World · Vietnam Bureau
Vietnamese overtake Koreans as Japan's second-largest foreign population
Vietnam has surpassed South Korea to become the second-largest source of foreign residents in Japan, according to recent census data. The demographic shift reflects a dramatic 59 percent increase in the Vietnamese population over the past five years.
LSN Vietnam ·
Vietnamese nationals have eclipsed Koreans to become Japan's second-largest foreign population group, marking a significant demographic shift in the island nation. The turnover represents a reversal from 2020, when Korea held the second position with a numerical advantage exceeding 51,000 residents.
Current figures show Vietnamese residents now lead their Korean counterparts by more than 210,000 people. The change underscores accelerating migration patterns from Southeast Asia to Japan, driven by employment opportunities and demographic pressures in both regions.
The Vietnamese population surge of 59 percent over five years substantially outpaces growth among other foreign groups in Japan. This rapid expansion reflects increased labor migration, particularly in manufacturing, hospitality, and healthcare sectors where Japan faces persistent workforce shortages.
China remains Japan's largest foreign population group. The demographic data highlights shifting migration trends in East Asia, with Southeast Asian workers increasingly filling labor gaps as Japan's domestic workforce continues to decline due to an aging society and low birth rates.
The census figures underscore Japan's growing reliance on foreign workers despite traditionally restrictive immigration policies. Policymakers continue to grapple with balancing labor market needs against social integration challenges.