Japan Considers Broader Deportation Powers and Foreign Land Ownership Scrutiny

Government Eyes Expanded Deportation Criteria

The Japanese government is currently reviewing a draft policy that seeks to significantly expand the scope of crimes for which foreign nationals can face deportation. The proposed changes aim to move beyond the existing criteria, which primarily cover drug-related offenses and unsuspended sentences of one year or longer. This initiative, reported on January 21-22, 2026, comes as part of a broader effort to balance 'order' and 'coexistence' within Japanese society, ensuring both Japanese and foreign nationals can live safely and securely.

Under the current system, individuals convicted of certain offenses, such as sex crimes, may not be subject to deportation if they receive suspended sentences. This aspect has drawn criticism and is a key area the new draft policy intends to address. The government's objective is to tighten the management of foreign nationals' residency, which also includes plans to strengthen requirements for obtaining permanent residency and citizenship.

Deliberations Continue on Foreign Land Acquisition

While the draft policy outlines an expansion of deportation criteria, it notably stops short of immediately imposing new restrictions on land acquisition by foreign nationals. Instead, the government plans to establish an expert panel as early as February 2026 to continue discussions on this complex issue.

Concerns have been raised regarding foreign ownership of land, particularly near sensitive areas and water sources, with some proposals suggesting the need for new legal rules from a national security perspective. To better understand the landscape of foreign land ownership, Justice Minister Hiroshi Hiraguchi announced in December 2025 that, starting in fiscal 2026, new property owners will be required to disclose their nationality in a new real estate registry database. This measure will enable the government to track foreign acquisitions, although nationality disclosure is for registration purposes and not a prerequisite for purchasing property.

Broader Policy Framework and Future Steps

The draft policy is part of a comprehensive basic policy on foreign nationals, which also considers the future impact of foreign residents on areas such as the social security system, the labor force, and public safety. Furthermore, the government aims to establish programs for foreign nationals, including preschools to teach Japanese and study habits to children, and initiatives for learning Japanese language, culture, and the legal system. An expert panel has also proposed making participation in Japanese language and social norms programs mandatory for medium- to long-term foreign residents.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's administration has emphasized a resolute approach to these issues while maintaining a clear stance against xenophobia. The government is expected to finalize this policy as early as Friday, January 23, 2026, during a meeting of the Ministerial Council on the Acceptance of Foreign Nationals and the Realization of a Society of Well-Ordered and Harmonious Coexistence.