Key Facts
• July 16: Renho held a campaign speech in Shinjuku, Tokyo.
• July 20: Upper House election scheduled for proportional representation voting.
• Foreign policy emerged as a key election theme, driven by the “Japan First” ideology.
• Liberal Democratic Party (LDP): Focus on achieving “zero illegal foreigners.”
• Japan Innovation Party: Proposed population strategy and strengthened immigration control.
• Democratic Party for the People: Advocated for a law to regulate foreign land purchases.
• Japanese Communist Party: Called for equal labor rights for foreign workers.
• Renho criticized political rhetoric blaming foreigners for societal issues.
• Highlighted foreign workers’ contributions to industries like tourism, retail, and agriculture.
• Criticized ruling coalition (LDP and Komeito) for exploiting foreign labor under technical intern programs.
• Advocated for a multicultural approach to rebuild a prosperous Japan.
Summary
Renho, a candidate from the Constitutional Democratic Party, addressed the sudden prominence of foreign policy in the upcoming Upper House election during a speech in Tokyo. She criticized political narratives that scapegoat foreigners for societal challenges, labeling such rhetoric as “fake politics.” Renho emphasized the significant contributions of foreign workers to Japan’s economy, particularly in sectors like tourism, retail, and agriculture. She also condemned the ruling coalition for exploiting foreign labor under technical intern programs. Advocating for a multicultural approach, she called for unity to rebuild a prosperous Japan, urging voters to reject divisive political tactics.
