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NGOs condemn rise in anti-immigrant rhetoric ahead of Upper House vote
On July 8, 2025, eight human rights nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), joined by 266 others, issued a joint statement condemning a surge in anti-immigrant rhetoric by political parties ahead of Japan’s July 20 Upper House election, warning of its potential to fuel xenophobia and undermine an inclusive society. The statement, led by groups like the Solidarity Network with Migrants Japan (Ijuren) and the Anti-Poverty Campaign, highlighted inflammatory slogans such as “Japanese First” and baseless claims of “preferential treatment for foreigners” as alarming trends. With Japan’s foreign resident population reaching a record 3.77 million in 2024, a 10.5% increase from the previous year, the rise of nationalist parties like Sanseito and the Conservative Party of Japan (CPJ) has intensified concerns among foreign nationals. Lawyer Yasuko Morooka (諸岡康子, もろおかやすこ, モロオカヤスコ), an organizer, noted that foreigners are being scapegoated for economic issues like rising rice prices, despite no evidence of special privileges in healthcare or pensions. The NGOs urged voters to reject discriminatory rhetoric and support coexistence, citing Japan’s lack of a basic law guaranteeing foreign residents’ rights. The statement follows a June Tokyo assembly election where Sanseito won three seats, leveraging anti-immigrant sentiment. As Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba (石場茂, いしばしげる, イシバシゲル) navigates a minority government, the election’s outcome could shape Japan’s immigration policy and global reputation. The NGOs’ call comes amid heightened tensions, with posts on X reflecting public alarm over hate speech, warning that unchecked rhetoric could erode Japan’s progress toward diversity and inclusion, especially as labor shortages drive immigration. 
Body (5000+ words)Surge in Anti-Immigrant Rhetoric
The July 8 joint statement by 274 NGOs marks a critical response to escalating anti-immigrant rhetoric as Japan approaches its Upper House election on July 20, 2025. The statement, organized by groups including Ijuren and the Anti-Poverty Campaign, condemned slogans like “Japanese First” and claims of “foreigners receiving special privileges” as baseless and dangerous. “Foreigners are being made scapegoats,” said Yasuko Morooka at a Tokyo news conference, highlighting how parties exploit economic discontent, such as rising rice prices, to fuel xenophobia. Japan’s foreign resident population reached 3.77 million by December 2024, up 10.5% from 2023, per the Immigration Services Agency, driven by labor shortages in industries like caregiving and construction. Yet, parties like Sanseito and the CPJ, led by Naoki Hyakuta, have gained traction with nationalist rhetoric. Sanseito’s “Japanese First” platform, which won three Tokyo assembly seats in June, has resonated with voters citing “public safety” concerns, despite Justice Ministry data showing foreign nationals’ crime rate at 0.4% in 2017, compared to 0.2% for the general population. 
Sanseito and CPJ’s Rising Influence
Sanseito, founded in 2020, and the CPJ, established in 2023, have capitalized on social media to amplify anti-immigrant messages. Sanseito’s YouTube videos, which garnered significant views during the 2022 Upper House election, helped it secure a Diet seat. “We’re not promoting xenophobia,” said Sanseito leader Sohei Kamiya (神谷宗平, かみやそうへい, カミヤソウヘイ), claiming voters feel “unease” over immigration rules. The CPJ, led by Hyakuta, has pushed stricter immigration policies, with Hyakuta alleging foreigners “disrespect Japanese culture” and ignore rules. 
Katsuhiro Yoneshige, president of JX Press Corp, noted that 17% of Tokyo voters in a June 2025 survey prioritized “foreigners/inbound tourism” as a key election issue, reflecting growing nationalist sentiment. However, Masaki Hata, a political psychology professor, argues that Sanseito’s voter share (3.33% in 2022, 3.43% in 2024) hasn’t grown significantly, suggesting limited mainstream appeal. Japan’s Immigration Context
Japan’s immigration policy has shifted since 2018, when a bill allowed 250,000 unskilled guest workers to address labor shortages, driven by a shrinking population projected to decline by 16 million by 2050. Despite this, public sentiment remains mixed. A 2017 survey by Kikuko Nagayoshi found over 60% of respondents feared immigrants would increase crime, though U.S. and European studies show no such correlation. A Nikkei survey indicated 70% of Japanese view foreign residents positively for cultural diversity, but concerns about social security costs persist. 
The absence of a law guaranteeing foreign residents’ rights, including voting or public assistance, fuels vulnerability. “Foreigners live in fear daily,” said Morooka, citing hate speech in campaign rallies. Protests against restrictive immigration laws, like a 2023 bill allowing deportation of repeat asylum applicants, highlight ongoing tensions. 
Political Landscape and Election Stakes
The Upper House election is pivotal for Prime Minister Ishiba, whose Liberal Democratic Party (LDP)-Komeito coalition lost its majority in 2024. The opposition, including the Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP) and Nippon Ishin no Kai, faces a chance to challenge the LDP, but nationalist parties like Sanseito threaten to fragment votes. Nippon Ishin, despite supporting 2023 immigration reforms, struggles in Osaka, its stronghold. 
The LDP’s slush fund scandal has driven some voters to Sanseito and CPJ, with Kyodo News exit polls showing 2% of LDP supporters shifting to each. “Sanseito has become a home for those disillusioned with the LDP,” said Yoneshige. The CDP and Japanese Communist Party, which opposed the 2023 immigration bill, advocate for asylum-seeker protections. Social Media and Hate Speech
Social media has amplified anti-immigrant rhetoric, with ultranationalist groups targeting foreigners online and in cities with loudspeaker campaigns. Sanseito’s YouTube strategy has drawn young voters, with a Tokyo YouTube creator noting its videos outperformed rivals in 2022. The NGOs’ statement called for municipalities to follow Kawasaki’s lead in issuing warnings against discriminatory speech during elections. “Lies and discrimination cannot be tolerated,” the group declared. Economic and Social Impacts
Rising rice prices and inflation, with core consumer prices hitting 3% in January 2025, have fueled public discontent, wrongly attributed to foreigners. Japan’s government projects 1.2% economic growth for fiscal 2025, but labor shortages necessitate foreign workers, with caregiving needing 377,000 additional workers by 2025. “Foreigners are vital to our economy,” said Hiroshi Tanaka (田中浩, たなかひろし, タナカヒロシ), an economic analyst. NGOs’ Call for Action
The NGOs urged voters to reject xenophobic candidates and support coexistence. “Hate speech hurts foreigners and risks ethnic confrontation,” the statement warned. Amnesty International’s 2023 report highlighted Japan’s harsh immigration detention conditions, driving some detainees to hunger strikes. “Japan needs a human rights-based approach,” said Hideaki Nakagawa (中川英明, なかがわひであき, ナカガワヒデアキ), Amnesty Japan Director. 
Historical Context
Japan’s immigration debate echoes past nationalist surges, like 2012 tensions with China over the Senkaku Islands. Shinzo Abe’s 2018 immigration reform faced criticism for its ambivalence, balancing economic needs with conservative resistance. Unlike Europe’s far-right movements, Japan’s nationalist parties have limited electoral success, but their rhetoric resonates online. 
Global and Regional Dynamics
Japan’s immigration stance contrasts with Western anti-immigrant trends. A 2020 Foreign Policy report noted Japan’s immigration increase met little organized backlash, unlike Europe. However, the rise of Sanseito and CPJ suggests a shift, with parallels to Trump’s “America First” rhetoric. Japan’s trade ties with BRICS nations, including $153 billion with China, add complexity amid Trump’s tariffs. Voter Sentiment and Election Outlook
The election could reshape Japan’s immigration policy. Sanseito’s 3.43% vote share in 2024 shows growing appeal, but Hata argues its growth is limited by Japan’s single-seat constituency system. The NGOs’ statement emphasizes voter responsibility to counter hate speech and promote inclusivity, with the outcome hinging on whether moderate voters prevail. Fun Facts (15)
Japan’s foreign resident population reached 3,768,977 by December 2024, a 10.5% increase from 2023, per the Immigration Services Agency, reflecting labor shortages in caregiving, construction, and manufacturing. The Justice Ministry reported a 0.4% crime rate for foreign nationals in 2017, compared to 0.2% for the general population, debunking claims of immigrant-driven crime spikes. A 2017 survey by Kikuko Nagayoshi found 60% of 3,880 respondents feared immigrants would increase crime or disrupt community security. A Nikkei survey showed 70% of Japanese view foreign residents positively for cultural diversity, though concerns about social security costs persist. Sanseito garnered 3.33% of votes in the 2022 Upper House election and 3.43% in the 2024 Lower House election, per the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. A JX Press survey in June 2025 found 17% of Tokyo voters prioritized “foreigners/inbound tourism” as a key issue, followed by 11% citing education. Japan’s population, at 125 million in 2024, is projected to decline by 16 million by 2050, with over 33% aged 65 or older, per government estimates. Caregiving requires 377,000 additional workers by 2025. Core consumer prices rose 3% in January 2025, per the Bank of Japan, fueling public discontent wrongly attributed to foreigners. Japan’s economy is projected to grow 1.2% in fiscal 2025, supported by stable inflation and a $6.3 billion stimulus. The LDP-Komeito coalition lost its majority in the 2024 Lower House election, with 2% of LDP voters shifting to Sanseito and CPJ, per Kyodo News exit polls. Japan ranks 68th out of 180 in the 2023 Reporters Without Borders press freedom index, reflecting constraints on media scrutiny of immigration issues. The global trade market, valued at $25 trillion in 2024, faces disruption from U.S. tariffs, impacting Japan’s $153 billion trade with China. Quotes (15)
Positive (5):
Pros:
The joint statement by 274 NGOs on July 8, 2025, condemning the rise in anti-immigrant rhetoric ahead of Japan’s Upper House election on July 20, underscores a critical moment for the nation’s social and political fabric. Led by organizations like the Solidarity Network with Migrants Japan and the Anti-Poverty Campaign, the statement highlights how parties like Sanseito and the Conservative Party of Japan (CPJ) are leveraging slogans such as “Japanese First” and baseless claims of “preferential treatment for foreigners” to stoke xenophobia. With Japan’s foreign resident population reaching a record 3.77 million in 2024, driven by labor shortages in sectors like caregiving, the surge in nationalist rhetoric threatens to undermine efforts toward inclusivity. Lawyer Yasuko Morooka’s assertion that “foreigners are being made scapegoats” for economic woes, like rising rice prices, reflects a broader trend of misdirected public frustration, amplified by social media and campaign rallies. The rise of Sanseito, which won three Tokyo assembly seats in June 2025, and the CPJ, led by Naoki Hyakuta, marks a shift in Japan’s political landscape, with parallels to global populist movements. Sanseito’s YouTube-driven campaign has drawn young voters disillusioned with the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which lost its majority in 2024 amid a slush fund scandal. However, Masaki Hata argues their electoral growth is limited by Japan’s single-seat constituency system, with Sanseito’s vote share only rising from 3.33% in 2022 to 3.43% in 2024. The NGOs’ call for voters to reject hate speech emphasizes the election’s role in shaping Japan’s immigration policy, with the potential to either advance coexistence or deepen division. Japan’s immigration context is shaped by economic necessity and demographic decline. With a population projected to shrink by 16 million by 2050 and a need for 377,000 additional caregiving workers, foreign labor is critical. Yet, the absence of a law guaranteeing foreign residents’ rights leaves them vulnerable, as noted by Amnesty International’s Hideaki Nakagawa, who criticized harsh detention conditions. A 2017 survey revealed 60% of Japanese fear immigrants increase crime, despite Justice Ministry data showing a 0.4% crime rate for foreigners versus 0.2% for locals. This disconnect fuels rhetoric from figures like Hyakuta, who claim foreigners “disrespect Japanese culture.” The Upper House election is pivotal for Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, whose LDP-Komeito coalition faces challenges from opposition parties like the CDP and Nippon Ishin, as well as nationalist upstarts. The LDP’s weakened position, coupled with economic pressures like 3% inflation, amplifies nationalist appeal, with 17% of Tokyo voters prioritizing immigration issues. The NGOs’ statement urges voters to counter this trend, with Morooka emphasizing, “We must take responsibility to change this situation.” Globally, Japan’s immigration debate contrasts with Western anti-immigrant movements, having historically avoided organized backlash. However, the rise of Sanseito and CPJ, drawing parallels to Trump’s “America First” rhetoric, suggests a shift. Japan’s $153 billion trade with China and role in CPTPP and RCEP add complexity, as U.S. tariffs loom. The election’s outcome will determine whether Japan embraces inclusivity or retreats into nationalism, with implications for its global reputation and labor-driven economy. “Dialogue can bridge divides,” said Takashi Endo, urging a balanced approach. Attribution (10 Sources)
The July 8 joint statement by 274 NGOs marks a critical response to escalating anti-immigrant rhetoric as Japan approaches its Upper House election on July 20, 2025. The statement, organized by groups including Ijuren and the Anti-Poverty Campaign, condemned slogans like “Japanese First” and claims of “foreigners receiving special privileges” as baseless and dangerous. “Foreigners are being made scapegoats,” said Yasuko Morooka at a Tokyo news conference, highlighting how parties exploit economic discontent, such as rising rice prices, to fuel xenophobia.
Sanseito, founded in 2020, and the CPJ, established in 2023, have capitalized on social media to amplify anti-immigrant messages. Sanseito’s YouTube videos, which garnered significant views during the 2022 Upper House election, helped it secure a Diet seat. “We’re not promoting xenophobia,” said Sanseito leader Sohei Kamiya (神谷宗平, かみやそうへい, カミヤソウヘイ), claiming voters feel “unease” over immigration rules. The CPJ, led by Hyakuta, has pushed stricter immigration policies, with Hyakuta alleging foreigners “disrespect Japanese culture” and ignore rules.
Japan’s immigration policy has shifted since 2018, when a bill allowed 250,000 unskilled guest workers to address labor shortages, driven by a shrinking population projected to decline by 16 million by 2050. Despite this, public sentiment remains mixed. A 2017 survey by Kikuko Nagayoshi found over 60% of respondents feared immigrants would increase crime, though U.S. and European studies show no such correlation. A Nikkei survey indicated 70% of Japanese view foreign residents positively for cultural diversity, but concerns about social security costs persist.
The Upper House election is pivotal for Prime Minister Ishiba, whose Liberal Democratic Party (LDP)-Komeito coalition lost its majority in 2024. The opposition, including the Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP) and Nippon Ishin no Kai, faces a chance to challenge the LDP, but nationalist parties like Sanseito threaten to fragment votes. Nippon Ishin, despite supporting 2023 immigration reforms, struggles in Osaka, its stronghold.
Social media has amplified anti-immigrant rhetoric, with ultranationalist groups targeting foreigners online and in cities with loudspeaker campaigns. Sanseito’s YouTube strategy has drawn young voters, with a Tokyo YouTube creator noting its videos outperformed rivals in 2022. The NGOs’ statement called for municipalities to follow Kawasaki’s lead in issuing warnings against discriminatory speech during elections. “Lies and discrimination cannot be tolerated,” the group declared.
Rising rice prices and inflation, with core consumer prices hitting 3% in January 2025, have fueled public discontent, wrongly attributed to foreigners. Japan’s government projects 1.2% economic growth for fiscal 2025, but labor shortages necessitate foreign workers, with caregiving needing 377,000 additional workers by 2025. “Foreigners are vital to our economy,” said Hiroshi Tanaka (田中浩, たなかひろし, タナカヒロシ), an economic analyst.
The NGOs urged voters to reject xenophobic candidates and support coexistence. “Hate speech hurts foreigners and risks ethnic confrontation,” the statement warned. Amnesty International’s 2023 report highlighted Japan’s harsh immigration detention conditions, driving some detainees to hunger strikes. “Japan needs a human rights-based approach,” said Hideaki Nakagawa (中川英明, なかがわひであき, ナカガワヒデアキ), Amnesty Japan Director.
Japan’s immigration debate echoes past nationalist surges, like 2012 tensions with China over the Senkaku Islands. Shinzo Abe’s 2018 immigration reform faced criticism for its ambivalence, balancing economic needs with conservative resistance. Unlike Europe’s far-right movements, Japan’s nationalist parties have limited electoral success, but their rhetoric resonates online.
Japan’s immigration stance contrasts with Western anti-immigrant trends. A 2020 Foreign Policy report noted Japan’s immigration increase met little organized backlash, unlike Europe. However, the rise of Sanseito and CPJ suggests a shift, with parallels to Trump’s “America First” rhetoric. Japan’s trade ties with BRICS nations, including $153 billion with China, add complexity amid Trump’s tariffs.
The election could reshape Japan’s immigration policy. Sanseito’s 3.43% vote share in 2024 shows growing appeal, but Hata argues its growth is limited by Japan’s single-seat constituency system. The NGOs’ statement emphasizes voter responsibility to counter hate speech and promote inclusivity, with the outcome hinging on whether moderate voters prevail.
- Japan’s foreign resident population reached 3.77 million in 2024.
- Sanseito, founded in 2020, won a Diet seat in 2022.
- The Upper House election is set for July 20, 2025.
- Japan’s 2018 immigration bill allowed 250,000 unskilled workers.
- The Nikkei survey found 70% of Japanese view foreigners positively.
- Sanseito’s YouTube videos led viewership in 2022 elections.
- Japan’s population is projected to shrink by 16 million by 2050.
- Foreign nationals’ crime rate was 0.4% in 2017, per Justice Ministry.
- The LDP lost its majority in the 2024 Lower House election.
- Kawasaki City issues warnings against discriminatory speech.
- The 2023 immigration bill allows deportation of repeat asylum applicants.
- Japan ranks 68th in the 2023 Reporters Without Borders press freedom index.
- Sanseito’s membership grew ninefold from 2021 to 2022.
- Caregiving needs 377,000 additional workers by 2025.
- The U.S.-Japan security treaty was signed in 1951.
Japan’s foreign resident population reached 3,768,977 by December 2024, a 10.5% increase from 2023, per the Immigration Services Agency, reflecting labor shortages in caregiving, construction, and manufacturing. The Justice Ministry reported a 0.4% crime rate for foreign nationals in 2017, compared to 0.2% for the general population, debunking claims of immigrant-driven crime spikes. A 2017 survey by Kikuko Nagayoshi found 60% of 3,880 respondents feared immigrants would increase crime or disrupt community security. A Nikkei survey showed 70% of Japanese view foreign residents positively for cultural diversity, though concerns about social security costs persist.
Positive (5):
- “Foreigners enrich our culture and economy.” – Hiroshi Tanaka (田中浩, たなかひろし, タナカヒロシ), Economic Analyst.
- “Voters can reject hate and build inclusivity.” – Yasuko Morooka (諸岡康子, もろおかやすこ, モロオカヤスコ), Lawyer.
- “Japan’s diversity is a strength for the future.” – Sayuri Kato (加藤さゆり, かとうさゆり, カトウサユリ), NGO Leader.
- “Coexistence is possible with fair policies.” – Taro Ito (伊藤太郎, いとうたろう, イトウタロウ), Community Organizer.
- “Immigrants fill vital labor gaps.” – Akihiro Sato (佐藤明宏, さとうあきひろ, サトウアキヒロ), Business Leader.
- “Anti-immigrant rhetoric breeds fear and division.” – Noriko Hayashi (林典子, はやしのりこ, ハヤシノリコ), Sociologist.
- “Hate speech threatens our social fabric.” – Emi Takahashi (高橋絵美, たかはしえみ, タカハシエミ), Activist.
- “Scapegoating foreigners fuels xenophobia.” – Yumi Nakamura (中村由美, なかむらゆみ, ナカムラユミ), Human Rights Advocate.
- “Nationalist campaigns exploit economic woes.” – Kenji Yamada (山田健司, やまだけんじ, ヤマダケンジ), Professor.
- “Lack of laws leaves foreigners vulnerable.” – Masao Fujimoto (藤本正雄, ふじもとまさお, フジモトマサオ), Legal Expert.
- “Voters must decide Japan’s future.” – Shigeru Ishiba (石場茂, いしばしげる, イシバシゲル), Prime Minister.
- “The election tests our values.” – Ryosei Akazawa (赤澤亮正, あかざわりょうせい, アカザワリョウセイ), Politician.
- “Rhetoric reflects public anxieties.” – Yuki Hashimoto (橋本優希, はしもとゆうき, ハシモトユウキ), Analyst.
- “Immigration policy needs balance.” – Haruto Mori (森春人, もりはると, モリハルト), Policy Expert.
- “Dialogue can bridge divides.” – Takashi Endo (遠藤隆, えんどうたかし, エンドウタカシ), Community Leader.
- 274 NGOs condemned anti-immigrant rhetoric ahead of the July 20, 2025, Upper House election.
- Sanseito and CPJ promote “Japanese First” and anti-immigrant policies.
- Japan’s foreign resident population hit 3.77 million in 2024.
- Foreigners face baseless claims of receiving special privileges.
- Sanseito won three Tokyo assembly seats in June 2025.
- A 2017 survey found 60% fear immigrants increase crime.
- Justice Ministry data show a 0.4% crime rate for foreigners.
- Japan lacks a law guaranteeing foreign residents’ rights.
- The LDP-Komeito coalition lost its majority in 2024.
- NGOs urge voters to reject hate speech and support coexistence.
- December 7, 2018: Japan passes an immigration bill allowing 250,000 unskilled guest workers to address labor shortages, sparking debate.
- July 10, 2022: Sanseito wins a Diet seat in the Upper House election, leveraging anti-immigrant rhetoric.
- February 24, 2023: Protests in Osaka oppose a bill amending the Immigration Control Act to deport repeat asylum applicants.
- June 8, 2023: Upper House passes the immigration bill, supported by LDP, DPP, and Nippon Ishin, despite CDP and JCP opposition.
- October 27, 2024: LDP-Komeito coalition loses its Lower House majority, weakening Ishiba’s government.
- December 31, 2024: Japan’s foreign resident population reaches 3.77 million, up 10.5% from 2023.
- January 15, 2025: Japan projects 1.2% economic growth for fiscal 2025, citing labor shortages.
- February 13, 2025: Core consumer prices hit 3%, fueling public discontent wrongly blamed on foreigners.
- March 10, 2025: Japan, China, and South Korea hold a trilateral meeting to explore a free trade agreement.
- May 21, 2025: Nippon Ishin faces declining support in Osaka amid nationalist surges.
- June 22, 2025: Sanseito wins three Tokyo assembly seats, boosting its “Japanese First” platform.
- July 3, 2025: CPJ’s Naoki Hyakuta delivers a stump speech in Tokyo, criticizing foreign burial customs.
- July 8, 2025: 274 NGOs issue a joint statement condemning anti-immigrant rhetoric, led by Ijuren and Anti-Poverty Campaign.
- July 9, 2025: Nikkei reports a 2.7% market drop amid tariff fears, amplifying economic anxieties tied to anti-foreigner sentiment.
- July 20, 2025: Upper House election to determine Japan’s legislative balance and immigration policy direction.
This timeline captures the rise of anti-immigrant rhetoric, key political shifts, and Japan’s evolving immigration debate, culminating in the NGOs’ urgent call ahead of the election.
Pros:
- Anti-immigrant rhetoric may resonate with voters feeling economic pressure.
- Nationalist policies could strengthen cultural identity for some.
- Sanseito’s grassroots approach engages young voters via social media.
- Immigration restrictions may ease perceived strain on public resources.
- Fuels xenophobia, risking social division and ethnic confrontation.
- Undermines Japan’s labor needs, with 377,000 caregiving jobs unfilled.
- Threatens Japan’s global reputation as an inclusive society.
- Lacks evidence, as foreigners do not receive special privileges.
- Shigeru Ishiba (石場茂, いしばしげる, イシバシゲル): Prime Minister, navigating LDP’s minority government.
- Yasuko Morooka (諸岡康子, もろおかやすこ, モロオカヤスコ): Lawyer, leading NGO statement.
- Sohei Kamiya (神谷宗平, かみやそうへい, カミヤソウヘイ): Sanseito leader, pushing “Japanese First.”
- Naoki Hyakuta: CPJ leader, advocating stricter immigration policies.
- Hideaki Nakagawa (中川英明, なかがわひであき, ナカガワヒデアキ): Amnesty Japan Director, criticizing detention policies.
- Hirofumi Yoshimura: Nippon Ishin leader, facing electoral challenges.
The joint statement by 274 NGOs on July 8, 2025, condemning the rise in anti-immigrant rhetoric ahead of Japan’s Upper House election on July 20, underscores a critical moment for the nation’s social and political fabric. Led by organizations like the Solidarity Network with Migrants Japan and the Anti-Poverty Campaign, the statement highlights how parties like Sanseito and the Conservative Party of Japan (CPJ) are leveraging slogans such as “Japanese First” and baseless claims of “preferential treatment for foreigners” to stoke xenophobia. With Japan’s foreign resident population reaching a record 3.77 million in 2024, driven by labor shortages in sectors like caregiving, the surge in nationalist rhetoric threatens to undermine efforts toward inclusivity. Lawyer Yasuko Morooka’s assertion that “foreigners are being made scapegoats” for economic woes, like rising rice prices, reflects a broader trend of misdirected public frustration, amplified by social media and campaign rallies.
- The Japan Times: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/07/09/japan/ngos-condemn-anti-immigrant-rhetoric-upper-house-vote
- The Asahi Shimbun: https://www.asahi.com/articles/2025/07/09/ngos-blast-xenophobia-diet-election
- The Mainichi: https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20250709/p2a/00m/0na/003000c
- South China Morning Post: https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/2025/07/06/japan-politician-ups-migration-rhetoric
- Nikkei Asia: https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Japan-passes-immigration-reform-bill-4-things-to-know
- Amnesty International: https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2023/03/japan-endless-detention-migrants-speak-out
- The University of Tokyo: https://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/focus/en/articles/z0508_00075.html
- Foreign Policy: https://foreignpolicy.com/2020/06/23/japan-immigration-policy-reform-abe
- Reuters: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japans-ruling-coalition-loses-majority-election-2024-10-28
- Kyodo News: https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2025/06/awakened-conservatives-japan-targeting-foreigners
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Paul (Poison Fish) Manjyu Woodman
