Japan's Sanae Takaichi announces new tightened measures for foreigners seeking permanent residency

Japan toughened requirements for foreigners wanting to obtain permanent residency on Thursday, as part of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's push to tighten immigration controls. Under new rules that will come into effect in stages, foreign residents wishing to stay in Japan permanently will have to prove their annual income is above average and they can carry casual conversations in Japanese. Application fees will also rise 20-fold from Thursday. At one immigration office in central Tokyo, hundreds of people queued, hoping to wrap up procedures before the price spike. "I understand that over-accepting foreigners might dilute Japan's unique culture.