This article discusses the growing concern about xenophobia in Japan, particularly in the context of election campaigns. It highlights the experiences of foreign residents and the potential political shifts occurring in the country.
Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
Experiences of foreign Residents:
An Indonesian woman: Initially declined a job offer in Japan but accepted after her parents encouraged her, emphasizing her education and life in Japan. She dreams of becoming an engineer but now fears exclusion and losing her “emotional home.”
An indonesian man: Working in a nursing facility, he questions why he’s targeted in election campaigns despite following rules and living properly. He believes problems arise from insufficient training for foreign workers and warns that excluding foreigners will lead to labor shortages in Japan.
Concerns from Human Rights Groups:
Several organizations,including Amnesty International Japan and solidarity Network with Migrants Japan,have expressed concern about election campaigns inciting xenophobia and are calling for a society that protects everyone’s human rights.
Potential Political Shifts and Analysis:
Professor Ken Endo of the University of Tokyo explains that criticism of foreign resident policies is widespread among the lower-middle working class.
economic factors: Stagnant wages and dissatisfaction with inequality lead some to believe that support is being prioritized for foreigners over Japanese taxpayers.
Cultural factors: An increasing foreign population can lead to a feeling among some Japanese that “this country will no longer be ours.”
Populism and Xenophobia: Endo draws parallels to Europe, where xenophobic parties gained support, influencing even moderate conservative parties.He warns that if moderate conservatism collapses, a country’s democracy becomes dysfunctional.
Rightward Shift: He observes that Japanese parties with extreme stances are gaining support by advocating for policies further to the right than the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
* Fear for the LDP: Endo fears the LDP might try to win over these supporters, leading to a further rightward shift, and believes Japan is at a critical turning point.
In essence, the article paints a picture of rising anti-foreigner sentiment in Japan, fueled by economic anxieties and cultural concerns, which is beginning to influence the political landscape and poses a threat to the country’s democratic functioning and its commitment to human rights.
