Lokmani Rijal, Japan : The Japanese government has established a new “Command Center for Promoting Harmonious Coexistence with Foreign Nationals” to coordinate and implement policies related to foreign residents.

The office, inaugurated on Tuesday under the Prime Minister’s Office, will be staffed by around 80 officials dispatched from various agencies, including the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, and the National Police Agency.

With the rapid increase in foreign workers and tourists, the government launched this integrated mechanism to prevent issues such as illegal residency, criminal activities, and social instability.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba emphasized that foreign resources are essential for Japan’s economic growth. However, he added, “Some incidents have made Japanese citizens feel inequality and insecurity. We must strictly deal with those who violate the rules and review outdated policies that no longer suit the current environment.”

The Prime Minister also directed the center to focus on tightening immigration control, resolving issues like unpaid social insurance premiums, improving regulations related to land purchases and sales, and strengthening information sharing between central and local governments.

According to Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, the office is also preparing to strictly regulate the conversion of foreign driver’s licenses into Japanese ones and enforce tighter rules on the “Business Manager Visa” system for foreign entrepreneurs.