Between Inclusion and Control: Japan’s Foreign Policy Crossroads under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi
From the Kurdish Issue in Kawaguchi to the Anti-Espionage Law — Japan’s Tension Between Coexistence and Security
A Nation Balancing Openness and Defense
In late 2025, Japan’s debate over foreign residents has entered a new phase.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks of creating a “society of coexistence”, while simultaneously stressing “discipline and rule enforcement.”
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks of creating a “society of coexistence”, while simultaneously stressing “discipline and rule enforcement.”
At the same time, Shuhei Kamiya, leader of the Sanseitō (Referendum Party), insists that “there must be an upper limit to the number of foreigners accepted.”
Both claim to protect Japan’s stability, yet their visions diverge — one framing coexistence as conditional, the other prioritizing restriction and self-preservation.
Both claim to protect Japan’s stability, yet their visions diverge — one framing coexistence as conditional, the other prioritizing restriction and self-preservation.
Around them swirl heated issues: Japan’s proposed anti-espionage law, stricter foreign driver’s license conversion, and the increasingly visible Kurdish community dispute in Kawaguchi City.
Together, they reveal a deeper question: can Japan remain an open society while reinforcing its national defenses?
Together, they reveal a deeper question: can Japan remain an open society while reinforcing its national defenses?
1. The “Orderly Coexistence” Vision
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Takaichi chaired a cabinet meeting on foreign resident policy, declaring:
“We must distinguish ourselves from xenophobia and advance coexistence while maintaining social order.”
The phrase sounds conciliatory, but the policy details tell another story: tighter immigration screenings, crackdowns on illegal employment, and stricter monitoring of foreign land purchases.
In practice, “coexistence” has become an aspiration — and “control” the operative mechanism.
Takaichi’s foreign policy is not a rejection of diversity but a managed, conditional acceptance built upon national security priorities.
Takaichi’s foreign policy is not a rejection of diversity but a managed, conditional acceptance built upon national security priorities.
2. Security Logic and the Revival of the Anti-Espionage Debate
The proposed Anti-Espionage Law — or “State Secrets Protection” framework — has re-entered political discussion.
Behind it lie growing concerns over information leaks, research collaborations with foreign nationals, and strategic land acquisitions by overseas investors.
Behind it lie growing concerns over information leaks, research collaborations with foreign nationals, and strategic land acquisitions by overseas investors.
Takaichi, long known for her focus on information security, has supported expanding foreign capital review mechanisms and technology protection measures.
As a result, foreign residents are increasingly viewed not only as members of a workforce but also as potential security risks — a subtle yet profound shift in national perception.
As a result, foreign residents are increasingly viewed not only as members of a workforce but also as potential security risks — a subtle yet profound shift in national perception.
In this new paradigm, immigration control becomes part of national defense.
3. The Foreign Driver’s License Issue: Regulation vs. Daily Life
Japan’s tightening of the foreign driver’s license conversion process illustrates how “security-first” logic affects everyday life.
After multiple cases of fake or fraudulently issued foreign licenses, the National Police Agency introduced stricter verification and testing procedures.
After multiple cases of fake or fraudulently issued foreign licenses, the National Police Agency introduced stricter verification and testing procedures.
While intended to ensure safety, the change has made it harder for students, technical trainees, and other residents to obtain mobility, effectively restricting their daily activities.
What began as a traffic safety measure has evolved into a case study in how over-regulation can quietly erode coexistence.
What began as a traffic safety measure has evolved into a case study in how over-regulation can quietly erode coexistence.
4. Sanseitō and Kamiya’s Restrictive Approach
Shuhei Kamiya and the Sanseitō movement advocate a more protectionist stance:
“Japan should set a numerical ceiling for foreign residents.”
While denying any xenophobic intent, Kamiya emphasizes cultural preservation and demographic control.
His rhetoric resonates with voters who fear rapid social change — a sentiment amplified by incidents like those in Kawaguchi.
His rhetoric resonates with voters who fear rapid social change — a sentiment amplified by incidents like those in Kawaguchi.
Where Takaichi envisions “controlled coexistence,” Kamiya calls for “limited acceptance.”
The difference may appear semantic, but it reflects a deeper philosophical divide: how much foreign presence Japan’s identity can absorb without feeling threatened.
The difference may appear semantic, but it reflects a deeper philosophical divide: how much foreign presence Japan’s identity can absorb without feeling threatened.
5. The Kurdish Community in Kawaguchi: Japan’s Coexistence Stress Test
Kawaguchi City, north of Tokyo, hosts one of Japan’s largest Kurdish communities, estimated at around 2,000 residents from Turkey and Syria.
Many are asylum seekers or provisional residents awaiting refugee decisions — a process that can drag on for years.
Many are asylum seekers or provisional residents awaiting refugee decisions — a process that can drag on for years.
Because they lack stable legal status, many Kurds live in precarious conditions: working unofficially, uninsured, and vulnerable to exploitation.
In recent years, street altercations, unlicensed driving, and online rumors have sparked public anxiety.
Viral videos of confrontations have fueled social tension, while advocacy groups warn against growing discrimination.
In recent years, street altercations, unlicensed driving, and online rumors have sparked public anxiety.
Viral videos of confrontations have fueled social tension, while advocacy groups warn against growing discrimination.
Kawaguchi has become a microcosm of Japan’s dilemma:
humanitarian compassion versus legal order.
National policy calls for “coexistence with discipline,” yet on the ground, neither coexistence nor order seems fully achievable.
humanitarian compassion versus legal order.
National policy calls for “coexistence with discipline,” yet on the ground, neither coexistence nor order seems fully achievable.
Kamiya cites Kawaguchi as proof that “uncontrolled acceptance leads to disorder.”
Takaichi views it as evidence that stronger enforcement is necessary.
But neither perspective resolves the human reality — that these communities already exist and cannot simply be legislated away.
Takaichi views it as evidence that stronger enforcement is necessary.
But neither perspective resolves the human reality — that these communities already exist and cannot simply be legislated away.
The true policy question is no longer whether to accept foreigners,
but how to build legal and social frameworks for living together under rule of law.
but how to build legal and social frameworks for living together under rule of law.
6. The Business and Local Reality
Across Japan, industries from manufacturing to eldercare now depend heavily on foreign labor.
Municipal governments promote multicultural coexistence programs, yet national ministries tighten oversight in the name of security.
Municipal governments promote multicultural coexistence programs, yet national ministries tighten oversight in the name of security.
Japan thus faces a dual trajectory:
economic internationalization on one hand, and regulatory militarization on the other.
This paradox defines the coming decade of Japan’s immigration debate.
economic internationalization on one hand, and regulatory militarization on the other.
This paradox defines the coming decade of Japan’s immigration debate.
Conclusion: Beyond Openness vs. Exclusion
The anti-espionage bill, land ownership restrictions, driver’s license reforms, and the Kurdish issue in Kawaguchi all point to the same question:
How far can Japan open itself while protecting its sovereignty?
The era of simplistic dichotomies — “pro-immigration” versus “anti-immigration” — is over.
Japan’s next challenge lies in designing systems that balance inclusion with security, and compassion with enforcement.
Japan’s next challenge lies in designing systems that balance inclusion with security, and compassion with enforcement.
The country is not closing its doors, but it is reinforcing its walls.
The outcome will define not only Japan’s immigration future, but the very meaning of “coexistence” in the age of national anxiety.
The outcome will define not only Japan’s immigration future, but the very meaning of “coexistence” in the age of national anxiety.
