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The Diplomat
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Diplomat
Beyond Sanseito: Anti-Immigrant Rhetoric in Japan's Upper House Election
Japan's upper house election in July 2025 drew widespread attention to Sanseito, a right-wing party that campaigned using anti-foreigner narratives. However, this trend wasn't unique to Sanseito; some unaffiliated political candidates also used anti-immigrant rhetoric in their campaigns. One example is Hirano Uryu (who has also used other names such as Suzuko Ogino and Suzuko Hirano). The youngest candidate in the Tokyo electoral district in history, Hirano campaigned in the Japanese traditional kimono and frequently spoke about the need to limit immigration from China in particular. She was not elected to office but still was able to get 235,411 votes. Notably, Hirano is also seen as a pro-Hong Kong activist and was denied entry to Hong Kong in 2024. She makes for an interesting case study because recently some netizens, including her former supporters, have wondered if she is a naturalized Japanese citizen. This led some to question whether her slogan 'Japan First' was actually 'Hong Kong First.' Hirano denied the claim, even publishing official family registry documents to dispel the rumors. Still, this example shows that candidates who rely on nationalistic rhetoric can be quickly discredited if their national identities are called into question. This probably is because such politicians largely campaign on the strength of their personal appeal, rather than specific economic and social policies. Another example is Hezumaryu (whose real name is Harada Masahiro), a former nuisance YouTuber who was arrested for crimes such as robbery and forcible obstruction of business in 2020. He turned himself into a deer activist, frequently posting photos and videos of tourists misbehaving in the Nara Park such as kicking deer and leaving trash. He was elected to office in Nara district with 8,320 votes, the third largest total. Hezumaryu is another interesting case. Nara is a city where humans have historically coexisted with deer, and the deer is seen as a sacred animal. While the iconic deer has attracted a record level of foreign tourists and potential economic gains to Nara in 2024, this has created safety problems for both deer and tourists. Local authorities have taken measures such as using signage, loudspeakers, and handouts, installing trashcans, and organizing patrols to warn tourists not to harm deer. Hezumaryu was able to win by using Nara-specific rhetoric that emphasized protecting the deer from tourists' 'attacks' beyond protecting the 'people' from immigrants. His image as a deer activist probably played an important role in his success. Hirano Uryu and Hezumaryu share some similarities during their campaigns in Japan's upper house election. They both were running for office for the first time, were unaffiliated with any political parties, and had anti-immigrant stances without concrete policy packages. They also actively presented their anti-immigrant stances on social media, a campaign technique popular among right-wing populists. However, this strategy raises a question: Did these candidates use anti-immigrant rhetoric because there has been a rise in anti-immigrant sentiment among the public in Japan in recent years? Based on survey data from more than 10 public opinion polls from three types of sources – the government, mass media, and academic institutions (both domestic and international ones) – Go Murakami, a professor from the Graduate School of Law at Ritsumeikan University, showed that anti-immigrant sentiment in Japan in the past four decades has been rather stable. There is somewhat a gap between the campaign strategies of these political candidates and the stable anti-immigrant sentiment among the public. The Japanese public has not become more anti-immigrant, so it is not accurate to say that the political candidates were merely reacting to the public's anti-immigrant sentiment. Given that their campaigns didn't reflect a change in voter sentiment, why did these candidates secure large numbers of votes? One possible explanation is that the voters did not cast their votes because they were supportive of candidates' anti-immigrant stances specifically; instead they were drawn to their active social media presence – full of images and videos – and their right-wing or authoritarian, populist speech style, which is simple and repetitive. This rhetorical style categorizes foreigners and domestic multiculturalists as 'outsiders' and 'enemies' and creates an 'us' and 'them' divide. It does not suggest concrete and informed economic and social policies. During Japan's upper house election in 2025, although many political candidates campaigned around cultural and cosmopolitan issues, the public's anti-immigrant sentiment has not been on rise in recent years, based on data from multiple surveys. The large numbers of votes that Senseito's candidates and some unaffiliated anti-immigrant candidates were able to obtain can instead be attributed to their populist speech style and social media engagement.
The Mainichi
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Mainichi
Table tennis: Miu Hirano to join Super League in China
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's Miu Hirano is joining the Chinese Table Tennis Super League, the Paris Olympian posted on her Instagram on Wednesday. "I'm really happy to participate with Shenzhen University. I'll do my best," the 25-year-old said of her new team, which counts the reigning two-time women's singles world champion Sun Yingsha among its members. Hirano made a second-round exit at the worlds in May in Qatar and later revealed she will be involved less frequently in Japan national team activities. "I want to take on table tennis with a different, renewed mindset. I want to change my environment," she said upon her return to Japan after the tournament. Hirano first played in the Super League in 2016 when she was 16, representing Ordos 1980. She won team silver with Japan both at the Tokyo Games in 2021 and in Paris.
Techday NZ
03-06-2025
- Automotive
- Techday NZ
Siemens & Hirano innovate battery machine with digital twin
Siemens and Hirano Tecseed are collaborating to enhance battery machine manufacturing by introducing digitalisation and simulation-based optimisation. The partnership involves Hirano Tecseed, a Japan-based manufacturer of battery coating machines, standardising and digitalising its systems with support from Siemens' automation and simulation software suite, including SimcenterTM applications available through the Siemens Xcelerator digital platform. The relationship centres on optimising the coating processes for battery electrodes, a crucial stage in battery production that involves applying several active material layers to foil strips. Defects at this stage can undermine both performance and lifespan of finished batteries. Additionally, precise speed and tension controls are seen as necessary in achieving stable and high-quality results. The drive to improve the manufacturing process comes as global demand for batteries rises, particularly with growth in electric vehicles and renewable energy storage. Companies such as Hirano Tecseed are responding with efforts to boost production rates and reduce manufacturing costs, while ensuring safety and quality standards are maintained. A central element in the Siemens-Hirano partnership is the use of a digital twin for manufacturing equipment. Employing Siemens' SimcenterTM software, Hirano has developed and virtually tested a model of its battery coating machines. This digital twin leverages live operational data from Siemens' Simatic controller and Sinamics drives, enabling accurate simulation for performance assessment ahead of actual production. Engineers at Hirano utilise SimcenterTM AmesimTM for systems simulation, helping the company optimise machine designs and throughput in a virtual space. The software tools allow design engineers to evaluate and fine-tune web handling and other key aspects, aiming for increased operational efficiency ahead of physical implementation. Historically, machine parameters at Hirano were determined by in-person experience, an approach that could at times result in defective output due to less precise settings. With the adoption of digital twin technology, the company is now able to finalise and validate configurations before building physical prototypes, which reduces the risk of faults and minimises the number of test units required during development. According to Hirano, digital simulations now allow engineers to optimise machine settings about five times faster than would typically be possible through physical trials. Furthermore, the company reports that as much as 80% of simulations and virtual commissioning processes utilise pre-existing standard modules, simplifying both development and cost structures, while enabling more rapid commissioning of new equipment. Katsuhiro Omori, Director and Executive Officer of R&D at Hirano Tecseed, stated, "We're thrilled to collaborate with Siemens to enhance our battery manufacturing processes. Integrating mechatronics and automation simulation systems into a unified modeling environment has significantly helped Hirano identify potential product defects and advance our machine process optimisation in a virtual setting." Michael Thomas, Senior Vice President of Factory Automation and Head of Production Machines at Siemens, commented, "By leveraging our advanced simulation and automation technologies, Siemens is enabling Hirano to achieve unprecedented levels of efficiency and quality in battery manufacturing. This partnership exemplifies our commitment to driving innovation and supporting our customers in their digital transformation journey." The partnership is expected to result in shorter implementation and commissioning periods, enhanced product quality, and reductions in waste material. According to the companies, the increased ability to simulate and optimise machinery digitally prior to deployment also translates into resource savings and a lower likelihood of production issues downstream.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Rice crisis: Japan imports grain from South Korea for first time in more than 25 years
Japan has imported rice from South Korea for the first time in a quarter of a century in an attempt to address soaring prices and growing consumer anger. South Korean rice arrived in Japan last month for the first time since 1999, according to media reports, as the price of domestically produced grain continued to rise, despite government attempts to relieve the pressure on shoppers. The price of Japan-grown rice has more than doubled since this time last year, fuelling demand for cheaper foreign grain, despite the heavy tariffs imposed on imports. The quantity of South Korean rice, which was sold online and at supermarkets, is still relatively low at just two tonnes, but there are plans to ship a further 20 tonnes in the coming days, the public broadcaster NHK said. Related: 'Skyrocketing' demand for matcha raises fears of shortage in Japan While Japanese consumers have traditionally been sceptical about the quality and taste of foreign rice – Thai rice imported after an unusually cool summer in 1993 largely went unsold – the current crisis has forced Japanese consumers to develop a taste for foreign rice. South Korea's rice exports to Japan are expected to reach their highest since 1990, according to the Yonhap news agency, while the crisis has also opened up potential export opportunities for producers in the US. Arata Hirano, who runs a restaurant in Tokyo, switched from Japanese to American rice last year when a shortage of the domestic grain triggered a steep rise in prices. Hirano told Reuters that the price of the Californian product he now served had doubled since his first purchase last summer, but was still cheaper than homegrown rice. And he has had no complaints from diners, including Miki Nihei, who was surprised to find out the rice she had eaten wasn't grown in Japan. 'I had no idea,' she said. 'I have no qualms about eating imported rice. Prices have gone up, so I'm always looking for cheaper options.' In the week to 6 April, Japanese supermarket rice prices reached an average of ¥4,214 ($30/£22) for 5kg – more than double the same period a year earlier. The trend has forced the Japanese government to take the unusual step of dipping into its vast rice reserves. In March it began releasing 210,000 tonnes of stockpiled rice in an attempt to arrest price rises caused by a combination of record summer heat, panic buying and distribution problems. Related: Japan unveils first plan to evacuate 100,000 civilians from islands near Taiwan in event of conflict Japan had previously dipped into its rice reserves in the aftermath of natural disasters or crop failures, but this was the first time it had intervened over distribution issues. The measure has had little impact, however. Last week the agriculture ministry said 'logistical problems' meant only a tiny quantity of the released rice had reached shops. About 142,000 tonnes of stockpiled rice were released in the first auction held in mid-March, but as of the end of the month just 426 tonnes, or 0.3% of the total, had reached supermarkets and other outlets, the ministry said, blaming the bottleneck on a shortage of delivery vehicles and the time needed to prepare the grain for sale. Japan's rice stockpiles had already depleted after record-breaking temperatures affected the 2023 crop. Stockpiles shrank again last year, partly due to a rise in consumption caused by record numbers of tourists. Supplies were also hit by panic buying in the wake of typhoon and earthquake warnings, forcing some retailers to restrict sales.
The Guardian
22-04-2025
- Business
- The Guardian
Rice crisis: Japan imports grain from South Korea for first time in more than 25 years
Japan has imported rice from South Korea for the first time in a quarter of a century in an attempt to address soaring prices and growing consumer anger. South Korean rice arrived in Japan last month for the first time since 1999, according to media reports, as the price of domestically produced grain continued to rise, despite government attempts to relieve the pressure on shoppers. The price of Japan-grown rice has more than doubled since this time last year, fuelling demand for cheaper foreign grain, despite the heavy tariffs imposed on imports. The quantity of South Korean rice, which was sold online and at supermarkets, is still relatively low at just two tonnes, but there are plans to ship a further 20 tonnes in the coming days, the public broadcaster NHK said. While Japanese consumers have traditionally been sceptical about the quality and taste of foreign rice – Thai rice imported after an unusually cool summer in 1993 largely went unsold – the current crisis has forced Japanese consumers to develop a taste for foreign rice. South Korea's rice exports to Japan are expected to reach their highest since 1990, according to the Yonhap news agency, while the crisis has also opened up potential export opportunities for producers in the US. Arata Hirano, who runs a restaurant in Tokyo, switched from Japanese to American rice last year when a shortage of the domestic grain triggered a steep rise in prices. Hirano told Reuters that the price of the Californian product he now served had doubled since his first purchase last summer, but was still cheaper than homegrown rice. And he has had no complaints from diners, including Miki Nihei, who was surprised to find out the rice she had eaten wasn't grown in Japan. 'I had no idea,' she said. 'I have no qualms about eating imported rice. Prices have gone up, so I'm always looking for cheaper options.' In the week to 6 April, Japanese supermarket rice prices reached an average of ¥4,214 ($30/£22) for 5kg – more than double the same period a year earlier. The trend has forced the Japanese government to take the unusual step of dipping into its vast rice reserves. In March it began releasing 210,000 tonnes of stockpiled rice in an attempt to arrest price rises caused by a combination of record summer heat, panic buying and distribution problems. Japan had previously dipped into its rice reserves in the aftermath of natural disasters or crop failures, but this was the first time it had intervened over distribution issues. The measure has had little impact, however. Last week the agriculture ministry said 'logistical problems' meant only a tiny quantity of the released rice had reached shops. About 142,000 tonnes of stockpiled rice were released in the first auction held in mid-March, but as of the end of the month just 426 tonnes, or 0.3% of the total, had reached supermarkets and other outlets, the ministry said, blaming the bottleneck on a shortage of delivery vehicles and the time needed to prepare the grain for sale. Japan's rice stockpiles had already depleted after record-breaking temperatures affected the 2023 crop. Stockpiles shrank again last year, partly due to a rise in consumption caused by record numbers of tourists. Supplies were also hit by panic buying in the wake of typhoon and earthquake warnings, forcing some retailers to restrict sales.
