Japan politician ups migration rhetoric, says foreigners ‘ignore rules, assault' locals
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Foreign workers 'disrespect Japanese culture, ignore the rules, assault Japanese people, and steal their belongings,' Hyakuta, a former novelist, said in a stump speech ahead of the July 20 House of Councillors election.
He emphasised his opposition to the burial customs practised by some foreigners, saying that cremation is the norm in
Japan . 'If you come to Japan, it's only natural to follow Japanese rules and manners. When in Rome, do as the Romans do,' he said.
Established in 2023, his party won three seats in last year's House of Representatives election. Led by Hyakuta, a former TV commentator, it advocates stricter immigration and refugee policies to protect the Japanese people.
Amid ongoing labour shortages, the number of foreign workers in Japan has steadily grown in recent years, surpassing 2 million in 2024. Some political leaders have responded with inflammatory rhetoric that could fuel xenophobia or discrimination.
Naoki Hyakuta makes a stump speech in Tokyo on July 3. Photo: Kyodo
During the upper house election campaign, another minor opposition group, the Sanseito party, has gained traction among conservatives with nationalist and anti-establishment views under its 'Japanese First' banner.
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