Attitudes Toward Immigrants, Traditional Values, and Authoritarian Values in Japan from a Post-Election National Survey

Abstract: 

Japan is experiencing historic levels of foreign labor migration and inbound tourism amid demographic decline and labor shortages. Yet integration policies remain insufficient, and the growing presence of foreigners has fueled a public backlash. As a result, foreigner-related issues have become salient in Japanese electoral politics, with Sanseito achieving a breakthrough in the 2025 upper house election on an anti-foreigner platform and the LDP securing a landslide victory under Sanae Takaichi in the 2026 lower house election amid stricter immigration policies.

Drawing on a national representative survey of 1500 adults conducted immediately after Japan's February 2026 lower house election, this study examines Japanese public attitudes toward foreigners and how they vary by demographics, party support, traditional values, and authoritarian values. Two items are analyzed: support for strengthening regulations on land purchases by foreign nationals and foreign capital, and the view that foreign nationals should prioritize following Japanese rules and…