As more foreign workers and tourists come to Japan, problems involving foreigners—like bad behavior or crime—are becoming a bigger concern. Issues also include abuse of the refugee system, foreign ownership of land near sensitive sites, and improper use of Japan’s social programs. In places like Kawaguchi City, Saitama, there are even tensions between some local residents and Kurdish people from Turkey.

Political Parties Divided: Stricter Rules vs. Coexistence

With the Upper House election coming up, major political parties are offering different ideas on how to handle these issues. Some focus on stricter controls, while others support better integration and coexistence.

Parties Calling for Stricter Rules:

• Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Japan Innovation Party (Ishin), and Democratic Party for the People (DPP) all want tighter enforcement and are cautious about accepting more foreigners.
• The LDP aims for “zero illegal immigrants” and wants stricter rules on switching foreign driver’s licenses to Japanese ones and on foreigners buying property. They also want tougher action on people overstaying visas while waiting for refugee decisions.
• LDP leader and Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said in a debate, “We do not accept illegal foreigners.” However, he was criticized online for saying Japanese language and customs are "a pain" when discussing how to help foreigners adjust.
• Ishin wants to control the total number of foreigners in Japan and restrict land purchases by foreign investors near national security zones.
• DPP also supports a law to regulate foreign land ownership and wants to review the tax-free shopping system for tourists. The party later softened its campaign wording after being accused of promoting anti-foreigner views.

Parties Supporting Coexistence:

• Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP) and Japanese Communist Party support creating a multicultural society where locals and foreigners respect and help each other.
• CDP proposes a new law to promote multicultural living. Party leader Yoshihiko Noda said Japan should welcome more foreigners to help with the country’s labor shortage.

Other Positions:

• Reiwa Shinsengumi opposes immigration policies.
• Sanseito promotes a “Japan First” policy, is against increased foreign immigration, and wants to ban foreigners from voting or buying property in Japan.

In short, Japan’s political parties are split—some push for tighter controls, while others support more open policies for foreigners to live and work in Japan.