Japan Responds to U.S. President’s Comments on Economic Growth
In a recent statement, Japan has expressed its discontent with President Joe Biden’s comment that “xenophobia” is curtailing the nation’s economic expansion. The remarks came from Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi during a regular news briefing. President Biden had previously suggested at a fundraising event in Washington that restrictive immigration policies in countries such as China, Japan, and India were impeding their economic progress.
“We lodged representations to the United States that the comment was not based on the correct understanding of Japan’s policy and regrettable,” Hayashi stated, emphasizing Japan’s commitment to strengthening its robust alliance with the U.S.
The U.S. President had highlighted the positive impact of migration on the American economy, contrasting it with the economic challenges faced by nations perceived as less welcoming to immigrants. “Why is China stalling so badly economically, why is Japan having trouble, why is Russia, why is India, because they’re xenophobic. They don’t want immigrants. Immigrants are what makes us strong,” Biden remarked.
Despite its historical hesitation towards immigration, Japan is facing demographic challenges that suggest a need for foreign labor. The country is known for its cultural homogeneity and has traditionally been cautious about opening its borders to immigrants. However, with declining birthrates and an aging population, the demand for workers is becoming increasingly pressing.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, in an interview with Newsweek, acknowledged the necessity of considering skilled workers’ immigration but stopped short of endorsing a comprehensive immigration policy. “For highly capable and motivated workers to be invited into Japan to provide support to Japanese society is what we would like to enable,” Kishida explained, while also noting the resistance within Japanese society to continuous immigration.
The dialogue between the two nations underscores the complexities of immigration policy and its impact on international relations and economic strategies. As global economies evolve, the conversation around immigration and growth continues to provoke thought and policy considerations.
