nationals with the status of residence of “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” was 245,497. Looking at the change from the end of 2004 until the end of 2008, “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” was on an increasing trend until the end of 2006, however, it turned into a decreasing trend after the end of 2007, and the number as of the end of 2008 decreased by 11,483 (down 4.5%) from the end of 2007.

According to statistics by nationality, as of the end of 2008, the number of registered foreign nationals with the status of residence of “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” from Brazil was 58,445, accounting for 23.8% of the total, followed by China (57,336 accounting for 23.4%) and the Philippines (49,980 accounting for 20.4%). Looking at the change from the end of 2004 until the end of 2008 by nationality (place of origin), it is characteristic that Brazil is decreasing each year and China is increasing each year.

The number of registered foreign nationals with the status of residence of “Long-Term Resident” was 258,498 as of the end of 2008 accounting for 11.7% of the total. Looking at the change from the end of 2004 until the end of 2008, the number was, similarly to the case of “Spouse or Child of Japanese National”, on an increasing trend until the end of 2006, however, it turned into a decreasing trend after the end of 2007, and the number as of the end of 2008 decreased by 10,106 (down 3.8%) as compared with the end of 2007.

According to statistics by nationality (place of origin), the number of such foreign nationals from Brazil was 137,005, accounting for 53.0%, followed by the Philippines (35,717 accounting for 13.8%) and China (33,600 accounting for 13.0%) at the end of 2008. Looking at the change from the end of 2004 until the end of 2008, the Philippines, which ranked in the top 3 until the end of 2007, steadily increased to reach the top 2 exceeding China at the end of 2008.
## 2 Residence Examinations

If any foreign national in Japan desires to stay longer than the period of stay originally permitted to him/her, or desires to change his/her status of residence in order to pursue a new purpose differing from the purpose for which the original status of residence was granted, the foreign national must file an application in accordance with the Immigration Control Act and obtain required permission from the Minister of Justice or the Director-General of the Regional Immigration Bureau. There is such permission for extension of period of stay, change of status of residence, acquisition of status of residence, re-entry, permanent residence, permission to engage in an activity other than those permitted by the status of residence, and so forth. The decision as to whether or not to grant permission is made through the status of residence examination.

Residence examination

The total number of cases of status of residence examinations and so forth in which permission was granted increased by 9,883 (up 0.7%) from 2007 to 1,361,844 in 2008. Looking at the change from the end of 2004 until the end of 2008, the number was on an increasing trend as a whole, and this trend is considered to continue in the future proportionately to the increase of persons newly entering Japan. (Table 9)

Table 9 Changes in the number of cases of permission in residence examinations

(Cases)

Year	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008
Division	1,189,261	1,197,627	1,327,185	1,351,961	1,361,844
Total	106,406	100,176	107,158	119,145	133,513
Permission to engage in an activity other than those permitted by the status of residence previously granted	100,377	115,287	123,381	138,427	149,214
Permission for change of status of residence	410,091	418,696	466,304	436,630	434,307
Permission for extension of period of stay	48,263	39,256	51,538	60,509	57,806
Permission for permanent residence	126	116	112	131	114
Permission for special permanent residence	6,921	7,215	8,013	8,680	8,957
Re-entry permission	517,077	516,881	570,679	588,439	577,933

(*1) "Permission for permanent residence" is the permission provided for in Article 22 of the Immigration Control Act.

(*2) "Permission for acquisition of status of residence" includes permission for permanent residence described in Article 22-2 in the Immigration Control Act.

(*3) "Permission for Special Permanent Residence" is the number of permissions of special permanent residence provided for in Article 5 of the Special Law on Immigration Control of Inter Alios. Those Who Have Lost Japanese Nationality on the Basis of the Treaty of Peace with Japan.

## (1) Permission for Extension of Period of Stay (Article 21 of the Immigration Control Act)

Any foreign national in Japan who desires to stay longer than the period of stay originally permitted without changing his/her status of residence must obtain permission for an extension of the period of stay.

The number of foreign nationals who obtained such permission in 2008 was 434,307, a