Outside a train station near Tokyo, hundreds of people cheer as Sohei Kamiya, head of the surging nationalist party Sanseito, criticizes Japan’s rapidly growing foreign population.
As opponents, separated by uniformed police and bodyguards, accuse him of racism, Kamiya shouts back, saying he is only talking common sense.
Sanseito, while still a minor party, made big gains in July’s parliamentary election, and Kamiya’s “Japanese First” platform of anti-globalism, anti-immigration and anti-liberalism is gaining broader traction ahead of a ruling party vote Saturday that will choose the likely next prime minister.
In exit polls from the last election foreigner problems (which lumps tourists in with residents) was still only like 3rd. And for the foreigner issues, overtourism and people buying property and pricing out locals are big issues (and sometimes running (often illegal) guesthouses).
These are greatly exaggerated propaganda pieces. I follow expat news in Japan and it’s laughable how easily all of these issues are dismissed.
Should I cancel my trip there in December? 😰
No its mostly exaggerated and generally even racist Japanese are too polite to start shit in public. These nazis usually ones sitting at home and trolling on the web.
Japan is still one of the most friendliest and nicest places in the world despite the propaganda here.
I wouldn’t, personally. Just read around on basic etiquette, don’t litter, etc. If you’re planning on going to Kyoto, it’s been a zoo for years now and the people there always hate it (but also some ridiculous part of their economy is tourism as they found out during corona when the money dried up). Oh, and a lot of smaller places are still cash only so carry cash.
I always encourage people to consider places other than just Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, especially these days where technology helps any language barrier.
I’m planning for Hokkaido, mainly.