Photo/Illutration Justice Minister Keisuke Suzuki during an interview on Sept. 1 (Koichi Ueda)

The justice minister said Japan needs to develop policies to help the growing number of foreign nationals adapt to Japanese society, such as language acquisition and daily life assistance, to promote “social integration.”

In a recent interview with The Asahi Shimbun, Keisuke Suzuki also proposed establishing a new ministerial post in charge of foreign resident policy after clarifying that he was speaking in his personal capacity as a politician.

Suzuki said Japan can build a “uniquely Japanese model for accepting foreign nationals.”

As of the end of 2024, the number of foreign residents in Japan stood at about 3.77 million.

With foreigners accounting for only about 3 percent of the total population, lower than in many Western countries, Japan still lacks a comprehensive and systematic social integration policy.

Excerpts from the Sept. 1 interview follow.

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Question: In a report calling for a review of foreign resident policy, released on Aug. 29, you proposed considering certain restrictions on acceptance. What is your intent behind this?

Suzuki: The most critical issue is adjusting the speed and pace at which we accept foreign nationals.

We must firmly apply the brakes before social friction exceeds acceptable levels.

In some cases, foreign residents tend to concentrate in specific areas, so we need to assess whether friction is occurring at the community level.

Q: While Japan has promoted the acceptance of foreign workers in response to population decline and labor shortages, the government has consistently denied that this constitutes an “immigration policy.” Shouldn’t we recognize foreign workers as partners in building Japanese society?

A: Japan will not become an “immigrant nation” that accepts large numbers of foreigners.

However, to strengthen the Japanese economy, we need talented foreign nationals to play active roles.

We may see more long-term stays of highly skilled professionals and experienced workers in the future. It is time to start seriously thinking about social integration.

Q: Measures to promote social integration have largely been left up to local governments. Does the central government have any plans to institutionalize these efforts?

A: Each local government faces different circumstances, such as the predominant nationalities of foreign residents, making a one-size-fits-all approach difficult.

However, the central government should be involved in sharing financial resources and expertise.

Clarifying the division of roles between the central and local governments is also a key issue.

Q: Some have called for anti-discrimination legislation and the establishment of an independent human rights body. What are your thoughts?

A: Discrimination and xenophobia must not be tolerated—this goes without saying. We will address these issues within the framework of the current legal system.

Q: In May, you announced the “zero illegal foreign residents plan,” citing threats to public safety and security posed by “foreigners who do not follow the rules.” Doesn’t this risk sending a divisive message that foreigners cause friction?

A: Public anxiety over the increase in foreign residents is growing due in part to the influence of social media.

By taking strict action against “foreigners who do not follow the rules,” we aim to dispel these concerns and prevent the formation of a sense of rejection toward the entire foreign community.

We expect that this approach will have the exact opposite effect of xenophobia.

Q: Can the current system deal with the many challenges?

A: Here, let me speak not as justice minister, but as an individual politician.

To promote a whole-of-government response, we need a strong central authority. We should establish a ministerial post responsible for foreign resident policy and bolster the government’s commitment.

If we prepare early, we should be able to avoid the kind of social division and political turmoil currently seen in parts of Europe. Using this report as a starting point, we will build a uniquely Japanese model for accepting foreign nationals.

(This article is based on an interview by Yuki Nikaido.)

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