Japanese municipalities with over 5% foreign nationals up more than twofold

The number of Japanese municipalities whose foreign residents account for over 5% of the population climbed 2.5 times from 53 in 2020 to 132, according to 2025 census data released by the internal affairs ministry.

The data show increases in foreign populations not only in major cities and industrial districts but also in rural areas where the tourism and agricultural sectors thrive.

The number of foreign residents in Japan hit a record high of 3.84 million, or 3.1% of the country’s total population. The total rose roughly 40% from 2.74 million in the previous census in 2020.

The number of prefectures with municipalities where foreign nationals account for over 5% of the population increased from 17 to 27, with Miyagi and Hyogo among those that newly joined the list.

In the previous survey, such municipalities were mainly seen in large cities and areas with strong manufacturers, while in the latest survey, resort areas and regions where agriculture, forestry, and fisheries are the main industries were in the over 5% club.

In Hokkaido, the number of such municipalities jumped from five in 2020 to 22.

The rise marked in rural areas is believed to reflect growing employment of foreign workers amid severe labor shortages.

The highest proportion of foreign residents across Japan was 26.5% in the town of Kawakami, Nagano, where many foreign workers support the cultivation of lettuce, a local specialty. The proportion rose from 19.0% in 2020, when the town also held the top slot.

In the village of Shimukappu, Hokkaido, the share of foreign residents roughly doubled to 21.7%.

“The opening of a resort facility in 2017 led to increased hiring of foreigners to serve overseas visitors,” a village official said.

The proportion of foreign residents exceeded 10% in 21 municipalities, of which four topped 20%. This marks the first time a census has confirmed municipalities where foreign residents account for more than 20% of the population.

Of Japan’s 1,741 municipalities, 65 recorded increases in foreign residents that more than offset declines in their Japanese populations, resulting in overall population growth.

Such municipalities include Tokyo’s Nerima Ward, Urayasu in Chiba Prefecture and Higashihiroshima in Hiroshima Prefecture, which hosts a large number of foreign students.

The proportion of Chinese nationals in Japan fell to 24.0% from 28.5%, although they remained the largest foreign nationality group. Meanwhile, the share of residents from Southeast Asia, including Vietnam and Indonesia, increased.