📜 The New Hierarchical Structure Created by an Invisible “Immigration Policy” The Japanese government explicitly states that it is “not promoting an immigration policy,” but the current visa system effectively possesses a framework that allows the “relocation of the wealthy.” For instance, Investor/Business Manager visas and Highly Skilled Professional visas allow for relatively easy long-term stays if certain asset or income criteria are met.
In recent years, cases where the wealthy from the Asian region make Tokyo, Kyoto, or Okinawa their “second base of living” are increasing. 🏝️ While such ambiguous system design serves as a short-term economic stimulus, it can also become a hotbed that exacerbates economic inequality.🏛️ The “Acceptance Competition” Among Local Governments Has Begun To promote long-term stays by wealthy foreigners, municipalities like the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and Osaka City are actively backing the development of luxury residential areas and the attraction of international schools. In 2024, the average price of a newly built luxury condominium in the city center reached over 200 million JPY per unit, setting a new record high since the bubble economy period (survey by the Real Estate Economic Institute). This is a price range clearly conscious of foreign demand. Simultaneously, however, the hurdle for acquiring housing for the younger generation and middle class of Japanese people is skyrocketing. The reality of moving further away from the original ideal of “coexistence” is quietly spreading. 😓
🛂 “Controlled Influx” is Common Sense Internationally In other countries, it is common to use regulations to protect market balance while welcoming the relocation of the wealthy. In Singapore, when a foreigner purchases housing, an Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) of up to 60% is imposed. In New Zealand and some cities in Canada, laws restricting real estate purchases by foreigners themselves are already in place. Compared to this, Japan’s system could be said to be “too lenient.” In our eagerness to welcome capital influx into the market, we must not overlook the danger of weakening the living foundations of citizens.
🧭 What is Required Moving Forward: From “Wealthy Welcome” to a “Design of Coexistence” We cannot lack the posture of not only accepting them in the name of promoting relocation but also designing a sustainable balance from the perspectives of urban planning and taxation. Internationalization is not about simply opening up to the wealthy; it is about creating a “mechanism to share living” while maintaining social transparency and fairness. What is being questioned next, following inbound tourism, is the very inclusivity of Japanese society. (The End)
* Reference Article: Singapore Land Authority Official WEB site * From the Marketing Seed series. Please also read this article → [Marketing Seed 61: Why Do Buttons Get Misaligned? ]