FACT CHECK: No, Japan’s New Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi Has Not Created a “Mass Deportation Ministry”

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Japan made history this week as Sanae Takaichi became the country’s first female prime minister, taking office on October 21, 2025.

Known for her conservative and nationalist views, Takaichi has long called for tougher immigration rules and policies promoting what she describes as “orderly coexistence” between Japanese citizens and foreign residents.

Shortly after her inauguration, viral social-media posts began claiming that Takaichi’s first act in office was to “create a ministry for mass deportations”—allegedly to expel undocumented or “non-compliant” foreigners across Japan.

However, after cross-checking the claim with verified government records and major Japanese news outlets, no evidence supports this report.

According to the official press release from Japan’s Prime Minister’s Office, Takaichi’s new Cabinet does include a new ministerial post:

“Minister in Charge of Foreign Nationals and Immigration”, assigned to Kimi Onoda.

This position is meant to oversee immigration administration and foreign-resident integration, not mass expulsions. The portfolio expands on the existing Immigration Services Agency framework under the Ministry of Justice.

Neither Takaichi nor her Cabinet has announced any new “deportation ministry” or mass deportation plan.

Official communications, including her October 21 policy address, focused on defense, inflation, digital reform, and national security—not mass deportation policies.

Fact-checking platforms and local Japanese outlets traced the viral rumour to a series of misinterpreted social-media posts that exaggerated the scope of the new immigration portfolio.

Some posts used mistranslated excerpts from Takaichi’s previous campaign speeches on “protecting Japan’s national identity,” turning them into sensational claims of an anti-foreigner agenda.

The story quickly gained traction on X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok, with users alleging “mass deportation squads” or “foreigner expulsion ministries” were being launched in Tokyo.
       
Political analysts note that Takaichi’s administration may adopt a tougher immigration stance, emphasising national security and cultural assimilation, but Japan remains reliant on foreign labour amid a rapidly aging population.
“Japan is tightening immigration control—but not shutting its doors,” said a policy researcher at Tokyo University. “The ‘mass deportation’ narrative is an exaggeration born from online speculation.”

The viral claim that Japan’s new prime minister Sanae Takaichi immediately created a “Mass Deportation Ministry” is false and misleading.
While her Cabinet includes a new role overseeing immigration, there is no official confirmation or documentation of any department dedicated to mass deportations.

Readers are advised to rely on credible outlets and Japan’s official government releases for accurate updates.