# 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 for a certain period and what is their purpose, 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 1.5% of the total number of registered foreign nationals as of the end of 2009. 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 employment, study or cohabitation, living a "settled life" in the local community.

Further, the following persons are not the subject of alien registration: 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 Agreement under Article VI of the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security between Japan and the United States of America, regarding Facilities and Areas and the Status of United States Armed Forces in Japan and other agreements (hereinafter referred to as the “Japan-US Status of Forces Agreement etc.”).

## (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. As of the end of 2009, the number of registered foreign nationals was 2,186,121, decreased by 31,305 (1.4%) from the end of 2008 when it hit a record high. However, the number increased by about 1.4 times compared to the end of 1999, ten years ago, which means that it has been on the rise over the long run.

Registered foreign nationals accounted for 1.71% of the total Japanese population as of the end of 2009, when the total population of Japan was 127,510,000 people. The proportion decreased by 0.03% from 1.74% at the end of 2008. However, it increased by 0.48% from the end of 1999, which means that it has been on the rise over the long run. (Chart 12)