Japanese media releases data on crimes committed by foreigners in Japan last year
According to a report by TBS News on April 2: In 2025, the number of crimes committed by foreigners in Japan exceeded 12,700, marking the third consecutive year of increase.
According to statistics from the National Police Agency of Japan, the number of foreign nationals involved in crimes last year reached 12,777, with 25,480 cases—both figures showing a third consecutive annual rise.
By nationality, Vietnamese nationals accounted for 4,167 individuals (32.6% of the total), Chinese nationals numbered 2,062 (16.1%), and Filipinos totaled 714 (5.6%). Together, these three nationalities made up approximately 50% of the total number.
Among Vietnamese citizens involved in criminal offenses, theft was the most common crime, accounting for 51.9%, with shoplifting representing 28.8% of those cases.
The number of criminal incidents involving foreigners holding "Technical Intern Training" and "Specific Skills" visas is on the rise. Additionally, 45.3% of foreign-related crimes were classified as "conspiracy crimes"—about four times higher than the rate among Japanese nationals, which stands at 11.5%.
Last year, between May and July, a group of Vietnamese men and women in the Kanto region carried out a coordinated theft operation targeting cosmetics. The mastermind behind the scheme, operating from Vietnam, issued instructions and assigned tasks—such as having different members conduct shoplifting in Japan and transport stolen goods back to Vietnam. This indicates organized collaboration with specialized roles. Similar patterns have emerged involving gangs organized in their home countries and so-called "anonymous mobile criminal groups," who use social media to coordinate and assign roles during criminal activities.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1861329827035136/
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