日本要开始驱赶外国人了吗？

Core Viewpoint - The issue of "foreigners" has emerged as a focal point in Japan's election agenda, driven by rising right-wing populism and public anxiety over the increasing number of foreigners in the country [2][4]. Group 1: Origin of the "Foreigner" Issue - Japan has historically maintained a "single-ethnic nation" ideology, leading to strict immigration policies to preserve demographic homogeneity. However, declining birth rates and an aging population have prompted the government to gradually relax these policies to address labor shortages [4][5]. - As of the end of 2024, the number of foreigners in Japan is projected to exceed 3.8 million, a 10.5% increase year-on-year, accounting for approximately 3% of the total population. Among these, Chinese nationals represent the largest group at 23.2% [4][5]. - The influx of foreigners has led to rising public complaints, including concerns over competition for scholarships, illegal residency, and perceived increases in crime rates attributed to foreigners [5][6]. Group 2: Likelihood of "Exclusion" - Despite extreme rhetoric in the public discourse, the likelihood of Japan implementing policies to expel foreigners is low. Political parties exhibit significant divisions on this issue, with some advocating for coexistence and balanced foreigner policies [8][9]. - Mainstream media in Japan remains vigilant against exclusionary rhetoric, emphasizing the importance of foreigners in the labor market and the economy [8][9]. - Foreign workers are essential in various sectors, including manufacturing, construction, agriculture, and nursing, with foreign workers constituting about 7% of the construction workforce and 5% in agriculture [9][10]. Group 3: Historical Context and Legal Framework - Japan's collective memory of historical events, such as the establishment of a racial segregation system in the 1930s, influences current political discourse, making outright expulsion of specific ethnic groups a sensitive topic [10]. - The Japanese Constitution prohibits discrimination based on nationality, and international agreements further constrain government actions against foreigners [10].