KUALA LUMPUR - 11 civil society groups have voiced alarm over rising xenophobic rhetoric in Japan’s election campaign, warning that foreign nationals, refugees, and minority communities are being targeted ahead of the House of Representatives vote on February 8.

The statement noted that during last year’s House of Councillors election, inflammatory remarks calling for the exclusion of foreign residents were made across many parts of the country. 

It added that those who opposed such rhetoric were often subjected to discrimination and exclusion themselves.

The statement also criticized policies introduced under the Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi administration, saying they have fueled unfounded fears about foreign nationals. 

These include stricter residency screening and naturalization requirements, institutional changes that could exclude non-Japanese residents, and a sharp increase in forced deportations.

As a result, the groups said, children and families who have lived in Japan for many years without regular status have been suddenly stripped of their livelihoods. 

The same applies to people who would likely have been recognized as refugees in other countries.

Against this backdrop, the statement said, demonstrations targeting foreign nationals and Muslims, along with online hate speech, have been on the rise. 

Discrimination in everyday life including in housing, contracts, and schools has also become more severe.

The groups stressed that claims such as ‘foreigners are privileged’ or ‘foreigners commit more crimes’ are unfounded misinformation.

They also highlighted that the basic human rights of foreign nationals are not adequately protected under Japanese law.

Warning that xenophobic hate speech undermines social coexistence and democracy and could ultimately pave the way for war, the statement called for action in line with the principles of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

Specifically, the groups made three demands.

First, they urged political parties and candidates not to run campaigns that stoke prejudice against foreign nationals.

Second, they called on the government and local authorities to clearly communicate that hate speech is unacceptable during election campaigns.

Third, they demanded that media organizations not only conduct thorough fact-checking, but also clearly criticize misinformation and discriminatory rhetoric.

The statement concluded by calling on voters to speak out against discrimination during the election, stressing that a society in which dignity and hope are guaranteed regardless of nationality or ethnicity is essential for peaceful coexistence.