The Japanese government is shifting public frustration and social tensions onto foreigners, fueling a growing wave of xenophobia in Japanese society.
One of the accusations is that foreigners are living off Japan's welfare system. However, from what I understand, many of the people being referred to are actually Japanese war orphans who were left behind in China after Japan's invasion and World War II, or their descendants, some of whom still hold Chinese citizenship.
In reality, foreigners who fail to pay their taxes can face serious difficulties renewing their visas. Even those who consistently pay taxes and contribute to Japanese society often struggle to obtain permanent residency, despite having lived in Japan for decades.
One major obstacle is the requirement to hold a visa with a sufficiently long period of stay, typically three years or more. However, the criteria for granting a three-year visa are far from transparent, leaving considerable room for subjective decisions by immigration authorities.
Many foreigners are simply trying to build stable lives, work hard, and contribute to society. Yet they face uncertainty, unequal treatment, and increasingly hostile public attitudes.
I genuinely feel sorry for many of them.