Japan's baby boom, driven by foreign-born mothers, has sparked a heated debate about the country's future. This demographic shift is a political time bomb, and it's time to address it head-on.
The recent news of a record-breaking 22,000 babies born to non-Japanese women in 2024 is a stark reminder of Japan's ongoing struggle with its declining birth rate. Despite the efforts of conservative male politicians to encourage Japanese couples to have more children, the majority of these births are to women from China, Brazil, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
With Japanese births dropping to 686,000, a decrease of 41,000 from the previous year, and Japan's foreign population reaching a significant 3.2% of the total population, the country is facing a demographic crisis.
Japan's recognition of the need for low-skilled migrant workers to address labor shortages is a step in the right direction. However, the integration and acceptance of these immigrants remain a contentious issue. Non-Japanese faces are now a common sight in urban and rural areas, yet the national discourse on migration often veers into familiar, uncomfortable territories.
The rise of the right-wing Sanseito party, with its promise to put "Japanese first," has ignited a debate that echoes similar conversations worldwide. While their success may be short-lived, as voters often return to more established parties, Sanseito has undoubtedly set the tone for immigration discussions.
All major political parties, including those on the center-left, have expressed concerns about foreign workers. The governing Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has taken a hardline stance, vowing to eliminate illegal immigration and improve guest workers' integration.
The recent election of Sanae Takaichi as the LDP's new leader highlights the party's approach. Takaichi began her campaign with a controversial statement, claiming to have witnessed a foreign tourist assault a sacred deer in Nara, a claim unsupported by evidence. This narrative, tapping into fears of job loss and increased crime rates among foreign migrants, has been echoed by other politicians, often without factual backing.
The debate has occasionally crossed into xenophobic territory, with hate speech directed at Kurdish residents in Kawaguchi and misinformation spreading about a cancelled friendship initiative with African countries. Locals in Hokkaido are even protesting plans to accommodate over 1,000 seasonal workers, many of whom are foreign.
However, there are indications that economic necessity will prevail over political rhetoric. Business leaders recognize the vital role of migrant workers in maintaining a functional supply chain. With almost all polled leaders agreeing that migrant workers are essential, the question remains: will Japan's politicians finally address the choice between economic decline and a more diverse, integrated population?
This is a crucial juncture for Japan, and the decisions made now will shape the country's future for decades to come. The time to act is now, and the consequences of inaction could be severe.
