News National Governors’ Association takes stance against xenophobia

[thomas]

Concerned by the rising anti-foreigner sentiment during the Upper House election campaign, Japan's governors met in Aomori on July 23 to discuss ways to support a more inclusive society. The far-right Sanseito party had stirred controversy with its "Japanese First" message, linking foreigners to crime. This helped the party win more seats, raising concern among local leaders. At the meeting, the National Governors' Association emphasised that foreign residents are integral to their communities, unlike the central government, which often views them as primarily workers. The governors urged the government to allow foreigners to work in more job fields under a new employment programme. Additionally, they requested funding to provide Japanese language education in the prefectures.

The governors said basic laws were needed to form the foundation for a multicultural society. Shizuoka Governor Yasutomo Suzuki, who spearheaded the drafting of the proposal, noted that responsibility for accommodating the daily lives of foreign residents has so far been left to local governments. "We call on the central government to take responsibility and implement policies," he added. Nara Governor Makoto Yamashita referred to "baseless criticisms targeting foreign residents that are spreading online," which he said smacked of discrimination and xenophobia. "Japanese people, mainly young generations, have a vague anxiety, so we need to implement policies that eliminate it," he said. "Otherwise, it will lead to huge political and social problems."

Governors slam xenophobia, call for open society where all equal | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis

 

[Petaris]

Concerned by the rising anti-foreigner sentiment during the Upper House election campaign, Japan's governors met in Aomori on July 23 to discuss ways to support a more inclusive society. The far-right Sanseito party had stirred controversy with its "Japanese First" message, linking foreigners to crime. This helped the party win more seats, raising concern among local leaders. At the meeting, the National Governors' Association emphasised that foreign residents are integral to their communities, unlike the central government, which often views them as primarily workers. The governors urged the government to allow foreigners to work in more job fields under a new employment programme. Additionally, they requested funding to provide Japanese language education in the prefectures.

Governors slam xenophobia, call for open society where all equal | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis

It's almost as if the central government has lost touch with what is actually going on and is instead getting their information from X and facebook.

I applaud the governor's association for bringing this up and asking for actual informed policy.

 

[thomas]

Concerned citizens and several grassroots organisations staged a protest against racial discrimination in Shinjuku.

Hundreds of people gathered in the streets of Tokyo to protest inflammatory remarks targeting foreigners in the lead-up to last month's Upper House election. Chants of "We refuse to accept a society filled with disinformation and discrimination" rang out during the 1 August demonstration near Shinjuku Station. The rally was organised by a group of 12 individuals, including lawyers Ota Keiko and Ibusuki Shōichi, Peace Boat's Hatakeyama Sumiko, music producer Matsuo Kiyoshi, and writer Murayama Yūka. Organisers estimated that over 1,000 people assembled in the station square to take part.

A female office worker in her 20s from the capital's Setagaya Ward joined the rally after work. She is a member of the LGBT community and has a relative who married a foreign national. She said statements during the Upper House election campaign that denied the rights of the LGBT minority and foreign residents made her feel uncomfortable. "I hope society will become a place where we don't have to say the obvious, that discrimination is unacceptable," she said.

Hundreds rally in Tokyo to protest racial discrimination | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis