'My dream is broken': Japan visa rules push out external locals
In a tiny Tokyo restaurant filled with the smell of Nepalese dumplings, Budhathoki Samjhana surveys the industry she built from scratch but may now
An illustrative image related to: 'My dream is broken': Japan visa rules push out external locals, highlighting key aspects of the story. | Image source: Geo News
'My dream is broken': Japan visa rules push out external locals
In a tiny Tokyo restaurant filled with the smell of Nepalese dumplings, Budhathoki Samjhana surveys the industry she built from scratch but may now have to give up as Japan tightens visa rules.
Even though Japan has a rapidly ageing inhabitants and is suffering labour shortages in many sectors, rivals to immigration is growing and the new rules for industry manager visas were introduced by the ruling Liberal Democratic Faction in late 2025.
Nepalese national Budhathoki, who spent a decade away from her young daughter to create a new life for them in Tokyo, faces expulsion from the country because she may not be able to meet the specifications.
"I always wanted to become a bridge between Japan and Nepal... but my dream is broken," the 38-year-old informed AFP from the capital's Okubo sector, where her restaurant is nestled alongside Vietnamese cafes, Indian curry houses and Korean barbecue joints.
The stricter rules come as some locals complain of overtourism and soaring land prices in part due to external investment, prompting a push by Japanese Premier Sanae Takaichi for tighter regulations on external nationals.
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