TOKYO -- The number of foreigners living in Japan reached a record 2.83 million at the end of June, according to official data released Friday, which also indicates a preference for big cities that runs counter to the government's goals.
The figure, a 3.6% increase from the end of last year, represents 2.24% of Japan's total population and is on track for a seventh straight year of growth. The data excludes short-term visitors staying less than three months but covers medium-term residents such as students from overseas.
