Photo/Illutration Miyagi Governor Yoshihiro Murai speaks at a news conference at the Miyagi prefectural office on July 9. (Ryo Oyama)

While the increase in foreign nationals in Japan has become a hot-button issue in the Upper House election, Miyagi Governor Yoshihiro Murai remains committed to coexisting with foreigners, calling fears of job losses or lawlessness unfounded.

“In this globalized international society, Japan, as a developed country, should not refuse to accept foreign people,” Murai, who also serves as president of the National Governors’ Association, said at a news conference on July 9. 

In the leadup to the Upper House election on July 20, some political parties have advocated for stricter policies on foreign nationals living in Japan and tightening regulations on their acceptance.

However, Murai noted that there are Japanese seeking opportunities for success overseas as well.

“It is inconsistent for Japan alone to refuse to accept foreigners,” he said.

The prefecture has been enthusiastically promoting efforts to attract foreign workers, including outreach activities aimed at young people in Indonesia.

To address concerns that foreign people may “take jobs away from Japanese workers,” Murai explained, “There is a serious labor shortage. In some industries where 10 people are needed, only seven or eight Japanese workers are available. We are trying to bring in foreign workers to fill those gaps.”

He emphasized that, “We must ensure that public safety is maintained and that there are no disparities in treatment between Japanese and foreign workers.”

Murai added, “Many Japanese do bad things too. We need to take measures that ensure public safety, but that is not just about foreign people.”

Meanwhile, Sendai Mayor Kazuko Kori also expressed concerns about Japan’s shrinking population during a news conference on July 8.

“I have a sense of crisis about what will happen to Japan as the working population is dramatically decreasing,” she said.

In March, Sendai established the city’s diversity promotion guidelines, aiming to become “a city where everyone can live in peace and thrive.”

“In order for Japan to continue existing as a country, we need more diversity,” Kori said. “It is important for us to make an effort to accept each other’s differences and transform them into strengths.”

(This article was written by Ryo Oyama and Ikuko Abe.)

Related News