Foreigners in Japan hit record as Tokyo rolls out welcome mat

Chinese, South Koreans and Vietnamese lead immigrant influx

20191026 Japan technical intern 2

Participants in the government's technical intern trainee program represent Japan's second-largest contingent of foreign residents. (Photo by Ken Kobayashi)

MINAKO YAMASHITA, Nikkei staff writer

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.

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