- Japan's foreign population has significantly increased in nearly all municipalities over the last decade, reaching a record high of over 3.95 million.
- Major cities like Osaka and Yokohama have seen substantial increases, but rural areas, particularly in Hokkaido, are experiencing even faster growth rates.
- Workforce shortages are driving the population increase in smaller communities, highlighting a need for increased government support and resources for these areas.

A: Hey! Did you hear the news? More foreigners are living in Japan!

B: No way! Really? That’s a lot of people!

A: Yeah! NHK says over 3.9 million! It's a record high.

B: Wow! Has it been like this for a while?

A: Not really. It’s been growing a lot in the last ten years. Almost every town has seen an increase!

B: That's amazing! Are the big cities getting more?

A: Of course! Osaka and Yokohama have lots more people! But...it's happening in the countryside too!

B: Seriously? Like, small villages?

A: Yep! Some tiny villages in Hokkaido have seen huge increases! Like, nineteen times more people!

B: Nineteen times?! That’s incredible! Why is that happening?

A: Apparently, it's because some towns need workers. They don’t have enough Japanese people to do the jobs.

B: Oh, I see. So, the towns are welcoming foreigners to help?

A: Exactly! But a professor says they need more help too! They don't have enough money or language classes.

B: That’s tough! They need government support, right?

A: Totally! The government wants to welcome people, so they need to help the towns support them.