Fact Check: Japan to Tighten Rules on Foreign Misbehavior, Not Implement Mass Deportations

Japan’s new government has denied claims circulating on social media that it has begun mass deportations of foreigners, clarifying that its policy aims to address criminal behavior rather than initiate widespread removals.

Sanae Takaichi, who made history as Japan’s first female prime minister when she took office on October 21, has become the subject of viral misinformation about her administration’s immigration stance. A Facebook post claiming “JAPANS NEW PRIME MINISTER IMMEDIATELY BEGINS MASS DEPORTATIONS” received widespread attention, as did a similar message on X that garnered 9.5 million views.

The posts alleged that Takaichi had “immediately created a ministry for mass deportations” upon taking office. However, a spokesperson for Japan’s embassy in Britain explicitly refuted these claims in an email statement, confirming that no such policy or ministry exists.

This denial is supported by official documentation from the Prime Minister’s Office of Japan, which lists all ministers in the new government without any mention of a deportation ministry. The confusion appears to stem from the appointment of Kimi Onoda, who holds several positions including Minister for Economic Security and “Minister in charge of a Society of Well-Ordered and Harmonious Coexistence with Foreign Nationals.”

At a press conference on October 22, Onoda addressed her responsibilities regarding foreign nationals, acknowledging public anxiety about “crimes and nuisances committed by some foreigners, as well as the inappropriate use of various systems.” While emphasizing the need for stricter responses to rule violations, she cautioned against xenophobia, stating that ensuring safety and security is “essential for economic growth.”

The mischaracterization of Japan’s policy may have roots in statements made by Takaichi during her campaign for leadership of the Liberal Democratic Party in September. She referenced an incident involving a tourist kicking a deer in her hometown of Nara and expressed a desire to reconsider Japan’s immigration policy, emphasizing that immigrants must adhere to Japanese laws.

Japan’s foreign population has reached a record high of 3.8 million in 2024, constituting approximately 3% of the country’s total population. This demographic shift comes as Japan faces challenges from an aging population and labor shortages in key industries.

In her first policy speech as prime minister, Takaichi focused primarily on tackling inflation and strengthening national defense rather than immigration enforcement, according to press reports. This aligns with the traditional priorities of her Liberal Democratic Party, which has formed a new governing coalition under her leadership.

The viral posts about mass deportations appear to be part of a pattern of misinformation that often follows political transitions, particularly when new leaders are perceived as taking hardline stances on immigration. While Takaichi’s government has signaled a more stringent approach to addressing criminal behavior among foreign residents, there is no evidence of plans for mass deportations or a dedicated ministry for that purpose.

As Japan navigates economic challenges and changing demographics, the Takaichi administration’s actual policies toward foreign nationals will likely focus on targeted enforcement rather than the sweeping measures suggested in viral social media posts.