Foreigners overstaying their visas took to the streets of Tokyo on Monday, calling for the Justice Ministry to grant them special residency permits before the new immigration law takes effect July 9.
The latest revision to the law may deprive visa overstayers of access to public services and rights they currently enjoy in their municipalities, rally organizers said.
"Please let us stay in Japan," the 35 participants, who have lived in Japan longer than in their home countries or were born here, shouted in unison. Among them were those with Japanese spouses and some whose children were born in Japan.