【环时深度】日本多党首次为竞选激辩“外国人问题”

Core Viewpoint - The upcoming Japanese Senate elections have brought foreigner-related issues to the forefront, highlighting the tension between the need for foreign labor and rising public concerns about safety and welfare associated with foreigners [1][8]. Group 1: Foreign Population and Economic Impact - As of the end of last year, the foreign population in Japan reached approximately 3.769 million, marking a 10.5% increase year-on-year, with permanent residents accounting for about 918,000 [3][4]. - Japan welcomed over 33 million foreign tourists last year, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, indicating that tourism has become a significant component of Japan's economic growth [3]. Group 2: Public Sentiment and Media Influence - There is a growing public sentiment in Japan expressing concerns over social issues attributed to foreigners, including complaints about scholarship competition, healthcare burdens, and perceived higher crime rates [3][4]. - Social media has amplified negative perceptions of foreigners, with unfounded claims about higher crime rates being frequently cited by right-wing politicians [4][11]. Group 3: Political Responses and Policy Implications - The political landscape is divided, with right-wing parties advocating for stricter management of foreigners, while left-wing parties emphasize multiculturalism and human rights [8][10]. - The ruling Liberal Democratic Party is pushing for measures such as tightening regulations on foreign driver's license conversions and limiting foreign property purchases [8][9]. Group 4: Long-term Policy Challenges - Japan's immigration policy has been criticized for being reactive rather than proactive, leading to misunderstandings and biases between locals and immigrants [6][12]. - The lack of a systematic integration policy for immigrants has been highlighted as a significant issue, contrasting with more established frameworks in European countries [12][13].