Japan reaffirmed its commitment to its immigration policy in response to criticisms of xenophobia voiced by US President Joe Biden. Tokyo dismissed the accusations, stating they were not grounded in an accurate understanding of Japanese policy. The rebuke came on Friday, May 3, following remarks made by Biden two days prior at a fundraising event for the upcoming US presidential election. During the event, attended by representatives of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, Biden suggested that countries like China, Japan, Russia, and India were struggling economically due to xenophobia and a reluctance to accept immigrants.
In response to Biden’s comments, White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre attempted to clarify, stating that the president was emphasizing the importance of immigration in strengthening a country. Similarly, National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby sought to downplay Biden’s remarks, highlighting the value President Biden places on allies and partners.
Biden’s remarks came three weeks after Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s visit to the White House, where the leaders celebrated the strength of their alliance, particularly regarding security issues.
However, the attempts at clarification from US officials did little to placate Japanese commentators. Seiko Mimaki, an expert in American politics at Kyoto’s Doshisha University, remarked that immigration was a contentious issue for President Biden, particularly in light of his political rivalry with former President Trump.