Foreigners in Japan face significant levels of discrimination, survey shows

FILE PHOTO: Medium-rise and low-rise residences and office buildings are seen from the first observatory deck of Tokyo Sky Tree in Tokyo October 30, 2011. REUTERS/Issei Kato/File Photo

TOKYO (Reuters) - Almost 40 percent of foreign residents who sought housing in Japan had applications turned down and almost a quarter were denied jobs in the past five years, a survey showed on Friday, highlighting discrimination in a largely homogeneous society.

The findings from the Justice Ministry survey come as the number of foreign workers and residents in Japan hit record highs as the country prepares to host the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.