The Migration and Remittance Landscape in Japan

Japan is an archipelago located in the Pacific Ocean with a rich history and a myriad of unique traditions. It is home to millions of people, including many foreigners who choose to settle down there.  According to 2024 data, 3.4 million international migrants are living in Japan, likely attracted by the country’s strong economy and good quality of life. 

Many of those who move to Japan maintain deep ties with family and loved ones back home. For these migrants, supporting relatives from afar often means sending part of their earnings to them. These money transfers, known as remittances, play a vital role in helping households, communities and even entire countries. 

In this post, we’ll take look at the history of Japan, migration and remittances. 

A Brief History of Japan

Japan has always been characterized by its very strong identity, culture, and customs. The country’s long history has seen the rise and fall of powerful clans, emperors, and military rulers known as shoguns. 

By the 12^th century, most of Japan’s contact, trade, and conflicts were with neighboring countries such as China and Korea. But that was all about to change. In the 16^th century, European influence reached the archipelago. Portuguese traders and Jesuit missionaries travelled to Asia and stopped in Japan, initiating a commercial and cultural exchange with them. 

However, a new isolationist policy saw the country close its doors to the outside world for two and a half centuries. This allowed Japan to cultivate its distinctive art, literature, and culture without external influences. The isolationist policy ended in the mid-19th century, when Japan opened for trade following North American pressure. 

This event kickstarted the Meiji Restoration, a historical event named after Emperor Meiji. It refers to the changes in Japan’s society as the country industrialized, modernized its military, and adopted Western systems. These changes led the archipelago to become a strong regional power, becoming involved in international geopolitical events, and eventually participating in the Second World War. 

After its defeat at the hands of the United States in 1945, the country started rebuilding. It saw rapid growth, and quickly became one of the world’s leading economies, expanding its influence all over the globe. Today, you have probably driven a Japanese car, had a Japanese phone, or seen a Japanese anime or movie. Despite new challenges, like its aging population, the country remains deeply influential through its industry, technology, and culture. 

The Context of Migration to Japan

For a long time, Japan was not considered a common destination for migrants looking for a place to settle down due to the archipelago’s secluded geographical location and its long-lasting isolationist policy that actively dissuaded immigration. So, when the country first opened up, most of the migrants came from close by, mainly China, Korea, and Taiwan. 

But it all changes in the 1980s, when the government reformed immigration laws, introducing new programs for technical workers and trainees. Paired with the growing influence and popularity of Japanese culture, as well as its booming economy, these changes made Japan a highly attractive destination. Since then, immigration to the archipelago has been growing steadily. 

Now, you’re probably wondering where do most immigrants to Japan come from today? Well, the Japanese Immigration Services Agency compiles data on this subject. While the top nationalities are neighboring countries (China, Vietnam, South Korea, Philippines, and Nepal), there are people from all over the world among the most common origins, such as Brazil and the United States. 

Over the past 10 years, immigration has risen by 30.8%, now accounting for 2.8% of the total population. With low unemployment and a shrinking population, Japan has become increasingly dependent on migrants for its workforce. In fact, according to the OECD, 55% of the permanent migrants living in the country are there on a work visa. 

 
International Migration Outlook 2024: Japan, OECD 

As migration has grown, so has the amount of money sent home. In 2024, migrants in Japan sent more than USD $6 billion in personal remittances abroad, according to World Bank Remittance Data. 

Understanding the Remittance Industry in Japan

The country’s remittance market is one of the most active in Asia. But how do migrants in Japan send money home?  

People sending money from Japan can use traditional methods like bank transfers and wire services. While these are established, secure methods, they can also be slow and expensive. They generally charge higher fees and transactions can take 2-3 business days to go through. But there are better alternatives available.

This is where specialized money transfer services such as Ria make a difference. We serve as intermediaries, meaning that you can still send to or from a bank account, but with lower fees, competitive exchange rates, and a shorter wait, as money transfers are sometimes instant. 

Companies like us are just as secure but offer faster, more accessible services, and a wider variety of options, including new technologies that are transforming the remittance market such as digital wallets —making money transfers faster, easier, and accessible. 

But remittances are not just about moving funds. They’re also about promoting financial inclusion, stability, and growth in the communities that receive them, a point we’ll explore next. 

Why Remittances Matter: Their Importance and Social Impact 

Receiving remittances can make a huge difference for households, communities, and even entire countries, as they improve quality of life and generate economic growth. 

The funds sent back home can help cover basic needs such as housing, food, or healthcare. They can also be used to cover the cost of education or to invest in a business opportunity, increasing financial stability and effectively helping break the cycle of poverty. 

Families receiving remittances have more money to spend, whether on groceries or other needs, resulting in an influx of money in their community, which in turn boosts the economy. 

Therefore, these funds have been proven to have a positive impact on every scale, helping reduce poverty, improve living standards, and strengthen economies. 

The Future of Sending Money from Japan

Several factors can shape and change the future of remittances in Japan: 

• New labor and migration policies. Government rules on visas, skill requirements, and stay duration can directly influence the size of the migrant population. 

• Demographic changes. Japan’s aging and shrinking population means that migrant workers will remain essential for the workforce and continue moving there. 

• Compliance rules. Remittances are subject to guidelines and rules. Although this can affect the amount of money you’re allowed to send and how quickly it moves, it also adds security. These rules are here to help ensure your money is safe and reaches the right destination. 

• Money transfer corridors costs. While competition between money transfer companies is lowering fees in major routes, sending to remote areas can still be expensive. For instance, it costs on average 50% less to send money from Japan to the Philippines than to send money from Japan to India. 

The good news is that competition between money transfer companies is bringing general and corridor-specific fees down. Ria actively works to maintain competitive fees and exchange rates in order to remain accessible and in an effort to align with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal nº10.c, which seeks to reduce the global cost of migrant remittances to less than 3%. 

These trends show that while the need and demand for remittances from Japan will remain strong, the way people send money and how much it costs will continue to evolve. That is why it’s important to keep up with changes and stay informed if you want to have a smooth money transfer experience. 

More Than Just Money

Behind every money transfer is a personal story, one of sacrifice, opportunity, and connection. Migrants are not only filling critical roles in Japan’s economy, but they are also sustaining families and entire communities across borders. 

At the same time, the remittance landscape is constantly evolving, shaped by policy decisions, technology, and demographics. As digital solutions become more popular, new platforms are cutting costs, speeding up transactions, and making services more accessible.  

Ria is part of this change. With the acquisition of Kyodai Remittance, we are expanding our reach in the country. By offering fast, secure, and accessible transfer options, we seek to promote financial inclusion and empower the communities we serve. 

If you need to send money to loved ones back home from Japan, you can use our web, app, or visit your nearest Ria location. Learn more about our services in Japan through the Kyodai website.