Japan’s year of the outsider: how anti-foreigner sentiment went mainstream

In 2023, policies and attitudes towards foreign nationals became a central topic in Japan's national conversation. The Mainichi newspaper reported that xenophobia gained prominence due to factors including the right-wing Sanseito party's rhetoric during the July general election. The ruling LDP responded by replacing a centrist leader with the more conservative Sanae Takaichi, who then initiated a review of policies concerning foreign residents. Debates surrounding immigration and tourism's impact on Japanese citizens fueled these discussions. Analysts suggest that both domestic and international events contributed to the increased focus on foreigners in Japan, with hopes for reduced tensions in the coming year.

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