With the ruling Liberal Democratic Party presidential election set for the 4th next month, candidates have elevated foreigner policy as a key issue and moved to court conservative voters.
According to local media on the 23rd, four of the five contenders focused on foreigner issues during policy statements and debates. Takaichi Sanae, a leading candidate and former Minister for Economic Security, unleashed hard-line remarks, saying "foreigners do not follow rules and damage Japanese culture," while Koizumi Shinjiro, the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, also called for stronger measures, saying "illegal employment and deteriorating public safety heighten residents' anxiety."
Kobayashi Takayuki, former Minister for Economic Security, said he is "opposed to immigration" and vowed to tighten immigration control and restrictions on foreign real estate acquisitions, while Motegi Toshimitsu, former secretary-general, also said he is "concerned about foreign purchases of land" and pledged "zero illegal foreigners." The two have low approval ratings in polls and are seen as aiming to draw conservative support with hard-line rhetoric.
Japan's population fell by about 910,000 last year, while the number of foreign residents increased by 350,000. The Asahi Shimbun analyzed that foreigner policy had not been a major issue in past party presidential races, but momentum shifted after the House of Councilors election in Jul., when a right-leaning political group that advocated "Japan First" made gains. The Mainichi Shimbun warned that tougher foreigner restrictions risk sliding into xenophobia.
Potential cooperation with opposition parties has also emerged as a major topic in this presidential race. Minister Koizumi of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries mentioned the possibility of working with the Japan Innovation Party, and former Minister Takaichi and former secretary-general Motegi also showed a positive stance on expanding a coalition. A Liberal Democratic Party official said, "Without cooperation from the opposition, it is difficult to pass bills or budgets," explaining that "compatibility" with the opposition is a key variable in this election.