Economic Anxieties, Populist Surge, and the Complexities of a Growing Foreign Presence

The recent upper house election in Japan saw the emergence of a right-wing populist party, Sanseito, campaigning on a "Japanese First" platform reminiscent of Donald Trump's rhetoric. This has sparked concerns about a potential backlash against the growing foreign presence in the country. The party's success is attributed to its ability to capitalize on anxieties surrounding the increasing immigrant population and the surge in tourism following the pandemic.

The underlying cause of this shift is believed to be economic insecurity among the Japanese population. While many understand the need for foreign labor and visitors, they also express unease about the changes they bring and what they symbolize. Sanseito's gains, including 14 seats in the upper house, represent a notable breakthrough, although they remain a minority force. This success occurred against the backdrop of a record number of foreign residents and a significant increase in tourist visits, coupled with rising property prices driven by wealthy foreign buyers.

Masafumi Usui, a social psychology professor, suggests that the Japanese are losing confidence. He explains that when people feel secure, they are more open, but when they perceive their survival as threatened, they become more protective of their culture. He contrasts this with the 1980s, when Japan's economy was booming, and there was little anti-foreign sentiment. However, as Japan's economic growth stagnated and other countries surpassed it in various sectors, the nation struggled to adapt to its new reality.

Usui notes that while overt hate speech remains a minority phenomenon, there is a growing sentiment of prioritizing Japanese interests. He believes Sanseito's "Japanese First" slogan resonated with those who feel the need to safeguard Japanese culture and way of life. Despite the need for foreign workers to address labor shortages, the party's stance on automation and AI reflects a different approach.

The presence of foreign workers in various industries, such as air conditioning installation, highlights the complexities of the situation. While positive relationships exist between Japanese and foreign workers, prejudice and language barriers persist. Concerns about crime, often amplified on social media, also contribute to the anxieties.

The influx of tourists has also created mixed feelings. While the economic benefits of their spending are undeniable, it also serves as a reminder of Japan's economic decline. The perception of Japan as a "cheap country," with lower wages and luxury goods catering to foreign visitors, has led some to cling to the idea of Japanese cultural superiority as a means of protecting their emotional well-being.