Japan’s political landscape is experiencing a dramatic shift as the upcoming House of Councillors election sees a sharp rise in anti-immigration rhetoric, primarily fueled by far-right political parties. While foreigners make up only a small fraction of Japan’s population, immigration has unexpectedly become one of the most contentious issues dominating the campaign trail.
High-profile incidents involving foreign nationals—such as a Turkish truck driver involved in a collision in Yokohama, a Peruvian man driving against traffic in Mie Prefecture, and a Chinese national accused of a hit-and-run in Saitama—have drawn widespread attention. Despite being isolated incidents, they have been used by certain political factions to argue that foreign residents pose safety risks. According to the National Police Agency, traffic accidents involving foreigners have increased by 30% over the past five years. However, this increase appears to correlate with the growing number of foreigners legally obtaining Japanese driver’s licenses, not necessarily with any trend of reckless behavior.
Currently, over 1.25 million foreigners hold Japanese driving licenses, many of them through a simple conversion process that involves a brief multiple-choice test. In response to the growing number of foreign drivers, police authorities have announced intentions to tighten the licensing system.
This issue has been weaponized by the right-wing populist party Sanseito, which has surged in popularity with its hardline “Japanese First” platform. The party has called for stricter immigration controls, a loyalty test for foreign residents, and even more severe scrutiny of land purchases and public benefits claimed by non-citizens. Sanseito recently won three seats in a Tokyo municipal election and is now polling as the second-most popular party ahead of the national vote.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, under mounting pressure, recently announced the creation of a new government agency dedicated to overseeing foreign resident affairs. The agency will include around 80 officials tasked with improving coordination between ministries, reinforcing entry regulations, and investigating land purchases by non-Japanese. Ishiba denied that the move was politically motivated, but critics argue the timing—just days before the election—is more than coincidental.
Analysts say the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), in coalition with Komeito, is at risk of losing its majority. Ishiba, who only assumed office last October, could face calls for resignation if the coalition suffers a significant electoral setback. Other parties, including the centrist People’s Democratic Party and the conservative Nippon Ishin, have also adopted more restrictive stances on immigration, indicating a wider shift in the national mood.
A coalition of eight non-governmental organizations recently issued a joint statement warning against the rise of xenophobia in Japan’s political discourse. They expressed concern that foreigners and people of foreign descent are increasingly being portrayed as societal threats, a sentiment that they argue must be actively challenged.
Despite the populist backlash, many experts and opposition parties stress that Japan’s economic survival depends on welcoming more foreign workers. The country faces a rapidly aging population and a declining birth rate, which have caused labor shortages in critical sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare. Former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and current opposition leaders have long advocated for building a multicultural society where foreigners are seen as partners in national development, not as scapegoats.
A study conducted last year estimated that Japan would need to increase its foreign workforce to nearly 6.9 million by 2040 to maintain economic stability. As of late 2024, there were approximately 3.8 million foreign nationals living in Japan—more than ever before but still only about 3% of the total population. Police data shows that foreign residents are responsible for just 2% of all criminal offenses, contradicting the narrative that they pose a disproportionate threat.
Still, the speed of demographic change appears to be unsettling for some Japanese citizens. Foreign resident numbers grew by over 10% in 2024 alone and have surged more than 50% in the past decade. Most come from neighboring Asian countries like China, South Korea, and Vietnam, making integration easier in some respects—but it has not stopped the rise of nationalistic sentiment.
In a June survey conducted by public broadcaster NHK, two-thirds of respondents said they believed foreigners received preferential treatment over Japanese citizens, a perception that has further fueled resentment. In reality, non-citizens in Japan have limited rights: they cannot vote, are ineligible for most welfare programs, and often face discrimination in housing and employment.
Despite these limitations, right-wing politicians have intensified their rhetoric. Naoki Hyakuta, leader of the nationalist Conservative Party, recently accused foreigners of disrespecting Japanese traditions, violating laws, and endangering public safety—a claim unsupported by evidence but echoed widely in conservative media.
Amidst the noise, progressive voices are pushing for a more inclusive vision of Japan’s future. Opposition leader Yoshihiko Noda of the Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP) has emphasized the need for a tolerant and diverse society, arguing that Japan can only thrive by embracing rather than resisting demographic change.
As the election nears, it is clear that the battle over immigration has become more than a policy debate—it is now a symbol of the broader identity crisis facing Japan. The outcome of Sunday’s vote may not only shape the country’s political future but also determine whether Japan moves toward inclusion or retreats into isolation.
