Anti-Immigrant in Japan
About Anti-Immigrant On July 5, 2025, Naoki Hyakuta, leader of the Conservative Party of Japan (a minor right-wing opposition group), delivered a campaign speech in Fukuoka ahead of the July 20 Upper House election. He accused foreign workers of disrespecting Japanese culture, ignoring rules, assaulting Japanese people, and stealing property.
On July 9, eight NGOs issued a joint statement condemning the rise in anti-immigrant rhetoric. They singled out slogans such as “Japanese First” and claims that foreigners receive “preferential treatment.” They urged political parties to stop feeding xenophobia.
Also in mid-July, the Japanese government set up a new administrative body (a “control tower” across agencies) to address public concerns over the growing number of foreign residents. Its mandate includes handling issues of crime and tourism that some citizens attribute to foreigners. As of 2024, foreign nationals in Japan number about 3.8 million, roughly 3% of the total population.
In August 2025, a weekly magazine column titled “Henken Jizai” in Shukan Shincho was discontinued amid protests that it incited discrimination against Japanese of foreign descent. The author had criticized ethnic Koreans (Zainichi) and said that people with foreign roots should abandon Japanese names if they dislike Japan.
A court decision in Saitama Prefecture, on November 21, 2024, issued a provisional injunction banning hate speech demonstrations targeting Kurdish residents near their cultural association office. The order prohibits insulting leaflets and speeches within 600 metres of the Japan Kurdish Cultural Association’s office in Kawaguchi.
Key Statements & Reactions
Naoki Hyakuta: “If you come to Japan, it’s only natural to follow Japanese rules and manners… When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”
NGOs (such as Ijuren and others): They warn that slogans invoking “Japanese First” or allegations of foreigners getting special rights are dangerous and unfounded. They assert that unchecked rhetoric may erode social inclusion.
Affected individuals: In the case of the Shukan Shincho column, Ushio Fukazawa, a writer of Korean descent who now has Japanese nationality, said she was “overwhelmed by a mix of emotions — anger, sadness, nausea and fear.”
The government: By launching the cross-agency body, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) appeared to recognize that public unease is rising. They cited concerns over “inappropriate behavior from some foreigners” and misuse of administrative systems.
Data & Context
Foreign resident population: Approximately 3.8 million as of 2024, about 3% of Japan’s total population.
Political gains: The right-wing populist party Sanseito increased its seats in the Upper House in July 2025. Their platform and rhetoric emphasize nationalism and limiting foreign influence.
Crime statistics: Official data do not support many of the claims made in political discourse. For example, in Saitama Prefecture, arrests of foreigners are highest among Vietnamese and Chinese nationals; Turkish nationals (including Kurds) represent a much smaller share. There is no clear link in the data to substantiate broad claims of crime surges tied to immigrants.
Legal responses: Courts have begun to issue injunctions to curb hate speech near vulnerable communities (as with the Kurds in Saitama). Also, compensation was awarded in past cases for hate speech, such as the case in 2023 when a man was ordered to pay damages for discriminatory tweets targeting Korean residents.
Why It Matters
Social Cohesion: Public trust and harmony depend on fair treatment of all residents. Rhetoric that singles out foreigners may weaken social ties.
Legal and Human Rights: Japan’s constitution forbids discrimination. Continued unchecked hate speech could conflict with domestic laws and international obligations.
Economic Needs: With Japan facing labour shortages and declining birth rates, immigrants are an essential part of sustaining key sectors like caregiving, construction, and agriculture. Alienating foreign workers could worsen shortages.
Image Overseas: Japan’s international reputation may suffer if discrimination becomes visibly embedded in public discourse and policy.
Challenges & Paths Forward
Challenge: Nationalist parties and certain politicians exploit economic hardship, inflation, and slow wage growth to blame foreign residents. Such scapegoating is politically potent.
Challenge: Media and publications sometimes mix cultural critique with discriminatory language, compounding social tension.
Path forward: Stronger enforcement of anti-hate laws and regulations. More public education about the social and economic benefits of diversity. Ensuring media adheres to ethical standards.
Path forward: Dialogue mechanisms for foreign communities to voice concerns. Support for civil society and NGOs that promote inclusion.
