The Japanese government is preparing to convene its first-ever ministerial meeting on foreign resident policy, signaling a significant shift in how the country approaches immigration and land ownership by non-Japanese nationals. According to NHK, the meeting is scheduled for November 4, 2025, and will address growing concerns about land acquisition by foreign individuals and entities. This development represents a comprehensive review of Japan's approach to foreign residents at a time when the country faces demographic challenges and an aging population that has made immigration increasingly necessary. The establishment of a dedicated ministerial conference suggests the government is taking a more coordinated, cross-departmental approach to foreign resident issues rather than handling them in isolation. The timing of this policy review is particularly noteworthy as it coincides with Prime Minister Takaichi's diplomatic engagements in South Korea for the APEC summit. During her visit, Prime Minister Takaichi held her first summit meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung on October 30, where both leaders agreed to develop bilateral relations in a future-oriented manner, according to NHK reports. The emphasis on strengthening regional cooperation, including trilateral coordination between Japan, the United States, and South Korea, provides important context for Japan's evolving foreign policy framework. For foreign residents currently living in Japan, the upcoming ministerial meeting could have far-reaching implications. While specific policy proposals have not yet been disclosed, the focus on land acquisition rules suggests the government may introduce new regulations or restrictions on property purchases by non-Japanese nationals. This could particularly affect permanent residents and long-term visa holders who are considering real estate investments in Japan. The land ownership issue has been a topic of increasing political attention in Japan, with some lawmakers expressing concerns about strategic properties near military installations or critical infrastructure being acquired by foreign entities. However, it remains unclear whether any new regulations would distinguish between individual foreign residents and corporate or state-backed entities, or whether they would apply uniformly to all non-Japanese purchasers. Experts suggest that foreign residents should monitor developments from this ministerial meeting closely, as policy changes could affect various aspects of daily life beyond property ownership. Immigration procedures, residency requirements, and integration support programs may all be subject to review as part of this comprehensive policy overhaul. The broader diplomatic context also matters for Japan's foreign resident community. Prime Minister Takaichi's meetings with regional leaders, including her scheduled first summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping on October 31, demonstrate Japan's efforts to balance domestic policy concerns with international relationships. These diplomatic engagements may influence how strictly or broadly any new foreign resident policies are implemented. The APEC ministerial meeting, which concluded on October 30 without adopting a joint statement due to differing opinions among participating countries and regions, highlights the complex international environment in which Japan is formulating its foreign resident policies. This diplomatic complexity suggests that any new framework will need to carefully balance national security concerns with economic needs and international obligations. For expats living in Japan, the key takeaway is to stay informed about the outcomes of the November 4 ministerial meeting. Those planning to purchase property should consider consulting with legal experts about potential regulatory changes. Additionally, foreign residents should ensure their visa status and documentation remain current, as immigration procedures may be subject to revision. While the full scope of the policy overhaul remains to be seen, the government's decision to establish a dedicated ministerial framework indicates that foreign resident issues will receive sustained high-level attention in the coming months. Foreign residents should prepare for possible changes while continuing to contribute to their communities and comply with existing regulations.