October 1, 2025

The Kawaguchi City Assembly (Saitama Pref.) on September 30 adopted a resolution calling on the national government to steadily implement a policy of zero illegal immigrants. The Japanese Communist Party and the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan voted against the resolution.

The resolution was approved by political groups including the Liberal Democratic and Komei parties which regarded the increasing number of foreign residents in the city as a problem.

These parties claim that illegal activities by foreigners, such as unauthorized employment, and breaches of manners stemming from differences in lifestyle habits are causing serious concerns among Kawaguchi citizens about their safety and security.

They are calling for the steady implementation of the “Zero Illegal Foreign Residents Plan for the Safety and Security of People in Japan” which the Immigration Services Agency announced in May. Among the resolution’s supporters was an LDP lawmaker who demanded the immediate deportation of foreigners who committed crimes in Japan.

Japanese Communist Party legislator Matsumoto Sachie in opposition to the resolution criticized the central government’s measures for “labeling non-Japanese nationals without residency status as outlaws and associating them with the deteriorating public safety situation.”

Matsumoto argued that increasing anxiety in daily life due to culture and lifestyle differences has no causal relationship with the Zero Illegal Foreign Residents Plan. She said, “Imposing disadvantages on foreigners based on nationality or ethnicity is blatant discrimination.”

Past related articles:
> JCP Dietmembers take part in protest against unreasonable deportations [September 7, 2025]
> Is exclusionist parties’ ‘More foreigners lead to worsening of Japan’s public safety’ claim true? [July 10, 2025]
> Kurdish children talk with JCP lawmakers about their everyday reality [August 22, 2024]
> JCP Nihi talks with Kurdish children without residency status [July 28, 2023]