Ministry of Justice has decided to launch a fact-finding survey on hate speech in 2026, that incites discrimination against people of specific ethnic groups and nationalities.
With the spread of social media, opportunities to encounter discriminatory remarks inciting xenophobia have increased, and the targets of hate speech have also become more diverse.
As June 2026 will mark the 10th anniversary of the enactment of the Hate Speech Elimination Act, the ministry aims to assess the current situation and develop new countermeasures.
Hate speech became a major social issue in Japan in the 2010s, when certain groups were found holding street demonstrations in various locations, using discriminatory language against Korean residents and even hinting at causing them harm. The issue was taken up in the Diet, leading to the passage of the Hate Speech Elimination Act
While street demonstrations have been declining in recent years, posts on social media and internet forums have become more prominent. In addition to Korean residents, Kurds are also became a target.
The ministry has requested a 2026 budget for about 700 million yen for the survey.
by MagazineKey4532