New dicastery for “an orderly coexistence with foreigners”
First days of work for the new government led by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who in the composition of her executive immediately hinted at a change of direction on several fronts, starting with immigration, with the creation of a new ministerial portfolio dedicated to the promotion of an “orderly society coexisting with foreigners”. Kimi Onoda, a 42-year-old conservative deputy, considered one of the emerging voices of the national right, was appointed to lead the ministry.
“We will rigorously handle the cases of those who do not follow the rules,” Onoda said at a press conference, adding that systems “that do not adequately respond to current issues related to foreign presence” will be reviewed. Onoda also cited incidents of crimes committed by non-Japanese citizens and the misuse of welfare systems, highlighting “cases perceived by citizens as unfair or troubling.” Born in the United States to an American father and a Japanese mother, Onoda embodies a patriotic line strongly rooted in traditional values, according to local media, such as “respect for the Emperor and national pride”. The appointment comes the day after the signing of a coalition agreement between the LDP and its new ally, the Nippon Ishin (Japan Innovation Party), with both parties determined to strengthen coordination on policies regarding the foreign community. According to data from the Immigration Services Agency, there were 3.76 million foreign residents in Japan at the end of 2024, up almost 80% compared to 2014.
The establishment of the new ministry follows the rise in the country of the anti-establishment Sanseito party, born in 2020, which is ideologically positioned on ultra-conservative, nationalist positions, with a strong emphasis on “Japan first”, which is also its motto. In the last election for the upper house, last July, it made a notable leap, going from 1 seat to 14 seats, reaching more than 10% of the national vote in some counts. The party, led by Sohei Kamiya, who has effectively exploited social media, calls for much stricter controls on immigration, with numerical limits on foreign residents, restrictions on access to social services for non-citizens, a “loyalty check” for the resident foreign population, highlighting concerns about cultural and national sovereignty.
