This page provides regional information related to visas and naturalization in Hiroshima. Click the article title below to view the full article.
Hotel Construction Boom in Hiroshima and Required Visa Statuses for Working in Hotels(18 Dec,2025)
Mika Yokota Becomes First Female Governor of Hiroshima Prefecture(9 Nov, 2025)
Japan’s foreign resident policy is now at a turning point( 21 Oct,2025)
Japan’s First Female leader of LDP and Her Immigration Policy( 4 Oct, 2025)
How to Study in Japan: Student Visa Basics and Schools in Hiroshima (20 Sep, 2025)
Hiroshima: A City for Living, and the Story of a Naturalized Basketball Star( 6 Sep,2025)
Hotel Construction Boom in Hiroshima and Required Visa Statuses for Working in Hotels
In Hiroshima City, a hotel construction boom is underway in response to the growing demand from inbound tourism. In the central Kamiya-cho and Hatchobori districts, a new luxury hotel under Hyatt’s Andaz brand, Andaz Hiroshima, is scheduled to open in 2027 as part of a large-scale redevelopment project. In addition, new hotel projects are progressing around Miyajima-guchi, the gateway to the World Heritage Site Itsukushima Shrine, as well as around Hiroshima Station, where business hotels are being built one after another.
Background and Challenges of the Hotel Construction Boom
The main driving force behind this trend is the shared goal of both the public and private sectors to extend visitors’ length of stay in Hiroshima and increase tourism spending. Historically, Hiroshima has been known as a city often visited on day trips. By expanding accommodation capacity, stakeholders hope to encourage overnight stays and higher per-capita consumption.
Another contributing factor is the near completion of large-scale redevelopment projects around Hiroshima Station. Improved accessibility, including smoother connections between the Shinkansen and streetcar lines, has made travel within the city more convenient, further supporting hotel development in central areas.
However, several challenges remain. Hiroshima is home to two World Heritage Sites—the Atomic Bomb Dome and Itsukushima Shrine—but it lacks a clearly established “third major tourist attraction.” While improved transportation allows visitors to tour major sights more efficiently, it may also accelerate day-trip tourism, producing the opposite of the intended effect.
Moreover, spending by foreign tourists in Hiroshima remains relatively low compared with neighboring Okayama Prefecture. Although plans are being discussed for the wooden reconstruction of Hiroshima Castle, sustained efforts are needed to promote additional attractions and encourage longer stays, thereby increasing overall tourism expenditure.
Visa Statuses Required for Foreign Nationals Working in Hotels
The tourism industry is often described as having a broad economic ripple effect. Growth in visitor numbers benefits not only hotels, but also surrounding restaurants, retail shops, and other related businesses. Among these sectors, the accommodation industry is particularly attractive to foreign workers, as it offers opportunities to utilize language skills and cross-cultural expertise.
Below is an overview of the main residence statuses applicable to foreign nationals seeking employment at hotels or ryokan in Japan, explained from the perspective of a certified administrative procedures legal specialist.
For Highly Skilled or Specialized Duties: Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services
Whether employment at a hotel qualifies for the Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services status depends on the specific job duties and overall role of the employee.
This status is more likely to be approved when the work requires academic knowledge, professional expertise, or advanced language skills. Typical examples include:
- Interpretation and translation duties at the front desk of large-scale, luxury, or international hotels
- Overseas market development and inbound tourism strategy planning
- Marketing, sales planning, and business strategy targeting foreign customers
These roles are considered to require specialized knowledge and intellectual skills.
On the other hand, positions in which the main duties consist of routine front desk work at small or mid-sized hotels, serving food and beverages at restaurants, or carrying guests’ luggage are generally not eligible under this status.
That said, hotel operations are inherently multifaceted. During training periods, employees may temporarily engage in auxiliary or on-site tasks. Such incidental duties do not automatically disqualify the application, as immigration authorities assess the position holistically, focusing on whether specialized duties constitute the core of the job.
For On-Site and Service-Oriented Duties: Specified Skilled Worker (Hospitality)
When job duties do not meet the criteria for Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services and are primarily operational or service-based, the Specified Skilled Worker (Hospitality) status becomes relevant.
This category typically covers a wide range of accommodation-related tasks, such as:
- Front desk operations at small hotels or ryokan
- Guest services and customer assistance
- Restaurant and dining services
- General hospitality and accommodation services
Under the Specified Skilled Worker system, applicants must meet certain skill and Japanese language proficiency requirements. The hospitality sector is one of the fields where acceptance of foreign workers has been actively promoted to address labor shortages.
Conclusion
Although the Immigration Services Agency of Japan publishes official guidelines for each residence status, determining the appropriate visa category for hotel employment can be complex in practice. Decisions often depend on the precise job description, employment structure, and operational context, making advance consultation with a specialist highly advisable.
Morita Immigration Legal Services provides consultation services for accommodation businesses seeking to hire foreign nationals, as well as for foreign individuals wishing to work in hotels or ryokan in Japan. The initial consultation is free of charge. Please feel free to contact us for further assistance.
(posted 18 Dec,2025)
Mika Yokota Becomes First Female Governor of Hiroshima Prefecture
Mika Yokota has been elected as the new governor of Hiroshima Prefecture, succeeding Hidehiko Yuzaki, who served four consecutive terms over 16 years. Yokota is the first woman ever to hold this position in Hiroshima.
Having served as vice governor under Yuzaki’s administration, Yokota is widely expected to continue many of the policies established during his tenure—at least in the short term.
Achievements and Challenges of the Yuzaki Administration
During Yuzaki’s 16 years in office, the most serious challenge facing Hiroshima Prefecture was the outflow of young people.
Due to the limited number of prominent private universities in the prefecture, many students left for the Tokyo or Kansai regions for higher education.
This trend continued as young people sought employment in major urban areas such as Tokyo and Fukuoka, where information and communication industries are concentrated.
Efforts to promote industrial development and create new businesses were seen as insufficient.
On the other hand, Yuzaki’s administration actively accepted foreign workers to compensate for labor shortages in the manufacturing sector.
His strong communication and advocacy on nuclear disarmament also earned international recognition.
Yokota’s Key Policies
Yokota, a former career bureaucrat at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, places a high priority on strengthening Hiroshima’s agricultural, forestry, and fishery production capabilities.
She also aims to revitalize local tourism through digital innovation and public-private collaboration, enhancing regional appeal and connectivity.
To address the pressing issue of youth outmigration, Yokota pledges to attract new industries, improve workplace appeal, and promote large-scale concerts and events in Hiroshima. However, the specific measures for achieving these goals remain unclear.
Outlook
How Yokota will tackle the long-standing challenges that accumulated over Yuzaki’s 16-year administration remains to be seen.
As Hiroshima’s first female governor, her leadership and ability to deliver tangible results will be closely watched both inside and outside the prefecture.
(posted Nov 9,2025)
Japan’s foreign resident policy is now at a turning point
Today, Japan welcomes its first female Prime Minister. The Komeito Party, which had long shared power with the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and maintained a relatively tolerant stance toward accepting foreign nationals, has left the coalition. The LDP has instead chosen the Japan Innovation Party (Nippon Ishin no Kai) as its new governing partner.
Nippon Ishin no Kai’s Policy Stance on Foreign Nationals
Nippon Ishin’s immigration policy emphasizes the need to impose strict quantitative limits on the number of foreign nationals allowed to enter Japan. The party also advocates for the establishment of a new cabinet position — the Minister for Foreign Resident Policy — to implement such measures. Criticizing the previous administrations’ policies as ad hoc, the party has rejected the “Roadmap for a Society of Coexistence with Foreign Nationals” formulated by successive governments. Their rhetoric has sometimes been controversial, referring to Japanese language schools and vocational schools accepting foreign students as part of an “immigration business.”
The person appointed to the newly established post as Japan’s first Minister for Foreign Resident Policy is —
Following the launch of the new LDP–Ishin coalition government, Prime Minister Takaichi appointed Ms.Onoda Kimi as Japan’s first Minister for Foreign Resident Policy, who will also serve concurrently as Minister for Economic Security.
While Japan had previously taken an active approach toward accepting foreign nationals, its immigration and residency control policies are now expected to become significantly stricter.
(posted 21 Oct,2025)
Japan’s First Female leader of LDP and Her Immigration Policy
Japanese Liberal Democratic Party(LDP) has appointed its first female leader — Sanae Takaichi.
This article summarizes her past comments and stance on immigration issues, as well as what to expect from her administration.
Background: The Political Climate Behind Her Rise
In recent years, immigration and foreign resident issues have become central topics in Japanese elections.
During last year’s national election, right-leaning populist parties gained support by highlighting problems such as the “bad manners” of foreign tourists and crimes allegedly committed by foreign workers.
Behind this trend lies Japan’s sense of stagnation over the past three decades.
While neighboring countries like China and South Korea have grown rapidly, Japan’s international status has relatively declined. The phrase “Cheap yen, cheap Japan” reflects how many Japanese people now feel economically constrained, unable even to travel abroad.
Since foreign residents in Japan have no voting rights, political rhetoric targeting them often becomes an outlet for domestic frustration.
Takaichi’s Ideology and Key Statements
Sanae Takaichi is known as a conservative “hawk,” but her views are generally considered moderate rather than extreme.
As a close ally of the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, she supported his economic and immigration policies.
While some conservative politicians have opposed accepting foreign workers, Takaichi has expressed a pragmatic stance — continuing the current acceptance framework while monitoring its social impact.
At the same time, she has emphasized strict measures against illegal overstayers and visa violations.
A remark she once made about “foreign tourists kicking Nara’s sacred deer” went viral on social media and drew criticism, illustrating how sensitive the topic has become.
Outlook for Immigration Policy (From an Immgraiton Administrative Scrivener’s Perspective)
Japan’s Prime Minister does not hold the same executive authority as the U.S. President, and policy decisions must align with the parliamentary majority.
Currently, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) holds only a slim majority, limiting Takaichi’s ability to push bold reforms.
However, given her conservative background, Japan’s diplomacy may take a firmer tone toward China, particularly over visits to Yasukuni Shrine.
As for immigration, her government is expected to maintain the existing framework for accepting foreign workers while tightening controls on illegal residents.
Consequently, immigration procedures and visa screenings by the Immigration Services Agency may become more rigorous in the near future.
As an administrative scrivener supporting foreign residents, I will continue to closely monitor how Japan’s new leadership shapes immigration policy in the months ahead.
For an overview of our visa and naturalization support services in Hiroshima, please visit our English homepage.
(posted Oct 4,2025)
How to Study in Japan: Student Visa Basics and Schools in Hiroshima
What is a Student Visa?
To stay in Japan, foreigners must have the correct visa. If you want to study in Japan, you usually need a Student（留学） Visa.
A Student Visa is for the activity of receiving education at a school in Japan.
It is not allowed to apply for this visa if your main purpose is to work. Doing so is illegal and can lead to strict penalties.
Universities in Hiroshima: New YIC University
Most people use a Student Visa to study at a university.
In Hiroshima, many international students already study at Hiroshima University (a national university), as well as at public and private universities.
A new university is also planned: YIC University, which will open in 2027 in Higashi Ward, Hiroshima City.
・Successor of Hiroshima Jogakuin University
・Will establish a Faculty of International Culture
・Will also open a Japanese Language Department (100 students) to accept many international students
Studying Japanese at Language Schools or Colleges
The Student Visa is not only for universities. You can also get this visa to study Japanese at a language school or vocational college.
However, the school must be approved by the Japanese government (Immigration notification list). This rule exists to stop bad schools from bringing students only for work purposes.
Important Points When Applying for a Student Visa
Financial Ability
Immigration officers check carefully if you have enough money to study in Japan.
They want to know:
・Do you have enough savings for tuition and living expenses? Is there a reliable financial sponsor other than the student?
・Will you receive a scholarship?
Working in Japan
Normally, you cannot work with only a Student Visa.
If you want to do a part-time job, you need Permission to Engage in Other Activities (資格外活動許可).
・This allows up to 28 hours per week
・If you only work and do not attend school, your visa may not be renewed
Summary
Hiroshima is an active region for international students, with universities, vocational schools, and Japanese language schools. The new YIC University (2027) is one example of schools preparing to welcome more foreign students.
But remember:
・The Student Visa is for studying, not working
・You must prove you have enough money to support yourself
・Working is only possible with special permission
To enjoy your life and study in Hiroshima, it is very important to understand these visa rules first.
At Morita Immigration Legal Services, we provide consultation on Student Visa applications and Permission to Work (Shikakugai Katsudou Kyoka).
The first consultation is free of charge.
Please feel free to contact us.
For an overview of our visa and naturalization support services in Hiroshima, please visit our English homepage.
(posted 20/Sep/2025)
Hiroshima: A City for Living, and the Story of a Naturalized Basketball Star
Hiroshima – More Than Just a Tourist City
Hiroshima is often known around the world for the Peace Memorial Park and Itsukushima Shrine, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. But for those who live here, the city offers much more. With a population of about 1.2 million, Hiroshima is big enough to provide all the conveniences of an urban lifestyle—shopping, jobs, transportation—yet compact enough to remain comfortable and livable. Compared to Tokyo or Osaka, the cost of living is lower, especially when it comes to housing.
Surrounded by the sea, rivers, and mountains, Hiroshima also provides easy access to nature. Cycling along the Shimanami Kaido, fishing on the Seto Inland Sea, or skiing in the nearby mountains makes it a city where outdoor activities are available year-round.
Sports and International Stories
Hiroshima is a true sports city. Baseball fans fill stadiums to cheer for the Hiroshima Carp, while Sanfrecce Hiroshima represents the city in Japanese professional soccer. More recently, basketball has been gaining attention thanks to the Hiroshima Dragonflies.
In August 2025, Nick Mayo—a center/power forward for the Dragonflies—officially became a Japanese citizen through naturalization. Mayo has played in Japan since 2019 and has become a central figure for the team. On the club’s official website, he expressed his feelings: “I love the culture and people of Japan, and I am excited to continue playing as a Japanese national.”
His story shows that Hiroshima is not just a city for sports, but also a place where international residents can create a life, integrate into the community, and even take the step of becoming Japanese citizens.
Naturalization in Japan
Naturalization is the process of acquiring Japanese nationality with government approval. Under Japan’s Nationality Act, applicants must:
・Live in Japan continuously for five years or more
・Be at least 18 years old and legally competent
・Demonstrate good conduct
・Be financially independent
・Renounce their original nationality (Japan does not allow dual citizenship)
・Respect the Japanese Constitution
For foreign residents, naturalization brings rights such as obtaining a Japanese passport, voting in elections, and holding public office. While the process is strict, successful cases like Nick Mayo’s highlight that it is possible with the right preparation and commitment. For more details about naturalization, please check this page.
Support for Foreign Residents in Hiroshima
Hiroshima is becoming increasingly attractive not only to tourists but also to those who wish to work, start businesses, or build long-term lives here. For foreigners considering permanent residency or naturalization, professional support can make the process smoother.
Our office specializes in visa applications, permanent residency, and naturalization procedures in Hiroshima. We are dedicated to supporting international residents who want to make Hiroshima their home.
The first consultation is free. Please feel free to contact us for assistance.
For an overview of our visa and naturalization support services in Hiroshima, please visit our English homepage.
(posted 6/Sep/2025)
Visa and Naturalization Inquiries
For inquiries about visas, naturalization, and life of Hiroshima ,Japan, please contact me here.
For feedback or media inquiries about my site, please contact me here.
A licensed administrative scrivener will review your message and respond by email.