Japan has expressed its regret over U.S. President Joe Biden’s recent comment characterizing “xenophobia” as a hindrance to the economic growth of Asian nations, including Japan. Last week, Biden made remarks suggesting that xenophobia was impeding the economic progress of countries such as China, Japan, and India, while also highlighting the benefits of migration to the U.S. economy during a fundraising event in Washington.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi stated during a regular news conference that Japan had conveyed its concerns to the United States regarding the comment, emphasizing that it did not accurately reflect Japan’s policies and was regrettable. Hayashi noted that despite this, Japan’s alliance with the U.S. remains robust, and efforts will be made to further strengthen the relationship.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s visit to Washington in April aimed to enhance cooperation in various areas, including military initiatives and space exploration projects, as part of efforts to bolster ties, particularly in response to the challenges posed by China and Russia. During the fundraising event, Biden attributed economic struggles in countries like China, Japan, Russia, and India to xenophobia and reluctance to embrace immigrants, contrasting this with what he perceives as the economic benefits of immigration in the United States.
While Japan traditionally maintains a stance of homogeneity, demographic shifts such as declining birth rates and an aging population have underscored the need for addressing future labor shortages. Prime Minister Kishida acknowledged the importance of inviting skilled workers to support Japanese society but ruled out the implementation of a comprehensive immigration program. Instead, he emphasized the consideration of measures to enable the entry of capable and motivated individuals while acknowledging lingering resistance within Japanese society to the idea of extensive immigration.
