Immigrants in Japan sue government, allege racial discrimination

Three non-Japanese born individuals are suing the Japanese government, alleging that they have been discriminated against based on their race and nationality

Three individuals who were not born in Japan are taking legal action against the Japanese government, claiming they have been unfairly targeted due to their race and nationality. This case has brought attention to an ongoing discussion about what it means to be Japanese. 

The three individuals who live in Tokyo have filed a lawsuit in the Tokyo National Court. They also held a press conference with their legal representatives, Japan’s public broadcaster NHK reported. 

According to NHK, the lawsuit asserts that the individuals were interrogated by the police based on their racial background, skin color and nationality, which they argue constitutes discrimination and violates Japan’s constitution. 

They are each seeking 3 million yen (approximately $20,355) in damages from the national government, the Tokyo metropolitan government and the Aichi prefectural government. 

One of the individuals moved to Japan from India after marrying a Japanese citizen and has resided in the country for over two decades. NHK reported that he has been frequently stopped and questioned by police while out in public, sometimes as often as twice a day. This has caused him to feel apprehensive about leaving his home at times. 

Another plaintiff, a Japanese citizen of Pakistani descent, expressed during the press conference, “I believe that in Japan, there is a perception that foreigners who visibly appear foreign are more likely to engage in criminal activities.” 

“I have been cooperating with law enforcement because I believed it was crucial for public safety. However, after being stopped and questioned not just once but more than 10 times, I have started to question this belief,” he added, as per NHK. 

The third plaintiff, a U.S.-born individual, stated that he aims to increase awareness of this issue among the Japanese population. 

Source: Newsroom