Protests Against Immigrants in Japan: 72% of Japanese Don’t Want Foreigners
The topic of immigration has once again sparked controversy in Japan. Recently, protests against immigrants in Japan gained traction after the government announced the creation of African “hometowns” in some regions of the country, an initiative led by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
During the Tokyo International Conference on African Development, JICA introduced the African Hometown Initiative, designating four Japanese cities as “hometowns” for Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, and Mozambique.
According to the agency, the proposal aims to strengthen international relations and support local communities, while also promoting solutions for challenges faced in Africa.
Public Reaction in Japan
In Imabari, the city chosen as the “home” for Mozambique, local authorities reported receiving thousands of calls and emails expressing concern about the program. Many citizens fear the initiative could indirectly encourage African immigration into Japan.
Japanese Government Responds
Amid the controversy, JICA and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that the program does not aim to create special visas or promote mass immigration. The plan only involves accepting African trainees, who are expected to return to their home countries after training.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi also stressed that there are no plans to expand the acceptance of African immigrants, adding that claims circulating on social media about new visas were false.
TV Poll Reveals That 72% of Japanese Don’t Want More Foreigners
A Japanese TV program asked viewers whether Japan should expand its immigration program. A total of 28,641 people responded.
- 17% said Japan should accept more foreigners
- 11% were undecided
- 72% said Japan should not accept more foreigners
Sample Reactions from the Public
“I really think this should not be done.”
“Why do we have to accept foreigners with different cultures, customs, and values? They don’t even respect what the Japanese cherish.”
“Even TV viewers laughed at the results. If you live near the east side of Nishikawaguchi Station, you’ll understand. Coexistence is impossible. They don’t even follow garbage disposal rules. Actually, they just don’t want to. Illegal dumping of bulky waste, trash scattered by crows, signs in Chinese banning cicada nymph catching, pools of blood near the station… etc.”
“This reflects the current environment surrounding foreigners. At present, Japan is not in a situation to accept more! (Neither rules, nor culture, nor people are being respected!)”
“Accepting immigrants is a liberal idea. Europe failed spectacularly and left deep scars on its citizens. Japan was warned about this, but these foolish politicians still don’t understand. They can’t keep up with today’s pace. There’s a huge gap between what the people think and what they do. Liberals are trash, garbage, scum.”
“Instead of relying on immigrants to solve labor shortages, we should focus on improving productivity. Otherwise, Japanese people’s income will never increase.”
“Liberals, public servants, professionals profiting from foreigner intake, and ruling-party-related companies that import cheap foreign labor → 17%. Ordinary citizens suffering from more taxes → 72%. People who stop thinking and are influenced by the media → 11%. The numbers speak for themselves.”
“The government always acts against the will of the people. Even if something must be done against public opinion, proper explanations and understanding are necessary. It’s the same with running a company: without public understanding, success is impossible.”
“This is huge. If even TV viewers react like this, these idiots can’t blame Russian bots anymore.”
For years, many Japanese have opposed mass immigration, and these protests against immigrants in Japan only reinforce this sentiment.