Japan Immigration News

(The Asahi Shimbun)Onoda says she’ll push Takaichi’s stronger stance on foreigners

Release Date: 2025-10-23
Media: The Asahi Shimbun
Summary: Kimi Onoda, Japan’s new Cabinet minister overseeing policies on foreign nationals, announced plans to take a tougher stance on crimes and misconduct by foreigners, saying such behavior causes public concern and a sense of unfairness among Japanese citizens.

At her first press conference on Oct. 22, Onoda said she will review immigration and residency systems and work with other government agencies to strengthen enforcement against rule violations and update outdated policies. Her appointment reflects Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s conservative agenda, which prioritizes tightening foreign national policies—a key issue in her leadership campaign.

Takaichi has instructed Onoda to promote measures such as better information sharing between national and local governments, proper system management, and stricter oversight of land use.

At 42, Onoda is the youngest Cabinet member. Born in the U.S. and raised in Okayama, she has focused on illegal residency and foreign employment issues since first being elected to the Diet in 2016.

Justice Minister Hiroshi Hiraguchi also confirmed he was directed to work with Onoda to strengthen actions against illegal stayers, enforce immigration control, ensure smooth acceptance of skilled foreign workers, and address long-term detentions and delayed deportations while improving support for refugees and similar cases.
Tags: Immigration Policy

Released on

Article Title