Still On Japan’s Population Crisis

Japan’s Population Crisis: Anti-Foreigner Sentiments on the Rise

Japan is facing a demographic emergency that is reshaping its social and political landscape. With one of the world’s fastest-aging populations and a declining birthrate, the country is grappling with a shrinking workforce and mounting economic pressures.

In response, the Japanese government has gradually opened its doors to foreign labor and tourism to sustain its economy.

However, this shift has triggered a surge in nationalist rhetoric and anti-foreigner sentiment, revealing deep-rooted tensions in a society traditionally known for its homogeneity and cultural insularity.

At the forefront of this populist wave is Sohei Kamiya, leader of the nationalist Sanseito party. Though still a minor political force, Sanseito made significant gains in the July parliamentary elections, propelled by Kamiya’s “Japanese First” platform. His message, anti-globalism, anti-immigration, and anti-liberalism, has resonated with many Japanese citizens who feel economically marginalized and culturally threatened.

During rallies, Kamiya has accused the government of prioritizing foreign workers to benefit large corporations, while ordinary Japanese struggle with stagnant wages, rising living costs, and an uncertain future. He insists that his stance is not racist but rooted in common sense, arguing that Japan must protect its cultural integrity and public safety.

This rhetoric has found fertile ground among segments of the population frustrated by economic stagnation and social change. In Yokohama, a city with a significant foreign population, Kamiya’s speeches have drawn large crowds. Supporters like Kenzo Hagiya, a retiree, express concern over what they perceive as the “foreigner problem,” citing discomfort with immigrants who do not assimilate into Japanese norms. The sentiment is that foreigners who respect the “Japanese way” are tolerated, but those who maintain their own customs are seen as disruptive.

The rise in anti-foreigner sentiment has had tangible consequences. In September, a government-sponsored exchange program between Japanese municipalities and African nations was abruptly canceled following protests fueled by misinformation on social media about an impending influx of African immigrants. Even the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, which has historically supported foreign labor initiatives, is now advocating for stricter immigration controls. All five candidates in the party’s leadership race to replace outgoing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba have pledged tougher measures on immigration. 

One of the frontrunners, Sanae Takaichi, faced backlash for amplifying unverified claims about foreign tourists mistreating deer in her hometown of Nara, a move she defended as reflecting public anxiety over “outrageous” foreigners.

Japan’s history of ethnic discrimination adds further complexity to the issue. Ethnic Koreans and Chinese, many of whom have lived in Japan for generations, continue to face prejudice rooted in the country’s colonial past. More recently, Kurdish refugees have reported being labeled as criminals on social media, despite fleeing persecution and seeking safety in Japan. These incidents underscore the challenges of integrating foreigners into a society that prizes conformity and has limited experience with multiculturalism.

As Japan’s demographic crisis deepens, the tension between economic necessity and cultural preservation is becoming increasingly pronounced. 

The country needs foreign workers to sustain its economy, yet rising nationalist sentiment threatens to undermine efforts at integration. 

The debate over immigration is no longer confined to policy circles, it is now a central issue shaping Japan’s political future and social cohesion.