Japan‘s Residency Rules: What Has Really Changed and How Do They Compare With Other Places?

The Yokosuka Council on Asia-Pacific Studies (YCAPS) and Japan Expert Insights are pleased to present the next installment of the YCAPS Pub Talk series: “Japan‘s Residency Rules: What Has Really Changed and How Do They Compare With Other Places?”

As Japan continues to debate immigration and residency reforms, both current and prospective residents are living in a state of uncertainty. A quick search through social media will return any number of posts by concerned residents, sensationalist stories by social media personalities and doomsayers pointing out that the sky is falling; however, what is the reality of the changing rules and is it in line with international norms? Join leading experts and scholars at the iconic "What the Dickens!" pub in Ebisu for a candid, off-the-record discussion.

Featuring Mr. Yuta Kato (IMS Legal Professional Corporation), Dr. Maximilien Xavier Rehm (Doshisha University), Mr. Ben Tanaka (RetireJapan), and moderated by Jeff Mazziotta (YCAPS) this seminar will explore the most recent changes to visa and permanent residency rules as well as compare how Japan’s Immigration and guest worker processes and criteria compare to those of other advanced economies.

YCAPS is grateful to What the Dickens! for providing exclusive use of the venue for this event. The bar and kitchen will be open throughout the evening, allowing attendees to enjoy food and drinks during the program. Please come early to grab a bite or drink, chat with the speakers, and get to know fellow audience members.

Pre-registration is not required. The venue comfortably holds 70 people, and admission will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

*There is an optional pre-registration list for those who would like priority entrance into the venue. (Those on the pre-registration list will be allowed entry at 6:00pm, while general entry begins at 6:15 pm)

Pre-registration (optional) at this Google form.

Date: Monday, September 28, 2026

Time: 18:15–21:00 (Early 18:00 admittance for pre-registered audience members)

Venue: What the Dickens!

ROOB6 Building 4th floor, Ebisunishi, 1 Chome-13-3, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0021

〒150-0021 東京都渋谷区恵比寿西１丁目１３－３　ＲＯＯＢ６ビル 4階

Google Maps: https://share.google/fXIdcMQH6qHUAajV8

Schedule:

• 18:00 Doors open (pre-registered)
• 18:15 Doors open (All)
• 18:15–19:00 Casual conversation & networking social
• 19:00–20:15 Panel Discussion & Moderated Q&A Session
• 20:15–21:00 Informal conversation and networking
• *Participants will be able to buy food and drinks throughout the event.

Speakers:

Mr Yuta Kato is a Certified Administrative Procedures Legal Specialist at IMS Legal Professional Corporation with extensive knowledge of Immigration procedures and regulations.

Dr. Maximilien Xavier Rehm is a postdoctoral assistant at the Graduate School of Global Studies, Doshisha University, Kyoto. Coming from a background of political science and international relations, Maximilien’s current primary research focus is Japanese migration policy. He has written extensively on the topic, with peer-reviewed articles published on Japan’s refugee policy, the 2019 amendment to the Immigration Control Act, and the migration policies of the second Abe administration. His first book, titled “Japan’s Immigration Regime: Contradiction and Continuity”, is set for release later this year. An updated list of his recent publications can be found on his website, and he also occasionally blogs about Japanese politics.

Ben Tanaka (also Shearon) moved to Japan in the summer of 2000. He was born in Germany and grew up in northern Spain, yet claims to be British. Ben retired from formal work in 2022 and has since been trying to figure out what to do with himself. He has been running RetireJapan since 2013 to help people living in Japan learn more about personal finance, investing, retirement, and life in Japan. He also helps his wife run a medium-sized English school and writes various things. For fun, he enjoys reading, is enthusiastic about losing at Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and wants to spend more time on and around Miyakojima.

Cost: Free of charge. All bar and kitchen proceeds support the venue.
Format: This event will be off-the-record. Questions are encouraged
Moderator(s): Jeff Mazziotta(YCAPS)