Japan Denies Plans for Mass Deportations Ministry Amid Misinformation

False claims have circulated widely online that Japan's new prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, has created a ministry dedicated to "mass deportations" of foreign nationals. These misleading statements, spreading on platforms like X and Facebook, are unfounded; while Kimi Onoda was appointed as a minister overseeing economic security and the "society of well-ordered and harmonious coexistence with foreign nationals," there is no new ministry for deportations. Onoda emphasized strict handling of foreign nationals who break rules but did not mention mass deportations. Japan has been facing rising immigration and tourism numbers amid an aging population and labor shortages, prompting cautious visa relaxations for workers in key industries. The misinformation has been amplified by posts claiming Takaichi immediately created a deportation ministry upon being sworn in, and by false videos alleging imperial approval of deportation plans. Experts and officials clarify that immigration enforcement continues as before, without any sudden policy shifts toward mass deportations.