The most significant implication of this study(An authoritarianism-compatible text changes British attitudes towards EU immigration 2025-09-12 Nature) is that people’s attitudes toward immigration are not fixed and can be shaped through well-crafted messaging. This insight holds considerable importance for Japan in terms of immigration policy, social integration, and political communication. Below, we will discuss how these findings may be applied in the Japanese context.
1. Current Situation of Immigration and Foreign Workers in Japan
Japan has long been considered a “homogeneous nation” or a country that does not officially accept immigrants. However, the reality is that many foreigners now live and work in Japan. In recent years, particularly under programs such as the Technical Intern Training Program and the Specified Skilled Worker system, increasing numbers of workers from Southeast Asia and other regions have entered the country. As of 2023, the number of foreign residents reached an all-time high, and due to population decline and aging, dependence on foreign labor is expected to grow further.
Nonetheless, there is still a strong sense of caution or resistance among Japanese people toward foreigners. In particular, in rural areas, concerns such as “deterioration of public safety,” “cultural differences,” and “difficulty integrating” are often cited, and discrimination or prejudice against foreigners continues to be reported. Given this context, how to foster a society that accepts foreigners and promotes coexistence has become a major challenge.
2. Possibility of Attitude Change and the Political Psychology Approach
The study conducted in the UK revealed that even those inclined to hold negative attitudes toward immigration may respond positively when immigrants are framed as embodying values they themselves cherish, such as order, diligence, tradition, cleanliness, and safety. This finding draws upon insights from political psychology, especially regarding “authoritarian tendencies”—a mindset that places strong value on social order and traditional norms.
In Japan, many people similarly worry that “foreigners have different customs” or “may disrupt Japanese order.” However, if immigrants are presented as individuals who “respect Japanese manners and rules,” “work hard and contribute to local communities,” and “value traditional culture,” such narratives may soften negative attitudes.
The method used in the study—framing persuasive messages to align with the audience’s values—is already well-known in advertising and marketing, but this research highlights its effectiveness in political and social messaging as well. In a society like Japan, where social norms and conformity play a major role, messages appealing to what is socially desirable or widely accepted may be particularly effective.
3. Applying the Findings in the Japanese Context
In the UK study, a Polish nurse was used as the example of an immigrant. In Japan, similar examples could be drawn from Vietnamese, Filipino, or Nepalese care workers or construction workers. These individuals play essential roles in Japanese society and often work side-by-side with Japanese people, overcoming language and cultural barriers.
By telling real-life stories that emphasize how these workers support Japan’s welfare and safety through diligence and respect for local customs, it may be possible to influence more conservative or skeptical segments of society.
In addition, if the government and media clearly communicate that accepting foreign workers is a strategic and necessary national policy, emotional backlash may be reduced, and rational understanding may be promoted.
4. Policy and Communication Recommendations
Based on the study’s findings, Japanese government agencies, local authorities, and media organizations should consider the following approaches:
- Reframing public messaging about foreigners
Rather than simply advocating for diversity, emphasize how foreigners respect Japanese values such as order, hard work, and community contribution. - Showcasing positive real-life examples
Introduce foreign care workers or skilled laborers who are deeply integrated into their communities, fostering empathy and respect. - Using social norm appeals
Messages such as “Most Japanese people support foreign workers in their communities” can tap into Japan’s strong sensitivity to social consensus. - Appealing to shared values, especially among conservatives
Highlight themes like family, safety, hard work, and respect for tradition—values shared by both Japanese and many foreign residents. - Incorporating realistic portrayals of multicultural coexistence in education and public campaigns
Move away from portraying immigrants as “outsiders” and instead show them as fellow community members.
5. Ethical Considerations and Future Research
While persuasive communication is a powerful tool, it also raises ethical concerns. Tailoring messages to exploit people’s psychological tendencies can border on manipulation if done without transparency or truthfulness. Therefore, any such communication must be based on accurate information and used with integrity.
Moreover, the UK study focused on attitudes toward EU immigrants, who are culturally closer to the British population. Whether the same methods would be effective in altering perceptions toward immigrants from more culturally distant regions (e.g., Islamic or African countries) remains an open question for future research.
Conclusion
This study provides valuable insights that can help strengthen the social foundation for Japan’s evolving immigration policy. Instead of assuming that “Japanese people will never accept immigrants,” we should start from the premise that attitudes can change through strategic, value-aligned communication. Moving forward, fostering a multicultural society in Japan will require not only policy adjustments but also a thoughtful and empathetic approach to public communication.