The topic of Japan election hate speech has become central during the ongoing campaign for the House of Councillors election. Far-right politicians are using anti-foreigner language that critics say fuels division and xenophobia across the country.
On Saturday, Naoki Hyakuta, leader of the right-wing Conservative Party of Japan, sparked outrage with a fiery speech. He accused foreign workers of “disrespecting Japanese culture” and blamed them for crimes and rule violations. He also criticized foreign burial customs, emphasizing Japan’s cremation norms as a national standard.
Hyakuta’s speech marked a new peak in the Japan election hate speech controversy. He argued that people living in Japan must adopt local customs fully. His party, established in 2023, gained three seats in last year’s lower house election and now calls for strict immigration control.
Japan’s workforce continues to rely on foreign labor due to population decline. Over 2 million foreign workers currently live in Japan, and this number keeps growing. Yet, despite economic needs, nationalist voices are gaining ground during the election.
Another far-right party, Sanseito, is also increasing its support base. It promotes the slogan “Japanese First” and criticizes global influences on Japan’s economy. Its leader, Sohei Kamiya, argues that foreign investors are buying Japanese land and companies, fueling poverty.
In contrast, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba took a different tone on Saturday. “Problems cannot be solved by hatred or slander,” he said, referencing the rise in anti-immigrant rhetoric. He called on voters to show understanding and empathy toward foreigners living in Japan.
The rise in Japan election hate speech has sparked concern from civil society groups and human rights advocates. Many fear that hate-based messaging may influence public opinion and threaten Japan’s image as a peaceful nation. As the election nears, the debate continues over what kind of political message voters want to support.
