Why expats in Japan should pay attention to Kutchan's immigration backlash

When I first moved to Japan, one of the things that struck me most was how homogenous society felt. As an expat, you stand out instantly, and while sometimes that works in your favor, other times it's less so. Over the years I've been living here, Japan has opened its doors (albeit just slightly) to more foreign workers, especially in industries like tourism and construction. However, some recent tensions in Kutchan (a small town near Niseko's famous ski slopes), are a reminder that this welcome can be fragile.

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As you'd expect, Kutchan's economy thrives on tourism. Resorts, hotels, and restaurants rely heavily on foreign staff, and developers are now building housing for as many as 1,200 seasonal workers, most of them hailing from overseas. On paper, it makes sense, since the population is shrinking and aging rapidly, while visitor numbers keep climbing. But local resistance has been fierce. Residents have petitioned against the development, citing fears over crime and "social order." Some even say they feel like foreigners in their own town.

For expats, this should sound alarm bells. Kutchan is just one example, but it highlights a broader national dilemma. Japan desperately needs foreign labor, yet anxieties about immigration are fueling far-right parties and nationalist rhetoric. Even if most interactions we experience day to day are friendly, the political undercurrent matters.

For those of us who are living long-term in Japan, I think it's worth watching how this debate unfolds. Will the country find a way to balance its demographic realities with social acceptance, or will communities like Kutchan become models of resistance? I feel that the answer could shape not only job opportunities but also how welcome we feel in the years to come.