Japan Immigration News

Rising anti-Kurd hate in Japan's Saitama Pref. fueled by online agitation, outside groups

Release Date: 2025-01-11
Media: The Mainichi
Summary: In December 2023, a Kurdish man running a popular restaurant in Saitama Prefecture was repeatedly harassed with hateful phone calls, affecting his business. This incident is part of a growing trend of anti-Kurdish sentiment in Japan, particularly since 2023. Media coverage of Japan's Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act amendments, which proposed tougher deportation measures for frequent refugee applicants, heightened negative attention on Kurds. In June 2023, the Kawaguchi Municipal Assembly passed a resolution criticizing crimes by "certain foreigners," indirectly linking Kurds to criminal activity, especially after a violent altercation involving people believed to be Kurds in July.

This sparked increased hate speech on social media, with Kurdish individuals facing public harassment, including unauthorized photos and threats. The Turkish government's freezing of assets tied to Kurdish organizations in November 2023 further fueled online anti-Kurdish rhetoric, equating Kurds with terrorism. Kurdish support groups in Japan have been inundated with threats and discriminatory messages.

Anti-Kurdish demonstrations and incidents have escalated in places like Warabi, Saitama, with groups previously known for anti-Korean campaigns targeting Kurds. Despite local governments receiving complaints about issues allegedly involving Kurdish residents, these actions appear to be driven by external agitators, not local communities. Experts warn that the visibility of online hate and labeling of Kurds as "terrorists" has intensified hostility. Legal responses to organized hate groups are possible, but combating guerrilla-style provocateurs is more difficult.

Data from Saitama Prefectural Police indicates that while foreign nationals, including Kurds, have been involved in some arrests, overall crime rates involving foreigners have remained stable.
Tags: Kurdish,Refugee Status

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