Key Facts
• July 29, Governor Motohiro Ohno held a press conference in Saitama.
• Ohno requested suspension of visa waivers for Turkish nationals citing public safety concerns.
• No crime statistics support the claim, but residents expressed safety concerns.
• Ohno emphasized the issue of repeated refugee applications by Turkish nationals.
• Refugee-related data shows Turkish nationals lead in multiple applications and temporary releases.
• Press questioned if the move was linked to the rise of the “Japan First” political party.
• Ohno denied political motives, stating the request was consistent with past actions.
• Press highlighted Turkey ranks sixth in nationality-based crime statistics, questioning the focus.
• Ohno clarified the request aims to manage entry points, not exclude Turkish nationals.
• Concerns about Japan-Turkey relations worsening were dismissed by Ohno.
• Ohno urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to address the issue despite scheduling delays.
Summary
Saitama Governor Motohiro Ohno’s call to suspend visa waivers for Turkish nationals has sparked debate. At a July 29 press conference, Ohno cited public safety concerns, though no supporting crime statistics were provided. He pointed to repeated refugee applications by Turkish nationals as a key issue, emphasizing the need for stricter entry controls. Press inquiries questioned the timing, suggesting links to the rise of the “Japan First” party, which Ohno denied. Critics also noted Turkey’s sixth-place ranking in nationality-based crime statistics, challenging the focus on Turkish nationals. Ohno clarified the request was not politically motivated and aimed to address local concerns. He dismissed fears of strained Japan-Turkey relations, framing the move as a return to standard visa procedures. Ohno urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to act, despite delays in scheduling discussions. The issue highlights tensions between immigration policy and public sentiment in Japan.
