Japan Refutes Claims of ‘Mass Deportations’ Program

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Japan’s new Prime Minister Takaichi faces misinformation wave over immigration policies

False claims about mass deportations have spread rapidly across social media following the appointment of Japan’s new Prime Minister Shigeru Takaichi, highlighting growing tensions over immigration in a country facing significant demographic challenges.

Despite having immigration levels significantly lower than other developed economies, Japan has seen a steady increase in foreign residents as the country grapples with an aging population, worker shortages across multiple sectors, and one of the world’s lowest birth rates.

The changing demographic landscape has thrust immigration issues into the spotlight during the recent Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leadership race, which Takaichi won before being elected prime minister. During her campaign, Takaichi made controversial remarks about foreigners, including accusations that tourists were mistreating deer in her hometown of Nara.

Following her appointment, social media has been flooded with false information about her administration’s immigration policies. One post on X claiming that Takaichi had “sworn in and IMMEDIATELY created a ministry for mass deportations” received over nine million views, despite having no basis in fact. Another fabricated video circulating on Facebook falsely stated that Japan’s emperor had approved “the nationwide deportation plan.”

These misleading narratives have spread beyond Japan’s borders, with translations appearing in Thai, German, and Spanish, indicating a coordinated effort to disseminate anti-immigration sentiment internationally.

The surge in misinformation comes amid growing anti-immigrant rhetoric in Japanese politics. In July’s upper house elections, the anti-immigration Sanseito party significantly increased its representation, growing from two to fifteen seats. The party, which currently holds three seats in the lower chamber, promotes populist messaging that echoes right-wing movements in other countries, opposing “elitism” and “globalism” while claiming to “bring power back to the people.”

This isn’t the first time immigration-related misinformation has caused disruption in Japan. Last month, a cultural and social exchange program with four African nations was cancelled after being misrepresented as a new immigration policy, triggering a flood of complaints. Similarly, Kitakyushu city reportedly faced a barrage of criticism following inaccurate claims about plans for Muslim-friendly school lunches.

Japan’s relationship with immigration remains complex. The country has traditionally maintained strict immigration policies, but economic necessities have gradually forced changes. In recent years, Japan has introduced new visa categories and expanded opportunities for skilled foreign workers in specific sectors experiencing labor shortages, such as healthcare, construction, and hospitality.

According to government data, foreign residents now account for approximately 2.3% of Japan’s population—a figure that has grown steadily over the past decade but remains far below the OECD average of around 13%.

Experts suggest that the spread of misinformation reflects deeper anxieties about cultural identity and economic security in a rapidly changing society. The demographic pressures facing Japan—with nearly 30% of its population aged 65 or older—create a tension between economic necessities and cultural preservation.

As Takaichi’s administration begins to formulate its policy agenda, observers will be watching closely to see how it navigates these complex immigration issues while addressing the viral misinformation that has characterized the early days of her leadership.