Photo/Illutration Kimi Onoda, minister overseeing policies on foreign nationals, speaks at a news conference in Tokyo’s Chiyoda Ward on Oct. 22. (Haruka Suzuki)

Kimi Onoda, the new Cabinet minister overseeing policies on foreign nationals, indicated she would take a stricter approach to reduce crimes and other misbehavior of foreigners in Japan.

“Crimes and disruptive behavior by some foreign nationals, as well as inappropriate use of public systems, are causing anxiety and a sense of unfairness among Japanese citizens,” Onoda said on Oct. 22 at her first news conference since her promotion.

She expressed her intention to review existing systems and policies to address these concerns.

“I want to work in close coordination with relevant agencies and advance comprehensive discussions as a unified government on various issues, including strict measures against those who do not follow the rules and the revision of systems and policies that are currently inadequate for the present circumstances,” Onoda said.

The newly formed Cabinet strongly projects the conservative political stance of new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Onoda is perhaps the most emblematic appointment who reflects the “Takaichi color.”

The prime minister put Onoda in charge of an area of priority.

Tightening policies on foreign nationals was a key issue that Takaichi advocated during the Liberal Democratic Party’s leadership race.

Onoda played a central role in Takaichi’s campaign and was referred to as the “captain” of the team.

She said on Oct. 22 that Takaichi had instructed her to “comprehensively promote measures such as information sharing between the national and local governments, proper use of systems, appropriate use and management of national land, and strengthening related systems.”

At 42 years old, Onoda is the youngest member of the Takaichi Cabinet and is known for her candid speaking style.

Born in the United States, Onoda moved to Japan at the age of 1 and grew up in Okayama Prefecture.

She worked at a game development company before serving as an assembly member in Tokyo’s Kita Ward.

She resigned during her second term to run in the 2016 Upper House election, where she was elected to the Diet for the first time.

Since then, she has focused on such issues as illegal residency and employment by foreign nationals.

Hiroshi Hiraguchi, the new justice minister, also addressed the Takaichi administration’s focus on foreign national policy during his own news conference on Oct. 22.

He revealed that Takaichi had instructed him to cooperate with Onoda to “strengthen measures against illegal stayers” and “enforce strict immigration control.”

He said additional directives included smooth acceptance of foreign workers with specific expertise and skills, thorough management of residency status, and realization of immigration control suitable for a tourism-oriented nation.

He also said he would work to resolve issues related to long-term detentions and delayed deportations of illegal stayers, as well as provide appropriate support for individuals who qualify for protection similar to refugees.

Related News