The government may require long-term foreign residents to have a certain level of Japanese proficiency, Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura said Tuesday.
The Foreign and Justice ministries will begin discussing the envisioned Japanese-language requirement, Komura said without providing further details, including when the talks will start or who would be subject to the obligation.
"Being able to speak Japanese is important to improve the lives of foreign residents in Japan, while it is also essential for Japanese society," Komura told reporters.