Japan Sees Rise in Anti-Foreigner Sentiment as Far-Right Party Gains Seats

Incidents of physical harassment against foreign residents have increased in public spaces, according to accounts from long-term residents. Nikki Maruschak reported multiple instances of intentional bumping and verbal abuse in train stations and crowded areas, including an assault in March 2024 that resulted in a police report and apology after CCTV evidence was reviewed.

The shift coincides with electoral gains by the Sanseito party. Since 2024 the party has secured 15 seats in each house of parliament on a platform focused on limiting immigration and prioritizing Japanese citizens, becoming the fourth-largest opposition party.

Foreign residents currently make up about 3 percent of Japan's population. The largest groups originate from China, Vietnam, South Korea, and the Philippines, concentrated in Greater Tokyo, Osaka, and Aichi.

Japan's population has declined by roughly five million since peaking at 128 million in the 2010s. The birth rate reached a record low of 1.14 births per woman in 2025, according to the Ministry of Health. The Japan International Cooperation Agency estimated the country will need 6.74 million foreign workers by 2040 to sustain economic growth.

Professor Kobayashi said public concern centers more on perceived cultural issues than labor market competition. A Stanford University survey conducted in March 2026 found higher favorability toward immigrants from the United States and Germany than from China.

Japan maintains a goal of 60 million annual international visitors by 2030. The country recorded more than 42.6 million arrivals in 2025, including over one million Australians, the Japanese National Tourism Organisation reported.