The rise of the “Nihonjin First” (日本人ファースト) movement in Japan has ignited a nationwide debate over a deceptively simple but deeply complex question: Who is truly Japanese? 🇯🇵

At first glance, one might assume the answer is straightforward—those who hold Japanese citizenship. But as this recent political discourse reveals, the answer isn’t quite so simple. In fact, it’s exposing profound ideological divides over race, identity, and nationalism in modern Japan.

The Roots of “Japan First” 🌱

The “Japan First” slogan, initially promoted by certain right-wing politicians and conservative commentators, positions itself as a movement to protect traditional Japanese culture, values, and social cohesion. But beneath this patriotic veneer lies a more exclusionary debate—what exactly does it mean to be Japanese in the 21st century?

Politicians such as Sanae Takaichi and conservative thinkers like Kazuya Maruyama have suggested that holding Japanese nationality is not enough. For them, lineage, language, and cultural inheritance are just as—if not more—important than legal status.

Who Is Japanese? The Competing Definitions 🧬

Let’s break down the perspectives emerging in this debate:

1. Legal Nationality = Japanese

This is the position upheld by Japan’s legal system. If someone naturalizes and acquires Japanese citizenship, they are legally recognized as Japanese. Period.

🟢 Supporters argue:

  • The Constitution ensures equality under the law.
  • Japan’s aging population and labor shortages demand inclusivity.
  • Integration is possible and already happening in communities nationwide.

🔴 Critics from the right respond:

  • Nationality alone cannot protect Japanese culture.
  • New citizens may not fully internalize traditional values.

2. Ethnic Descent = Japanese

Some argue that being “ethnically Japanese”—often defined as having Japanese ancestry going back at least two or three generations—is a core requirement.

This viewpoint is especially common in conservative circles, with some asserting that people with even one non-Japanese parent or grandparent should not be considered truly Japanese, regardless of their language fluency or cultural upbringing.

💬 Example: A recent debate involving a Japanese beauty pageant contestant of mixed heritage sparked heated online arguments about her “Japaneseness” despite her fluent Japanese and Tokyo upbringing.

3. Cultural Heritage = Japanese

A more nuanced, yet still conservative, view is that cultural assimilation and respect for Japanese customs are key.

But here’s the catch: Even this view often requires immigrants to renounce visible markers of foreign origin, such as names, clothing, or religious practices, to be fully accepted.

Beyond the Bloodline: The Case of Naturalized Citizens 🛂

Japanese law permits foreigners to become Japanese citizens through naturalization. However, prominent cases such as that of Renhō, a Taiwanese-Japanese politician, revealed deep societal discomfort. Despite her legal nationality, critics questioned her “loyalty” and “identity” because of her foreign heritage.

Many naturalized citizens report a lifetime of being treated as outsiders—even when born and raised in Japan. This shows that legal citizenship often fails to overcome social barriers.

The Dangerous Implications of Purity-Based Nationalism ⚠️

The insistence on bloodline or generational lineage has echoes of ethno-nationalism that many modern democracies have tried to move beyond.

If being Japanese depends on ancestry from centuries ago, where does that leave:

  • Mixed-heritage Japanese (“hāfu”)?
  • Children of foreign workers?
  • Descendants of former colonial subjects (e.g., Koreans in Japan)?
  • Future generations of immigrants born and raised in Japan?

❗Such definitions risk excluding entire communities who actively participate in and contribute to Japanese society.

My Perspective: Japan Must Define Its Identity for the Future, Not the Past 🔍

As Japan faces a shrinking population and growing need for global engagement, the debate over who counts as Japanese is more than symbolic—it’s strategic. Clinging to ultra-pure definitions of identity may isolate Japan on the world stage, while more inclusive definitions could help the nation adapt, thrive, and evolve.

Being Japanese should not just be about who your ancestors were. It should also be about shared values, civic participation, and commitment to the society you live in.

Conclusion: A National Identity in Flux 🇯🇵

The “Japan First” movement has forced the country to re-examine a core question: Is Japanese identity defined by law, blood, or belief?

This debate is far from over. But one thing is clear—how Japan chooses to answer will shape not just immigration policy or social norms, but its future as a nation.