[maxgashkov]

Not sure why your comment is downvoted, because it hits the issue dead center, namely it's completely possible to pass either of the required tests (N2/J2) and not being able to speak a single word of Japanese in a live conversation.

That's why at least one category of applicants abusing the visa (Chinese) will continue to do so without any issues.

[timr]

There are a lot of folks who do not want to hear anything truthful if it violates their sense of national justice.

I don't have a dog in the fight. I just think the current "solution" is blunt, and will end up damaging both the Japanese economy, and a bunch of people who were never "the problem", per se.