2. Existing statistics relating to statelessness How many stateless people live in Japan? It is difficult to answer this question based on the existing statistics. As discussed above, this is because the definition of a stateless person is not clear and the relevance of the statelessness definition under international law is not clearly recognized. Even though the Ministry of Justice, particularly the Immigration Bureau, considers certain persons as stateless, it is not clear whether the same persons could also fall within the definition of statelessness under international law which this report covers. At the same time, a person could be stateless under international law even though that person would not be recognized as stateless by the Japanese authorities. For these reasons, it is difficult to directly clarify the number of stateless persons under international law residing in the country based on the existing statistics in Japan. The nationality and the number of foreigners staying in Japan is still publicly accessible via various official statistics, and some of the statistics include a reference to the category of “stateless persons”. This indicates that the Japanese government is officially aware of the existence of certain “stateless persons”, although “statelessness” within these statistics may not necessary be assessed in line with its definition in international law. This section attempts to list and analyze official statistics where the number of “stateless (persons)” is indicated. It was, however, concluded that the total number of stateless persons could not be estimated from the official statistics since they lack consistency in terms of the definition of statelessness, and the possibility of duplication within the ranges of various statistics is unknown. (1) Statistics on Foreign National Residents The Statistics on the Number of Resident Foreigners reports the number of foreigners in Japan and is based on a database established to record the nationality and region of origin written on foreigner residence cards or special permanent resident certificates issued under Article 7 of the Special Act on Immigration Control.39 127, Questions in the House of Councillors, Cabinet)], at http://www.sangiin.go.jp/japanese/joho1/kousei/syuisyo/186/touh/t186127.htm. 39 Arakaki Report, supra note 2, p.23. Since July 2012, the Resident Record has become available for foreign residents (mid- to long-term residents); the nationality noted on the Residence Record is the same as that on the foreigner residence card. Director-General, Local Administration Bureau, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, “Juumin Kihon Daichou Jimushori Youryouno Ichibu Kaiseinitsuite (Tsuuchi) [Partial Amendment of the Guidelines on Basic Resident Registration (Notice)]”, 4 June 2012, Sou Gyou Juu No.46. Based on materials provided by the Office for Basic Resident Registration for Foreigners, Resident System Division, Local Administration Bureau, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (March 2016). 30