Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike answers a question at a regular press conference at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government headquarters in the Japanese capital’s Shinjuku Ward on July 11, 2025. (Mainichi/Ryo Endo)
TOKYO — Gov. Yuriko Koike warned against “hate speech and tendencies toward exclusion,” when asked about campaign discussions concerning foreign nationals ahead of the July 20 House of Councillors election.
Speaking at her regular news briefing on July 11, Koike said she believes policies “leading to problems such as hate speech and exclusionary behavior pose severe risks,” responding to questions amid growing campaign rhetoric on stricter controls and limitations related to foreign residents.
Noting recent media coverage of crimes involving foreign nationals, Koike acknowledged, “Many people may be wondering whether things are really okay.”
Koike said, “I hope there will be discussions on how we can coexist smoothly. As people from diverse backgrounds live in various communities throughout the capital, we will continue to clearly communicate the rules in Japan and Tokyo.”
local rules and expectations
(Japanese original by Ryo Endo, Tokyo City News Department)
AloJapan.com