The story of how a Singapore international school's plan to revitalize a district in Sapporo, Japan, became a flashpoint for immigration debates highlights the complex interplay between demographic shifts, local sentiment, and the push for multiculturalism. This narrative serves as a microcosm of Japan's broader struggle to integrate foreign talent and talent into its society while navigating a surge in nationalist sentiment and a culture war.
The proposal by Global Indian Education (GIE), a Singapore-based private school operator, to establish an international school on the site of the closed Tokiwa Elementary School in Sapporo's suburban Tokiwa district, was initially met with enthusiasm. GIE's plan promised to breathe life into the area, offering an International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum and serving as an emergency evacuation center. However, the project quickly became a lightning rod for backlash, revealing the deep-seated xenophobic sentiments among a vocal segment of the Japanese public.
The backlash was fueled by conspiracy theories and rumors, with protesters using megaphones to drown out GIE representatives and harangue attendees at a public briefing. Public petitions flooded the Sapporo City Assembly, demanding a total shutdown of the project, branding the school a "front for mass immigration" that would invite crime. This despite detailed public records showing GIE's inclusive enrollment plan, similar to its other campuses, with a significant Japanese student population.
The protests and petitions forced the project to be suspended, but municipal lawmakers, in a show of multipartisan unity, unanimously rejected the petitions on grounds of untruths, effectively giving the green light to proceed. This decision, however, did not quell the controversy. The nationalist 'Japanese First' political sentiment, which had gained traction in the mid-2020s, continued to fuel anti-foreign sentiment, with the conservative Sanseito party making the slogan its key election platform.
The cultural divide was further exposed by the growing foreign population in Sapporo, which had surged 2.7 times from 9,302 in June 2013 to 25,331 in June 2026, accounting for a record 1.29% of the city's residents. In response, Sapporo became Japan's first major municipality to enact a 'community coexistence' ordinance, aiming to foster a society free from discrimination that draws strength from diversity.
However, the resistance to GIE's plan and the broader immigration debate persist. Grassroots organizations like the Counter-Racist Action Collective NORTH (C.R.A.C.NORTH) have organized counter-protests to confront the xenophobia displayed by a minority segment of the Japanese population. Despite their efforts, they have faced online doxxing and workplace harassment.
The city's efforts to attract foreign talent and investment, including tax breaks and expedited visa screening for IT engineers, are met with a complex mix of support and skepticism. Experts warn of a disconnect between the municipal government's efforts and the local population, with many residents living in social media echo chambers and forming their own prejudices.
The debate over GIE's school and the broader immigration issue in Sapporo underscores the challenges Japan faces in its transition to a multicultural society. While the desire for renewal in areas like Tokiwa is strong, the political noise and cultural tensions persist, making the path to integration a complex and ongoing journey.
