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Immigration becomes election issue in Japan amid tough economy

Immigration becomes election issue in Japan amid tough economy

Nikkei Asia15-07-2025
An employee from Nepal works at a factory in Osaka. (Photo by Ken Kobayashi)
YURIKA YONEDA
TOKYO -- Immigration to Japan has emerged as a key political issue ahead of Sunday's upper house of parliament election, after a surge in the number of visitors and residents from overseas in recent years.
The "Japanese first" advocacy of Sanseito, a right-leaning party formed in 2020 that aims to win 10 or more seats compared with the current two it holds in the chamber, is generating considerable buzz amid the campaign.
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