Japan is moving to establish a government panel to study long-term foreign resident policy and says the key is to know the reality as accurately as possible. Official data show foreigners comprise 3.0% of residents, with the 20s bracket already at about 9.5%, approaching 10%. In 2024, foreigners increased by 353,089, driven mainly by social increase (inflows minus outflows) of about 344,424, while many newcomers also leave. The Specified Skills No.2 visa, which can enable family accompaniment and permanent residence, could accelerate the growth of the foreign population if long-term residency is expanded. Natural increase is small, but foreign births rose to 22,738 in 2024; schools already face high demand for Japanese-language support among foreign children. If inflows continue and more obtain long-term residency, the share of foreigners could reach 10% earlier than the previously expected 2045.