Japan is cracking down on abuses of its business manager visa, and many are wondering if the new rules can finally stop the loopholes. Osaka saw a rush of last-minute shell companies before the deadline.

Many firms were linked to Chinese applicants using the visa as a cheap migration route and even tapping into social welfare. Locals reported tensions and no real business activity. The new rules now demand stronger Japanese language skills and stricter checks.

Old tricks will not work anymore. Osaka is also considering tightening its private lodging system, with license cancellations on the table. The key question is whether these reforms can strike a balance between fairness and control.