The Rise of Anti-Immigrant Politics in Japan

About this event

Dr. Shigenori Matsui, Co-Director of the Centre for Japanese Research and Director of Japanese Legal Studies, leads this seminar on October 30, 2026, from 1:30 to 3:30 pm in Room 120 of the C. K. Choi Building. Admission is free. Registration: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-rise-of-anti-immigrant-politics-in-japan-tickets-2003804143133..

The seminar considers the recent rapid rise in anti-immigrant sentiment among the Japanese public. The sudden growth of Sanseito, a new political party that can be translated as “Japanese First Party,” was an early visible sign of the trend. The party performed unexpectedly well in the previous House of Councillors election and now holds a significant number of seats in the Diet.

As anti-immigrant sentiment has grown, new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi called a general election and won a landslide victory. The Japanese government has introduced or plans to introduce measures to restrict entry into Japan and the acceptance of foreign residents and permanent residents, and to facilitate the deportation of undocumented immigrants. These measures have prompted serious controversy as Japan’s population shrinks and the country urgently needs more foreign workers. Dr. Matsui will explore the background to this rise in anti-immigrant politics and critically examine the new measures. Food and drinks will be provided.

Dr. Matsui is Co-Director of the Centre for Japanese Research (CJR). He joined the Allard School of Law in January 2006 as Director of Japanese Legal Studies. An internationally recognized expert in constitutional law, mass media law and internet law, he has been a visiting scholar at the University of California, University College London, the University of Washington, the University of Western Australia and the University of British Columbia.

This activity has multiple times, locations or fee options. Confirm participation using the full details below. 2026-10-30 13:30 to 2026-10-30 15:30 · 2026-10-30 13:30 – 2026-10-30 15:30 · C. K. Choi Building Room 120 · 1855 West Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z2 · Vancouver · Scheduled · https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-rise-of-anti-immigrant-politics-in-japan-tickets-2003804143133 General Admission · Free · CAD 0.00 · See conditions · General admission · All sessions · Tickets (General Admission): free for this tier. · https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-rise-of-anti-immigrant-politics-in-japan-tickets-2003804143133