Do Japan’s Politics Affect Travelers? Is Japan Xenophobic?
Japan has a new prime minister.
There’s some fresh content right there! You see, Japan’s prime minister role tends to rotate every couple of years or so. Nobody seems to last very long as this country’s leader.
In October 2025, Sanae Takaichi became Japan’s first female prime minister. That’s sparked some headlines in Japan and around the world.
Some of the attention has been paid (and rightly so) to the fact that a woman has finally taken the top leadership position in Japan.
But headlines and articles have also been telling the story about how Japanese politics has taken a swing to the right, with election and policy themes of xenophobia and anti-immigration coming into play even more strongly than before.
What does this mean for your Japan trip?
TL;DR
Japan has a new prime minister, and its first female prime minister at that. The headlines these days include political debates on immigration and xenophobia. Travelers wonder if this will affect their visit.
The reality: Japan remains one of the safest, most welcoming places to travel. Politics may influence long-term immigration policy, but visitors almost never feel an impact beyond the legal requirement to carry their passport at all times.
Is Japan Safe for Visitors in 2026?
Safety is a concern for many travelers across the globe.
The good news is that Japan consistently ranks among the safest countries in the world. Violent crime is rare, petty crime is low by global standards and most locals & travelers alike feel comfortable moving about at all hours just about everywhere.
Add to that a reliable, world class public transportation network, and a plethora of cities that remain clean and orderly.
For visitors to Japan, daily interactions are generally polite and professional. Staff in hotels, restaurants, and shops are trained to provide excellent service to international guests. Tourists of all backgrounds — whether from the US, Europe, Asia, or elsewhere — overwhelmingly report positive experiences.
Having said all that, it’s always good to keep your wits about you. Follow your gut instinct and take some basic travel safety precautions.
If you’re not sure about the areas around you, don’t hesitate to ask your hotel front desk. In Tokyo and Osaka, for example, there are a couple of neighborhoods worth either avoiding altogether or taking added cautions (especially at night).
This includes the Kabukicho district in Shinjuku Tokyo, for example, which is popular nowadays with some visitors but still can get sketchy from one block to the next.
Japan Politics and Immigration: What Travelers Need to Know
Japan’s political climate has recently included strong rhetoric on immigration and cultural identity.
Headlines can give the impression that foreign visitors are unwelcome. In reality, these debates are more about long-term resident policy than short-term tourism.
Japan is a society where change moves slowly. While some politicians focus on tighter rules for immigration, this does not translate into hostility toward tourists. On the ground, most people are excited to share Japanese food, culture and hospitality with visitors.
Bottom line: Japan’s political debates rarely touch short-term travelers. Tourists remain welcome and safe.
Do Tourists Face Xenophobia in Japan?
Some visitors ask if Japan is xenophobic or if they will face discrimination while traveling. The honest answer is that experiences vary.
Most common reality: Politeness, curiosity, interest in visitors
What sometimes happens: Travelers who look visibly different from the majority may notice extra stares, or in rare cases, an awkward interaction
Extreme cases: A few bars or clubs display “Japanese only” signs. Police ID checks can happen but are not frequent
It is important to keep perspective.
Millions of visitors from diverse backgrounds come to Japan every year, and the vast majority never face problems. If something uncomfortable does occur, the best response is to stay calm and move on; you will almost always find another place that welcomes you warmly.
Passport Rules in Japan: Do Foreign Visitors Need to Carry ID?
One rule that all travelers need to know is the passport requirement.
Japanese law states that citizens of any country other than Japan must carry their passport (or Japan resident card) at all times. Police officers have the right to ask for identification, and only the original identification document is valid.
Practical tips:
Keep your passport in a secure pocket, money belt, or travel pouch
Carry a photocopy or digital copy as a backup, but remember it does not meet the legal requirement
If police request ID, show your passport politely and continue your trip
Most tourists are never asked for ID, but it is important to comply with the law. This is the one area where politics and policy directly intersect with daily travel.
Cultural Sensitivity: How Are International Travelers Viewed in Japan?
Japan remains a very homogeneous society.
For some travelers, this means they stand out more than they would at home. Asian-American visitors may be asked where they are “really” from. Black, Latino or South Asian visitors may notice extra curiosity or attention.
While this can feel awkward, it is usually not hostile. Most Japanese people are simply less used to seeing diversity than in the US, Canada or Europe.
Tourists who are respectful of local etiquette — quiet voices on trains, proper temple manners, removing shoes when required — almost always receive kindness in return.
That said, it’s not unheard of for some non-Japanese in Japan to have a less-than-positive experience with regard to coldness or outright hostility towards “gaijin” (‘foreigners’). Sometimes it’s from a Kyoto resident who’s feeling resentful (and a little cranky, if we’re being honest) towards visitors who they perceive to be ‘ruining’ their city (or at least making it tough to get a seat on the bus).
But if you’re not trespassing on someone’s garden or home, walking down a private street or alleyway, or doing something that would be considered rude in Japan (or even in your own country), it’s quite unlikely that you’ll have any issues.
And if you should happen to fall into circumstances where someone is making snide comment or outright verbally harassing you, best to ignore them and walk away. They’ve clearly got issues, and getting wrapped up into that won’t help your trip at all.
If you ever feel unsafe, look for a “koban” - the local police box. It’s a small neighborhood police station and there’s usually one within close enough proximity (check Google Maps).
Will Japan’s Politics Change the Travel Experience in the Future?
Political debates around immigration and foreign residents may shape Japan’s future policies. These include:
Stricter visa rules for long-term workers and residents
More oversight on housing and property for non-Japanese
Symbolic political messaging about “protecting Japanese culture”
For short-term visitors, these changes are unlikely to matter much.
Japan’s economy relies to some degree on tourism these days, and both the government and local businesses want to keep visitors coming. The political debates that make headlines rarely filter down to the day-to-day travel experience.
FAQ: Japan Politics, Xenophobia, and Travel in 2025-2026
Is Japan safe for foreign tourists?
Yes. Japan remains one of the safest countries in the world, and millions of visitors of all backgrounds travel here every year without problems.
Do foreigners face discrimination in Japan?
Most tourists do not. Some may notice stares or occasional awkward treatment, but outright hostility is very rare.
Do I need to carry my passport in Japan?
Yes. By law, all foreign visitors must carry their original passport at all times. A copy does not meet the requirement.
Are some groups more affected than others?
Long-term residents sometimes face discrimination in housing or workplaces. Tourists usually encounter only curiosity or minor awkwardness, not hostility.
Will Japanese politics affect my trip?
Not directly. Political debates focus on long-term immigration policy, not short-term tourism. Visitors continue to be welcomed across the country.
Should Politics Stop You From Visiting Japan?
No.
Japan’s politics may sound tense in the headlines, but for travelers the impact is minimal. Visitors of all backgrounds continue to enjoy Japan’s world-class food, culture and hospitality.
Follow the rules, carry your passport, respect local customs, and focus on what brought you to Japan in the first place — the experiences you can only have here.
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