[Kyoko Koizumi] "The Kurds should be protected, not deported. I feel like they're doing some pretty horrible things."

According to the Asahi Shimbun...

A proposed amendment to the Immigration Control Act that would allow the deportation of foreigners even while applying for refugee status is attracting attention again. Two years ago, a series of posts were posted on social media in opposition to the bill. Actress Kyoko Koizumi was one of them. In an interview with the Asahi Shimbun, she shared her thoughts on the posts.

——May 2021, "#ProtectRefugeesNotDeport"He tweeted, ``I'm so sorry.''

　"(In March of that year) a Sri Lankan woman named Vishma Sandamali who was being detained at the Nagoya Immigration Bureau passed away. People were losing their lives, and yet (the government) had no answers, no way to show us anything. I wondered what they were thinking. I hated how they were treating human lives so lightly."

　"It seems like the country is welcoming foreigners who are working in Japan or who are coming to work, but in reality, it seems like they're doing some pretty awful things. I can't help but think that we're all just human beings."

[See source for full text...]

The following is from X

【ダ ニ エ ルPosted by:

Go back to your country💩✔️

— 🎌【Official】🎌Society for the Eradication of Parasites and Invasive Species, Tokyo Headquarters🎌 (@j4GezngjoyujTCa) January 24, 2025

引用元　https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASR5173Z6R4VPIHB01L.html

Everyone's comments

• People are free to express their opinions, but those in influential positions should be more careful with their statements. Won't statements based on unreliable information only bring chaos to society?
• Japan is a country governed by the rule of law, so following the rules is a given. It is completely unacceptable to overlook illegal behavior.
• It is dangerous to speak only emotionally without looking at the reality. We must have a proper discussion based on a thorough understanding of the current situation in Japan.
• Immigration issues, not just the Kurdish issue, are complex issues. Shouldn't the priority be to put the lives of Japanese people first?
• Such statements are likely to create unnecessary division among the public. A more calm and rational discussion is needed.
• Japan's social welfare system exists for the benefit of the Japanese people. Careful decisions must be made on how to allocate limited resources.
• Because celebrities' statements have influence, they need to be cautious. They should not jump on superficial information, but should check the facts before making any statements.
• The idea of ​​providing protection rather than deportation is a lack of fairness and ignores the reality that these people are living off taxpayers' money.
• It is not enough to emphasize the humanitarian aspect of the immigration issue without understanding its true nature. We need policies that take into account Japanese society and the lives of its people.
• If we think rationally about whether it is right to accept illegal immigrants unconditionally, we should prioritize protecting the safety and order of the country.
• We need to have a thorough discussion about where taxpayers' money should be spent. The lives of Japanese citizens should come first, rather than those of foreigners.
• It is problematic to use your position in the entertainment industry to force your one-sided opinion on others. Shouldn't you be making statements from a more multifaceted perspective?
• I wonder whether allowing illegal stays is in Japan's national interest. Shouldn't we deal with this issue under strict rules?
• Before talking about the Kurdish issue, we should think about how to deal with Japan's social problems. It's wrong to focus only on supporting foreigners.
• Every country has immigration issues, but we need to respond to them in a way that is tailored to Japan's circumstances. We should have a careful discussion, taking into account examples from other countries.
• Repeated emotional statements will not solve the problem. Isn't it more important than anything to have calm discussions and fact-based debates?
• Many people in Japan today are suffering from high prices and economic uncertainty. Protecting the lives of Japanese people should be given priority.
• Immigration policy should be considered from a long-term perspective. Careless statements can lead to misunderstandings and cause social unrest.
• To protect public safety in Japan, strict controls on illegal immigrants are necessary. Being too considerate to certain groups is problematic.
• It is irresponsible for someone who is not a politician to make a one-sided argument. We need a broader perspective and a discussion that reflects the voice of the people.

Editor A's opinion

Kyoko Koizumi's statement that "I think the Kurds are being protected instead of deported, which is a pretty cruel thing to do" has sparked a lot of controversy. Considering her influence as a former popular idol, she should be careful with what she says, but I feel that her statement this time lacks scrutiny of the facts.

The Kurdish issue is complicated internationally, and it is by no means a simple issue in Japan either. It is true that the Kurds are a nation without a homeland, scattered all over the world, and are in a difficult situation. However, in Japan, it is of utmost importance to abide by the law, and it is a natural obligation of a sovereign nation to deal appropriately with foreigners without resident status.

Koizumi's comments seem to lack a deep understanding of the legal perspective and the current situation in Japan. I understand the need for protection from a humanitarian perspective, but at the same time, Japan is required to maintain order under the law. I am concerned that simply appealing for protection unconditionally could lead to public anxiety and social unrest.

Furthermore, the statement "I feel like they're doing some pretty awful things" does not provide any concrete evidence. The problem is that only emotional opinions are taking precedence, and no fact-based discussion is taking place. Considering the influence of celebrities, they should be careful not to make statements based on unreliable information, and should be fully aware that they may lead to misunderstandings among the public.

Furthermore, it is also important to note whether such remarks have political intent. In recent years, there have been more opportunities for entertainers to make political statements, but the reality is that most of these statements tend to be biased toward one-sided assertions and do not involve calm discussion that takes into account diverse perspectives. Koizumi's remarks should also be based on calm fact-finding, not mere emotional arguments.

The Japanese government has taken a cautious stance on immigration policy and refugee acceptance. The reason for this is the need to consider maintaining public safety and social harmony. Cases from around the world make it clear that unlimited acceptance of immigrants and refugees raises concerns about a deterioration in public safety and increased social costs. Ignoring this reality and simply calling for protection seems to be an argument that does not fit the current situation in Japan.

Furthermore, public opinion on these issues is sharply divided. Certainly, from a humanitarian standpoint, there are voices calling for protection as refugees, but on the other hand, given the economic disparities and employment problems within Japan, we need to be careful about simply expanding the acceptance of foreigners. Any discussion that ignores the anxieties and burdens that people feel in their daily lives will only invite backlash.

In response to Koizumi's comments, many people probably feel that "shouldn't we first protect the lives of Japanese citizens?" In today's Japan, economic problems such as high prices and stagnant wages are becoming more serious, and the stability of people's lives should be the top priority. In such a situation, comments that prioritize the protection of foreigners could further increase public discontent.

Furthermore, when one looks at reports on the Kurdish issue, there are many cases in which their actions that ignore the law are viewed as problematic, and anxiety about maintaining order in Japan is spreading. In fact, there are many voices of concern about the problem of illegal residence and the deterioration of public safety. Ignoring such reality and putting only the word "protection" at the forefront is an overly one-sided opinion.

Japan is a country governed by the rule of law, and social order is maintained when everyone lives by the rules. It goes without saying that even foreigners are expected to abide by Japanese law. His recent remarks seemed to disregard such basic values, and likely left many Japanese feeling uneasy.

Overall, one has to say that Kyoko Koizumi's remarks lacked the responsibility of a public figure. Rather than expressing emotional opinions, isn't it necessary for her to take a firm grasp of reality and make statements from a calm and fair perspective?

Written by: Editorial Department A

Recent Posts