Governors Nationwide Pledge to Combat Online Misinformation and Xenophobia

In a significant move to combat rising xenophobia, Japan’s National Governors’ Association has drafted a joint statement directly challenging the spreading sentiment that “As foreigners increase, so does crime.” The initiative, spearheaded by Shizuoka Governor Yasutomo Suzuki, aims to address growing social media misinformation and ease public anxieties about international residents.

The declaration, tentatively titled “Joint declaration by governors nationwide aiming to realize a multicultural society,” is expected to receive formal approval during a meeting of all 47 Japanese governors on November 26. The document represents a united stance from leaders across Japan’s 46 prefectures and Tokyo.

This latest action builds upon previous efforts by the association, which has already called on the central government to develop a comprehensive plan for accepting non-Japanese nationals, enact fundamental legislation on multicultural coexistence, and establish a dedicated oversight organization for international residents.

The declaration rests on three fundamental pillars. The first focuses on promoting multicultural coexistence through community-building initiatives that bring Japanese citizens and foreign residents together. This section takes a firm stance against xenophobia, explicitly rejecting “exclusivism and xenophobia based on information not grounded in facts or data.” Instead, it advocates for “calm discussions based on realistic evidence and concrete measures, without relying on impressions.”

The second pillar addresses “coexistence based on rules and ensuring peace of mind,” clarifying that multiculturalism “does not mean the disorderly acceptance or preferential treatment for foreigners.” This section outlines plans to provide comprehensive information and consultation services on everyday matters such as garbage disposal and noise regulations to help international residents understand local rules. It also emphasizes the importance of expanding Japanese-language learning opportunities.

The declaration’s third pillar emphasizes “accurate and proactive information dissemination,” highlighting the crucial economic role that foreign residents play in Japan. The document points out that international residents have become “indispensable members of the community,” helping to offset Japan’s demographic challenges across various sectors including manufacturing, services, construction, and healthcare fields.

This section also directly confronts the xenophobic narrative by noting that criminal convictions among foreigners have actually been decreasing even as the international population grows. The governors aim to use this factual information to dispel unfounded fears and encourage public discourse based on accurate data rather than stereotypes.

The declaration comes at a pivotal moment in Japan’s relationship with its foreign resident population. During a meeting in late July, the association compiled a proposal urging the central government to improve conditions for accepting foreign nationals, stating that “from the perspective of local governments, foreigners are the same ‘residents’ and ‘community members’ as Japanese.”

This latest action appears to be a direct response to growing nationalist sentiment in Japan’s political sphere. The far-right Sanseito party recently gained ground in July’s Upper House election after campaigning for stricter screening of foreigners, prompting concern among many governors about the potential social impact of such rhetoric.

By issuing this joint declaration, Japan’s governors are taking a proactive stance in shaping the national conversation around immigration and multiculturalism, emphasizing facts over fear and community building over division at a time when Japan faces significant demographic challenges that may require greater international integration.