Japan is at a crossroads regarding its immigration policy as it grapples with a declining population. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who recently became the country's first female prime minister, advocates for stricter immigration controls to maintain cultural cohesion. "I want to have a calm, mutually considerate relationship with foreigners," Takaichi stated. She emphasized the need to reconsider current immigration policies, noting the significant cultural differences that exist as more foreigners enter Japan.

Japan's immigration system differs from Western countries, primarily allowing temporary workers and students while offering limited pathways to citizenship. The country follows a jus sanguinis principle for citizenship, with strict naturalization processes and a prohibition on dual citizenship. Takaichi's rise to power comes amid a global debate on immigration, where nations must balance economic growth with national identity.

On October 21, Takaichi secured a parliamentary vote to form a minority government after her Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) coalition with the Komeito party collapsed. The LDP, along with the Japan Innovation Party, now holds two seats short of a majority in the lower house. Takaichi's leadership follows a period of instability within the LDP, which has seen four prime ministers since the departure of her mentor, former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, in 2020.

The LDP has faced challenges, including corruption scandals, inflation, and a weakening yen, leading to a loss of majorities in both houses of parliament. Historically, the LDP has dominated Japanese politics since 1955, but recent years have seen a decline in its broad coalition of conservatives and centrists. The rise of the nationalist Sanseito party and the Japan Innovation Party has further complicated the political landscape.

In response to these challenges, Takaichi has pledged to tighten border controls and enforce visa regulations. She appointed Kimi Onoda to oversee a new initiative aimed at fostering a "well-ordered and harmonious coexistence with foreign nationals."

Japan's population has been declining for 16 consecutive years, dropping from 128 million in 2008 to approximately 124 million today. Projections indicate a further decline to 63 million by 2100, with only half of the population expected to be of working age. Currently, foreign nationals represent about three percent of Japan's population, totaling 3.6 million, a number that has increased due to labor shortages.

The tourism sector has also faced scrutiny, with complaints about unruly visitors adding to the immigration debate. Japan's choice appears increasingly binary: one option is to embrace immigration to support economic growth, accompanied by investments in integration and language education. The alternative is to prioritize the preservation of Japanese culture by maintaining strict immigration policies and promoting pro-natalist incentives to boost the native-born population.

Takaichi's approach reflects a continuation of the nationalist sentiments established by Abe, who was known for his hard-line stance on immigration and his affiliation with groups that emphasize Japan's historical narrative, including its military past. As Japan navigates these complex issues, Takaichi aims to uphold the legacy of her predecessor while addressing the pressing demographic challenges facing the nation.