President Biden’s Remarks on Japan and Immigration Draw Mixed Reactions
During a recent speech, President Biden referred to Japan as “xenophobic,” alongside several other nations that he claimed are suffering from a lack of immigration.
Biden made these remarks at a fundraiser in Washington, D.C., while extolling the virtues and benefits of immigration. Biden stated that the US economy is thriving due to immigrants and attributed the economic challenges faced by China, Japan, Russia, and India to their lower levels of immigration compared to the US.
“They don’t want immigrants. Immigrants are what makes us strong. Not a joke. That’s not hyperbole, because we have an influx of workers who want to be here and want to contribute,” Biden said.
Reactions from Japanese Lawmakers
Biden’s comments have elicited various reactions from Japanese lawmakers. Mizuho Umemura, a member of the conservative Nippon Ishin no Kai Party, expressed confusion and skepticism, noting that migration is a challenge faced by many European countries and that no country has yet found a solution.
Sohei Kamiya, leader of the right-wing populist Sansei Party, was more direct, stating that Japan’s reluctance to embrace immigration is a result of witnessing the “failures” caused by immigration in the US.
National Security Council’s Defense
John Kirby, National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communication, defended Biden’s remarks, emphasizing that the president’s broader point was to highlight the US as a nation of immigrants and the strength that comes from it.
Kirby stated, “I think the broader point the president was making and I think people all around the world recognize this, that the United States is a nation of immigrants and it’s in our DNA. We’re stronger for it. We’re not going to walk away from it. And that’s the broader point that he was making.”
Official Response from Japan
As of now, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and other Japanese officials have not publicly commented on Biden’s remarks.
