Japan Forms Special Task Force to Tackle Foreign Resident Issues

Ohana Magazine – The Japanese government has taken firm action as public concerns over foreign nationals continue to grow. On Tuesday, July 9, 2025, a special task force was launched under the Cabinet Secretariat. Its goal is clear — to manage and respond to issues related to foreign residents in Japan.

This move is not ordinary. Rather, it comes amid political tension just days before the House of Councillors election.

Why Japan Formed a Special Unit Now

This newly formed unit acts as the “command center” to handle various sensitive concerns — including crimes, overtourism, and potential abuse of the nation’s social security system by foreigners.

To show it means business, the Japanese government staffed this team with experienced officials. The task force is led by Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Wataru Sakata and consists of 78 personnel sourced from key ministries. These include the Immigration Services Agency, Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.

Government Balancing Firmness with Fairness

Speaking at the task force’s launch event at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tokyo, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba stressed the importance of cracking down on those who break the rules. At the same time, he acknowledged the risks of being perceived as discriminatory.

“While we must take strong action against those who violate the rules, we also need to re-evaluate outdated systems,” Ishiba said.

He emphasized that the government’s actions must remain firm — yet fair. The goal is to address public fears without encouraging anti-foreigner sentiment.

Public Discontent Fueled by Cultural Clashes

The concerns Ishiba mentioned are not baseless. Recently, several viral videos have stirred controversy on Japanese social media and within the Indonesian diaspora. These videos show members of the Indonesian martial arts group, Persaudaraan Setia Hati Terate (PSHT), conducting mass training sessions in public parks across Japan.

Their energetic shouts, powerful movements, and large group gatherings have alarmed many local residents. For many Japanese, these public displays clash with the cultural norm of meiwaku — the deeply ingrained value of not disturbing others.

Social Media Outrage and Police Involvement

Following a wave of complaints, local police were dispatched to manage the situation at several locations. These cultural misunderstandings, when shared widely online, quickly become labeled as “disorderly conduct” and add fuel to already tense conversations about foreign presence in Japan.

Such incidents provide ammunition for groups already skeptical of foreigners, reinforcing calls for tighter regulation and surveillance.

A Message from the Government: Respect the Rules

Prime Minister Ishiba cited these exact incidents as justification for the task force’s creation. The idea is not to single out foreigners, but to ensure all residents respect Japan’s cultural and legal expectations.

This move, while controversial, reflects a growing concern within Japan about preserving social harmony as foreign populations continue to rise.