Story perspectives

Xenophobia Shapes Japan's 2025 Elections and Foreign Policy

1/19/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Mainichi, a center-leaning newspaper, reported in 2025 that xenophobia dominated foreign policy debates.
In the July 2025 general election, attitudes toward foreign nationals were shaped by the right-wing Sanseito party.
The ruling Liberal Democratic Party replaced centrist Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba with conservative Sanae Takaichi, who began reviewing foreign-resident policies.
Analysts remain cautious that tensions could ease in 2026, even as debates on immigration and tourism continue.

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Story summary

The Mainichi, a center-leaning newspaper, reported in 2025 that xenophobia dominated foreign policy debates.
In the July 2025 general election, attitudes toward foreign nationals were shaped by the right-wing Sanseito party.
The ruling Liberal Democratic Party replaced centrist Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba with conservative Sanae Takaichi, who began reviewing foreign-resident policies.
Analysts remain cautious that tensions could ease in 2026, even as debates on immigration and tourism continue.