Visa Changes Impact Foreign Business Owners in Japan

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Japan has implemented new visa regulations, causing some foreign business owners to leave the country after establishing their enterprises there.

Listen · 5:53 min Mahendra Dharmapriya, a Sri Lankan entrepreneur, operated his restaurant in Shimotsuke, Japan, bringing flavors from Sri Lanka such as creamy lentils, fish curry, egg hoppers, and black tea with ginger to the local streets for three years.

On a recent Saturday, Mr. Dharmapriya closed his Sri Lankan curry shop, Daiya Ceylon, situated about 66 miles north of Tokyo. The closure was due to his inability to comply with new visa regulations aimed at limiting the influx of foreigners into Japan. This week, he plans to return to Sri Lanka.

“I felt so alone,” Mr. Dharmapriya, 40, shared during an interview at his restaurant as he distributed unopened bags of spices and cassava chips to friends. “I have no hope for the future right now.”

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who took office last year, promised to enforce stricter immigration and tourism controls. Her administration is now focusing on the approximately 47,000 foreigners in Japan holding business manager visas, like Mr. Dharmapriya.

Japan has traditionally been cautious about immigration, with foreigners comprising only about 3 percent of the population. Some experts advocate for increased immigration to address labor shortages and slow the nation’s declining population. However, a nationalist sentiment has gained momentum, with some activists supporting the “Japan First” movement and stricter immigration controls.

Conservative voices argue that foreigners are exploiting Japan’s visa rules for indefinite stays. In response, the government has increased the requirements for business manager visas, raising the necessary capital from $31,000 to $188,000, and mandating the employment of at least one full-time staff member.