On Friday, newly appointed Justice Minister Katsuyuki Kawai promised to reform his ministry, including a pledge to more stringently enforce laws and regulations related to immigration.
Kawai said the increase of the foreign worker quota under a new visa program that took effect in April will be a focal point during his tenure, alongside enhancing immigration controls through more rigorous screening and stricter immigration checks.
"Japan has seen a record number of visitors as well as long-time residents, and it is essential to step up measures to maintain a high level of rigorous immigration control while ensuring smooth immigration checks at the border," Kawai said Friday during a group interview with media outlets, including The Japan Times.