24-07-2025
Governors slam xenophobia, call for open society where all equal
AOMORI--Alarmed at xenophobic sentiment expressed in the lead-up to the July 20 Upper House election, the nation's governors called for measures to nurture multicultural coexistence.
The National Governors' Association met in Aomori on July 23 to discuss the challenges stemming from the rapid increase in foreign resident numbers.
Discriminatory rhetoric was a hallmark of the election campaign fueled by upstart political party Sanseito which railed against foreigners under its 'Japanese First' policy.
Its warnings about foreigners and crime were credited with helping the party to significantly increase its seat showing in the chamber.
The National Governors' Association meeting wound up emphasizing that Tokyo and the other 46 prefectural governments view foreigners as residents and community members, unlike the central government, which regards them primarily as a labor force.
The association called on the central government to accept foreigners in a wider variety of jobs under the Employment for Skill Development program, which will replace the problem-fraught Technical Intern Training Program.
It also sought central government funding so prefectural governments can offer Japanese language education.
The governors said basic laws were needed to form the foundation for a multicultural society.
Shizuoka Governor Yasutomo Suzuki, who spearheaded the drafting of the proposal, noted that responsibility for accommodating the daily lives of foreign residents has so far been left to local governments.
'We call on the central government to take responsibility and implement policies,' he added.
Nara Governor Makoto Yamashita referred to 'baseless criticisms targeting foreign residents that are spreading online,' which he said smacked of discrimination and xenophobia.
'Japanese people, mainly young generations, have a vague anxiety, so we need to implement policies that eliminate it,' he said. 'Otherwise, it will lead to huge political and social problems.'
Aomori Governor Soichiro Miyashita said the association 'is united in its stance of rejecting xenophobia.' He added that the association would cite its opposition to xenophobia in its statement to be released on July 24, the final day of the meeting.
