The Japanese government responded to President Biden’s comments that Japan was being “xenophobic” for not accepting more immigrants. Biden had made these remarks at a campaign fundraiser, comparing Japan’s economic struggles to those of other countries like China, Russia, and India, which he claimed were also xenophobic for not welcoming more immigrants. Japanese officials clarified with the Biden administration that the president’s comments were not intended to be derogatory and were made in the context of highlighting the strength of the U.S. economy due to its acceptance of immigrants.
The Japanese embassy in Washington, D.C. expressed their disappointment that Biden’s comments were not based on an accurate understanding of Japan’s policies and stated that they had raised this point with the U.S. government. Despite this, they affirmed that the Japan-U.S. relationship remained strong and vowed to continue working with the U.S. to further strengthen their bilateral ties. Japanese lawmakers also reacted to Biden’s comments on social media, with some expressing confusion or skepticism towards the president’s views on immigration.
Mizuho Umemura, a member of the Nippon Ishin no Kai Party and House of Councilors, pointed out that migration was a global issue that many countries were struggling with, not just Japan. She urged President Biden to address the immigration challenges in New York before criticizing other countries’ policies. Sohei Kamiya, leader of the Sansei Party, directly refuted Biden’s characterization of Japan as “xenophobic,” stating that Japan was simply being cautious after observing the failures of other countries and that the U.S. should not meddle in Japanese internal affairs.
The Japanese government emphasized the importance of clarifying Japan’s policies to the U.S. government and ensuring that President Biden understood the country’s stance on immigration. They also stressed the significance of the Japan-U.S. relationship and their commitment to working together to strengthen bilateral ties. Despite the tensions resulting from Biden’s remarks, Japanese officials maintained a diplomatic tone in their response and sought to address any misunderstandings between the two countries.
Overall, the controversy surrounding President Biden’s comments on Japan’s immigration policies highlighted the complex nature of international relations and the importance of clear communication between nations. The incident served as a reminder of the need for mutual understanding and respect between countries, even when facing disagreements or criticism. Japan’s response to the situation demonstrated their commitment to fostering positive relations with the U.S. while defending their own policies and decisions regarding immigration.
