Kirk here with some unfortunate news. I’m glad to say, though, that some people are pushing back. I’ll put the citation in a comment but first here’s a translation by Claude.
— start translation —
50 Attend Anti-Immigration Policy Demo… Nationwide Simultaneous Action Monday, March 23, 2026
On March 22, anti-immigration policy demonstrations were held at 18 locations across the country. In Kumamoto City, where the number of foreign residents has been increasing, a rally was also held in which approximately 50 people voiced opposition to policies being advanced by the government. This was the third such event in Kumamoto, following one on November 30 of last year.
At the rally held near the “Kumamoto Machinaka Bicycle Parking – Shinshigai” facility in Chuo Ward, participants spoke in a relay-microphone format. Organizer “Bani” (pseudonym) stated: “We are not calling for the expulsion of foreigners. We are opposed to the immigration policy being pushed by the government. Are we not seeing multiculturalism being forced upon us? While Japanese people are struggling, it is wrong to spend large sums of tax money bringing in foreigners.”
Afterward, the participants marched from the Shimotori Arcade to Kumamoto City Hall carrying banners reading “Oppose Immigration Policy” and similar messages. The demonstration appeared to target Kumamoto Prefecture (Governor Kimura Takashi), which has announced plans to accept foreign workers for household support services, and Kumamoto City (Mayor Onishi Kazufumi), which granted permission for a venue where Muslims held an “Eid al-Adha” festival at Ninomaru Plaza last June. Chants included “Kumamoto’s mayor should listen to the citizens!” and “Protect Japanese jobs!”
Meanwhile, several counter-demonstrators gathered around the venue holding placards reading “Kumamoto is a city that coexists with immigrants,” “Discrimination kills people,” and “Discrimination is shameful.” There were moments of heated exchanges between counter-demonstrators and rally participants.
(Editorial staff – Miyazaki Taiki)