＜Article＞Japan’s Immigration Governance: Legal Reform, Social Integration, and Democratic Accountability

This paper analyzes Japan’s transition into a de facto immigrant society from a legal and policy perspective, focusing on the governance of immigration amid demographic aging and labor shortages. By the end of 2024, the foreign resident population reached approximately 3.77 million, prompting reforms such as the introduction of the Training and Employment System and the expansion of the Specified Skilled Worker scheme. However, immigration continues to be managed without a clear legal recognition of “immigrants,” relying on a residence status–based framework. This has produced uneven social integration policies and limited democratic oversight over the broad discretionary powers of the Immigration Services Agency. Drawing on comparative insights, the paper examines institutional reforms needed to align labor policy objectives with rights protection and accountable governance.