40% of junior high students unsure about rise in foreign residents: survey

A survey conducted in Japan in 2025 reveals that over 40 percent of junior high school students are doubtful about the advantages that an increase in foreign residents would bring to society, a figure that has doubled since 2022. The results, which were influenced by negative narratives about foreigners circulating online during the 2025 upper house election, contrast with the majority of students, who comprise more than 90 percent, expressing a liberal stance and accepting individuals with differing viewpoints.

Sociology professor Norihiro Nihei at the University of Tokyo analyzed the survey, which was conducted in October and November, after the July parliamentary election. The election saw the ultraconservative Sanseito party, advocating for a Japanese First policy, gain more seats. In response to whether foreign nationals' increase would bring many benefits, 22.2 percent disagreed slightly or completely in 2022, rising to 41.5 percent in 2025.

Those favoring strict rule enforcement were more likely to have negative views about foreign population growth in 2025, deviating from previous trends. Nihei suggested the recent surge in negative narratives about foreigners during the election campaign may have significantly impacted the survey results. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's government aims to foster an orderly society where Japanese and foreign nationals coexist, while combating illegal activities.