Japan PM Falsely Attributed to Mass Deportation Plan in Online Misinformation

Japan’s newly appointed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, the first woman to hold the country’s highest office, has found herself at the center of viral misinformation just hours after her swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday. Social media posts claiming she has ordered “mass deportations” of foreign nationals and established a special ministry for this purpose have gained significant traction online, despite no evidence supporting these assertions.

The false claims have spread rapidly across platforms like X (formerly Twitter), with one post alleging Takaichi “immediately created a ministry for mass deportations” garnering over 8 million views. Conservative commentators have attempted to draw parallels between Takaichi’s immigration stance and that of U.S. President Donald Trump, suggesting a shared hardline approach.

Official government communications, however, reveal no such deportation initiatives or newly created ministry. The prime minister’s website does list a “minister in charge of a society of well-ordered and harmonious coexistence with foreign nationals” among Cabinet positions, a role filled by Kimi Onoda. During her first press conference on Wednesday, Onoda spoke of advancing “comprehensive discussions” on immigration issues, including “strict measures against those who do not follow the rules,” according to the Asahi Shimbun newspaper.

Japan’s relationship with immigration has historically been complex. As one of the world’s most culturally homogeneous countries, it has traditionally maintained strict border controls. However, demographic pressures have forced policy changes in recent years. With a rapidly aging population and declining birth rate, Japan has cautiously expanded visa programs to address critical labor shortages across key industries.

The foreign resident population has consequently reached a record 3 percent in 2024, representing a significant shift for Japanese society. Simultaneously, tourism has rebounded dramatically, with visitor numbers jumping 48 percent compared to the previous year, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization.

This influx has sparked tensions. Reports of tourists behaving disrespectfully at sacred sites have fueled anti-foreigner sentiment, providing political ammunition for right-wing politicians. Takaichi herself has expressed concerns about visitor behavior, recently claiming foreign tourists had kicked sacred deer at Nara Park, a popular tourist destination.

Immigration featured prominently in Takaichi’s political platform, with the conservative leader advocating stronger enforcement against visa overstays and illegal immigration. However, experts caution against mischaracterizing her position.

“Takaichi has not promised mass deportations,” noted Jeffrey Hall, a Japanese studies lecturer at Kanda University of International Studies. “As with previous PMs, if a foreigner in Japan gets caught without legal status, they will most likely face deportation. That’s how it’s been for many years.”

The Prime Minister’s Office officially pledges to “enhance policy coordination on foreign nationals in Japan and promote broad-ranging measures,” while undertaking “initiatives to tackle organized crime and related efforts to maintain and improve public law and order.” This language represents continuity rather than radical departure from existing policies.

The misinformation surge highlights the heightened international attention on Japan’s leadership transition and immigration policies. As the first woman to lead the world’s third-largest economy, Takaichi’s every move faces intense scrutiny.

The coming months will reveal which specific immigration reforms Takaichi’s administration will prioritize as her government reviews labor and residency systems. Her approach will need to balance Japan’s economic needs against conservative calls for stricter immigration controls.

Takaichi is scheduled to meet with Donald Trump during his upcoming three-day visit to Japan next week as part of his Asia tour, potentially providing greater insight into her government’s diplomatic and immigration priorities.