Over 80% Support More Foreign Workers, Survey Shows; Less Support Seen for Permanent Settlers

The Yomiuri Shimbun

16:44 JST, March 27, 2026

More than 80% support allowing more foreign workers, according to the recent nationwide survey by The Yomiuri Shimbun and the Japan Institute of International Affairs.

Asked, “how do you think the country should accept foreign workers to ensure economic growth?” 39% chose the answer that Japan should “focus on accepting foreign workers with specialized knowledge and skills.”

“Accept foreign workers in industries facing labor shortages” was chosen by 27% and “accept a wide range of people regardless of knowledge, skills or industry” by 17%. The three answers combined account for more than 80% of respondents.

Only 14% responded: “There is no need to increase the number of foreign workers.”

Asked, “Do you agree or disagree with the government and companies improving working conditions and environments in order to actively accept foreign workers with specialized knowledge and skills?” 72% said they “agree” or “somewhat agree,” compared to 27% who “disagree” or “somewhat disagree.”

When asked, “Do you agree or disagree with accepting immigrants — foreigners who move to Japan with the intention of living in the country permanently?” 42% were in favor, while 57% were opposed. By age group, opinions were largely evenly split among those aged 60 and older, with 47% in favor and 51% opposed, but a significant gap was seen among those aged 18 to 39, with 37% in favor and 63% opposed.