Spike in seniors, spike in foreigners

Bhupal Shrestha is a university lecturer who lives in Tokyo’s Suginami ward. This residential area is famous for its narrow alleys lined with antique and secondhand clothing stores.

Although he has been living in Japan for 15 years, obtaining a “permanent resident” visa has not always been easy.

“Discrimination on basic things, like searching for rooms for homes or businesses, opening bank accounts, and applying for credit cards,” he claims.