Kamiya Faces Takaichi in First Diet Debate Over Foreign Worker Policy

Both share conservative leanings, and Kamiya had been approached by Takaichi for cooperation during the prime ministerial election, but the session quickly turned into a pointed exchange over immigration and national priorities.

Kamiya declared that what the public wishes to reduce is not the number of Diet members but the number of foreign entrants, urging tighter controls. He argued that Europe’s past reliance on foreign labor had failed to improve the livelihoods of native citizens and pressed the prime minister on whether Japan would continue expanding or instead restrict foreign acceptance.

Takaichi responded that while labor shortages linked to population decline were a reality, the government would manage foreign labor through systems such as the specified skills and training employment programs, setting upper limits where necessary to ensure appropriate administration.

The day’s session also saw exchanges unusual in tone for the Diet, as opposition lawmakers sought both criticism and cooperation. Constitutional Democratic Party member Fumika Shiomura expressed hope for change under Japan’s first female prime minister, saying many young people and women were inspired by Takaichi’s rise while questioning the limited number of female ministers in the new cabinet.

Takaichi emphasized her determination to build a strong economy and national power through information, technology, and human resources, noting that three women—including herself, Finance Minister Katayama, and Minister Onoda—now serve in her cabinet. She highlighted Katayama’s appointment as Japan’s first female finance minister as a historic step forward.

Drawing from personal experience, Takaichi also spoke of the challenges she faced during menopause, recalling how male lawmakers had initially struggled to understand the issue but gradually came to support policies through shared study and discussion.

Later in the afternoon, Reiwa Shinsengumi leader Taro Yamamoto questioned the administration’s decision to drop cash handouts and pressed for stronger anti-inflation measures. He criticized the government’s tax credit plan as lacking urgency and insisted that cutting the consumption tax alongside universal cash payments would deliver faster and more certain growth.

In reply, Takaichi said that while lowering the consumption tax had not been ruled out, it remained a matter for coalition discussion between her party and the Japan Innovation Party. However, she reaffirmed that the government would not pursue additional cash handouts.

Debate will now move to the Budget Committee from November 7th, where the confrontation between the ruling and opposition parties is expected to intensify.

Source: FNN