Japan’s Foreign Worker Policy Raises Concerns as Deportation Rumors Circulate, Says Takaichi

In her first policy speech since taking office, Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi addressed the delicate balance between Japan’s growing need for foreign workers and concerns about rule violations by some non-citizens.

Takaichi acknowledged Japan’s demographic reality, noting that foreign workers are essential to address labor shortages caused by the country’s rapidly declining population. However, she also highlighted tensions that have emerged in recent years.

“Some illegal activities and breaches of rules by certain foreigners have created situations where members of the public feel uneasy and perceive unfairness,” Takaichi said. She promised that while her government would “draw a clear line from xenophobia,” it would also “respond resolutely to such acts.”

The remarks come at a sensitive time for Japan, which has historically maintained strict immigration policies despite facing one of the world’s most severe demographic crises. With a shrinking workforce and aging population, Japanese businesses across various sectors have increasingly relied on foreign labor to remain operational.

Takaichi’s comments appear designed to reassure conservative elements of her base while acknowledging economic realities. Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party, which has governed the country almost continuously since 1955, has gradually liberalized work visa programs in recent years, though full immigration reform remains controversial.

Her speech has gained additional attention amid false claims circulating primarily in English-language social media that Takaichi has established a ministry for “mass deportations.” These misleading statements suggested that Kimi Onoda had been appointed to lead such an initiative.

In reality, Onoda was appointed on Tuesday to several positions, including economic security minister and minister in charge of a “society of well-ordered and harmonious coexistence with foreign nationals.” The actual title and mandate differ significantly from the misleading characterizations online.

Takaichi, who became Japan’s first female prime minister earlier this week, has been known for relatively conservative views on immigration throughout her political career. However, analysts note that practical economic concerns are likely to temper any dramatic policy shifts.

Japan’s foreign worker population has grown significantly over the past decade, with particularly large communities from China, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Brazil. The Technical Intern Training Program and specified skilled worker visas have become key pathways for foreign workers to enter Japan, though critics have raised concerns about working conditions and rights protections under these programs.

Business leaders in Japan have increasingly called for more streamlined immigration processes, citing critical worker shortages in sectors ranging from elder care and construction to convenience stores and agriculture. The Japan Business Federation (Keidanren) has repeatedly urged the government to create more pathways for foreign workers.

Demographic projections suggest these pressures will only intensify. Japan’s population declined by about 800,000 people in 2023 alone, continuing a trend that began in 2008. Without increased immigration or a dramatic reversal in birth rates, experts project the country’s population could fall from about 125 million today to under 100 million by 2050.

Takaichi’s administration now faces the challenge of addressing these competing priorities—maintaining social cohesion while meeting economic needs—at a time when immigration has become increasingly politicized both in Japan and globally.

As her government takes shape, businesses, civil society organizations, and foreign communities will be closely watching for specific policy initiatives that might follow this initial rhetorical framing.