The number of people who filed applications for asylum in 2015 jumped nearly 50 percent to a record 7,586, but the government recognized only 27 refugees, the Justice Ministry said Friday.

Lobbyists for the interests of asylum seekers condemned the rejection of those who may have fled persecution or violence, saying it marks a stark contrast with the policies of other developed nations.

"In Germany, the number of applicants last year was 1.1 million, and about half of them are expected to stay," Eri Ishikawa, Chair of the Board of the Japan Association for Refugees (JAR), said.