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‘Invasive Species’? Japan’s Growing Pains on Immigration

Release Date
2025-06-12
Media
Bloomberg
Summary
Megumi Hayashibara, the voice actress behind Hello Kitty and Evangelion’s Rei Ayanami, ignited controversy after posting a blog criticizing rule-breaking foreigners in Japan. She expressed concerns about foreign students on scholarships and warned that Japanese culture might be eroded by "invasive species"—a metaphor she later deleted after backlash. Her post reflected growing public unease over immigration.

Japan’s foreign population has nearly doubled in the past decade, with a 10% increase in 2024 alone. While still low in absolute terms, the pace of change has stirred anxiety. Some influencers and YouTubers amplify anti-immigrant sentiment, though statistics show that illegal residency and foreign crime are declining.

Despite Japan's selective and well-managed immigration system, the government has been slow to address issues like unpaid medical bills by tourists or abuse of short-term stay loopholes. Meanwhile, Japan’s shrinking workforce heightens the need for foreign labor, even as it fuels concerns about cultural displacement.

Hayashibara’s core point—that Japan’s social order depends on everyone following rules—resonates with many locals. A government survey found 78% of people want foreign residents to respect local customs.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and other leaders are beginning to address the issue, vowing to welcome rule-abiding foreigners and act firmly against those who don’t. However, inflammatory rhetoric like “invasive species” is unhelpful. Japan must avoid the mistakes of other countries by responding to public concerns while maintaining a fair and orderly immigration system.
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