Foreign residents in Japan face potential policy shifts as two major political parties have proposed significant changes to immigration policy. The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Japan Innovation Party (Nippon Ishin no Kai) have separately outlined proposals that could affect pathways to permanent residency, naturalization, and the overall foreign population in Japan. According to NHK, the LDP approved a policy proposal on January 20, 2026, calling for stricter requirements for obtaining Japanese citizenship. The party's recommendations also include establishing new legal frameworks governing real estate purchases by foreign nationals. These proposals represent a notable shift toward more restrictive immigration policies from Japan's ruling party. Simultaneously, the Japan Innovation Party announced its own immigration policy recommendations, proposing that the government consider implementing caps on the foreign resident population. According to NHK reporting, the party suggests setting upper limits on the ratio of foreign nationals to control the pace of increase in Japan's foreign population. The party plans to incorporate these proposals into its platform for upcoming House of Representatives elections, signaling that immigration policy may become a key electoral issue. For the approximately 3.4 million foreign residents currently living in Japan, these proposals raise important questions about future policy directions. While both parties' recommendations remain in the proposal stage and have not been enacted into law, they indicate growing political momentum for immigration restrictions. The LDP's call for stricter naturalization requirements could affect foreign residents planning to apply for Japanese citizenship. Currently, applicants must demonstrate five years of continuous residence, stable income, good conduct, and willingness to renounce previous citizenship, among other requirements. If the LDP's proposals advance, additional conditions or more rigorous screening processes could be implemented, potentially lengthening the naturalization timeline or raising eligibility thresholds. The proposed restrictions on foreign real estate purchases would also mark a significant policy change. Japan currently allows foreign nationals to purchase property with relatively few restrictions compared to some neighboring countries. New regulations could require additional documentation, limit purchases in certain areas, or impose other conditions on foreign buyers. This could affect foreign residents' ability to invest in homes or investment properties. The Innovation Party's proposal for population ratio caps represents perhaps the most dramatic potential shift. If implemented, such caps could affect visa issuance across categories, potentially making it more difficult to obtain work visas, family reunification visas, or other residence permits. The proposal aims to "control the pace of increase" in the foreign population, suggesting that even if caps are set above current levels, they could constrain future growth. It's important to note that these remain proposals rather than concrete policy changes. Japan's legislative process requires proposals to be drafted into bills, debated in the Diet, and passed by both houses before becoming law. This process typically takes months or years, and proposals often undergo significant modifications or fail to advance entirely. Foreign residents should monitor these developments but need not take immediate action. Current visa holders' status remains unchanged, and existing naturalization applications will be processed under current rules. However, those considering applying for citizenship or planning major decisions like property purchases may want to consult with immigration attorneys or real estate professionals to understand how potential policy changes could affect their specific situations. The proposals reflect broader debates in Japan about immigration policy as the country grapples with population decline and labor shortages while some politicians express concerns about social integration and national identity. As these discussions continue, foreign residents should stay informed through official government channels and reputable news sources about any concrete policy changes that may emerge from these initial proposals.