The following is a summary of the article “Repeatedly Spreading Misinformation; Residing in Japan Privileges: Earn 6 million yen a year without working and pay no taxes? ” (February 3, 2025, Japan Fact Check Center).
- Around November 2024, a flyer claiming “privileges for residents of Japan” was distributed on social media, spreading false information. The flyer states that special permanent residents “receive 6 million yen a year without working,” “don’t pay taxes,” and “free medical care and water,” which sparked a debate on social media. As a result of verification, it was determined that these claims were false and that special permanent residents do not have such privileges.
- For example, there is no system that provides unconditional money to special permanent residents, and they also have tax obligations. Additionally, there are no benefits such as inheritance tax or exam exemptions, and even if a person commits a crime, their real name will not be exposed. Not only special permanent residents are allowed to work as civil servants, nor are medical and housing allowances limited to special permanent residents.
- This false information is repeatedly spread online, and it is important to spread correct understanding through verification. The special law is intended to stabilize the residence status of people who renounced their Japanese nationality after the war, and it is said to have nothing to do with privileges.
In recent years, with the spread of SNS and the Internet, we have entered an era where a lot of information can be spread instantly. Under these circumstances, misinformation and biased claims about foreigners residing in Japan, especially “special permanent residents,” are frequently spread, creating social misunderstandings. This type of misinformation often spreads, especially on online bulletin boards and SNS, and can sometimes stir up public opinion and cause serious social problems. Below, we will give examples of misinformation regarding foreign residents and discuss countermeasures.
1.Examples of misinformation regarding foreign residents
(1) Misinformation about “Privileges of special permanent residents”
The term “Privileges of special permanent residents” is one of the misleading claims, especially regarding foreigners who have been residing in Japan for a long time. This term is often used to argue that preferential treatment is given to “special permanent residents,” who are people from the Korean Peninsula or Taiwan who continued to live in Japan after the war, and their descendants. For example, a flyer with misleading information such as “I don’t work and get 6 million yen a year and live a life of leisure”, “I don’t pay taxes”, and “My real name will not be reported even if I commit a crime” is being spread on social media.
These claims are actually not true. There is no system in which special permanent residents receive money unconditionally, and they are not required to pay taxes. Furthermore, even if a crime is committed, the person’s real name will not be reported; it is common for the person’s real name or nickname to be used in reporting. Furthermore, special permanent residents may be able to become public servants, but this is based on their general qualifications as a permanent resident and there are no special preferential treatment.
(2) Misinformation that “foreigners do not pay taxes”
There is also widespread misinformation that foreigners residing in Japan do not pay taxes. However, this is clearly incorrect. Foreigners living in Japan have the same tax obligations as Japanese nationals, such as residence tax and income tax. All foreigners, not just special permanent residents, fulfill their tax obligations in accordance with the Japanese tax system. Regarding tax payments, special permanent residents are not treated differently from other permanent residents and are taxed equally.
(3) Misinformation that “special permanent residents are exempt from inheritance tax”
Misinformation such as “special permanent residents are exempt from inheritance tax” is also spreading, but this is also incorrect. Even foreign nationals are obligated to pay inheritance tax on property held in Japan. Inheritance tax in Japan is levied based on the location of inherited property, regardless of the heir’s nationality or whether he or she is a special permanent resident. Such misinformation is often used to accuse certain groups of unfair advantage, so accurate information needs to be disseminated.
(4) Misinformation that “medical expenses are free of charge for special permanent residents”
There is also misinformation that medical expenses are free for special permanent residents. There is no system that allows special permanent residents to receive free medical care. However, if you are receiving public assistance or receiving medical assistance provided by a local government, your medical expenses may be reduced if you meet certain conditions, but this is not limited to special permanent residents. , which also applies to other foreigners. This misunderstanding also causes excessive expectations and criticism towards special permanent residents.
2.Impact of the spread of misinformation on society
The spread of misinformation may encourage prejudice and discrimination against foreign residents. In particular, when false claims such as “privileges to reside in Japan” become widespread, a lack of understanding of the rights and lives of foreigners deepens, which can lead to an increase in discriminatory words and actions. These misunderstandings and prejudices create social conflicts and become a factor that prevents the realization of a cohesive society.
Additionally, the spread of misinformation can create mistrust between foreign communities and Japanese society. This makes it difficult for foreigners to adapt and actively contribute to Japanese society, and as a result, it undermines the sense of cooperation and solidarity in society as a whole.
3.Measures against misinformation
Various measures are necessary to prevent the spread of misinformation.
(1) Strengthening fact checking
Fact checking is critical to preventing the spread of misinformation. As organizations such as the Japan Fact Check Center (JFC) do, there is a need to quickly provide accurate information in response to false information circulating on SNS and the Internet. Government and private fact-checking organizations must continue to debunk misinformation by pointing to it and providing evidence against it.
(2) Improving education
Education plays an important role in preventing the spread of misinformation. It is important to spread correct knowledge about foreigners through school education and social education. In particular, deepening your understanding of the laws and social systems regarding foreign residents will prevent misunderstandings caused by ignorance. It is also important to strengthen media literacy education and develop the ability to assess the reliability of information circulating on the Internet.
(3) Appropriate operation of SNS
Social media platforms have a responsibility to strengthen their mechanisms to remove and issue warnings about misinformation. As a company, you should manage information appropriately, as leaving incorrect information unattended can have a major social impact. Additionally, it is necessary to take measures such as imposing penalties on accounts and pages that spread false information.
(4) Promotion of civic activities
Citizen action and NGO activities are also effective in correcting misinformation. In order to disseminate accurate information about foreigners and combat prejudice and discrimination, it is important to raise awareness of the actual situation through awareness-raising activities and events in local communities. Foreigners and Japanese people are required to proactively take steps to help each other understand and respect each other.
4.Conclusion
Misinformation regarding foreign residents in Japan can cause social conflict and prejudice. Therefore, it is important to prevent the spread of misinformation and spread correct understanding. We need to work toward realizing a cohesive society through a variety of measures, including fact-checking, enriching education, strengthening SNS management, and promoting civic activities. It is necessary for each of us to think and act on what we can do to eliminate information based on misunderstandings and prejudices and to create a society that respects diversity.