Japan’s Foreign-Owned Restaurants Face Closure Amid Harsh New Visa Policy

For three years, Mahendra Dharmapriya, a Sri Lankan restaurateur, filled the streets of Shimotsuke, rural Japan, with the aromas of lentils, fish curry, egg hoppers, and gingered black tea at his Sri Lankan curry shop. A recent Saturday marked the end of his operations as Daiya Ceylon closed its doors. Mr. Dharmapriya, 40, unable to meet new visa requirements, will return to Sri Lanka. “I felt so alone since moving to Japan in 2015,” he said during an interview at his restaurant, where he had distributed unused kitchen spices and cassava chips to friends.

Japan’s recent immigration clamping-down, led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s administration, targets around 47,000 foreigners holding business manager visas. The changes propose stricter conditions to curb foreign workforce migration, increasing the capital requirement for visa applicants from $31,000 to $188,000 and mandating at least one full-time employee. This shift reflects broader national sentiment favoring tighter immigration controls amid a “Japan First” movement, despite opposition from experts who argue Japan requires foreign workers to address labor shortages.

Criticism from foreign entrepreneurs managing businesses like Hong Kong-style congee chain San Mai San in Tokyo intensified as their venues ceased operations. Chan Ka Yee, who managed a branch for over five years, recently closed her store after failing to satisfy the revised visa terms. She announced on social media, “My eyes are incredibly swollen from crying so much last night,” expressing regret as she hosted her final day with pork congee and milk tea. Regular patrons like Chie Taniguchi, 50, condemned the policy as “sloppy politics,” lamenting the curtailing of cultural exchange. “Japanese customers now lose the chance to explore global cuisines,” Ms. Taniguchi argued.

Activists have rallied against the new guidelines, signing a petition with over 60,000 signatures. Meanwhile, Indian restaurateur Manish Kumar’s public flare-up of the issue through a viral video shed light on the emotional toll of deportation threats for families rooted in Japan for decades. His defense of his children’s entitlement to remain generated heated debate, with some accusing visa abuse. The administration claims the move has curtailed fraudulent applications from an average of 1,700 monthly to just 70, demonstrating tighter oversight.

Minister Kimi Onoda affirmed the reforms had quelled concerns over immigration abuse, stating minimal visa renewals reflected newfound credibility. Yet, eatery staff face imminent dislocations, packing belongings within a month’s notice. Mr. Dharmapriya vividly recounted receiving a visa refusal due to his failure to add a hired worker. Despite patron turnout exceeding expectations at his farewell buffet—over 70 guests bringing gifts—he resignedly prepared to depart Japan. “I’d return in a heartbeat if I could,” he said, contemplating leaving his family behind without explanation.

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