Topline
President Joe Biden’s reference to Japan as “xenophobic” during an event earlier this week is “unfortunate,” the Japanese Embassy in D.C. said Friday, offering mild criticism of Biden’s remarks—though it likely won’t affect relations between the two allies.
Key Facts
The Embassy of Japan said in a statement it is “unfortunate” that some of Biden’s comments “were not based on an accurate understanding of Japan’s policies,” adding it had “raised this point to the U.S. government and explained Japan’s positions and policies once again.”
Biden called ally Japan xenophobic during a campaign fundraiser on Wednesday, saying the country—along with China, Russia and India—has struggled economically because of restrictive immigration policies.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre clarified Biden’s statement Thursday, indicating the president “was trying” to say the U.S. was a “nation of immigrants.”
The embassy said it was “aware” Biden intended to highlight how immigrants strengthen the U.S., and his comment was “not made with the intent of undermining the importance of the Japan-U.S. relationship.”
Biden’s comment will not affect Japan’s work with the U.S., the embassy said, noting Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s visit last month demonstrated the “Japan-U.S. relationship is stronger than ever.”
Get Forbes Breaking News Text Alerts: We’re launching text message alerts so you’ll always know the biggest stories shaping the day’s headlines. Text “Alerts” to (201) 335-0739 or sign up here.
Crucial Quote
“Why is China stalling so badly economically? Why is Japan having trouble? Why is Russia? Why is India?” Biden reportedly said. “Because they’re xenophobic. They don’t want immigrants.”
Key Background
Biden’s comments about Japan—a critical U.S. ally—came during a fundraiser hosted by Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., highlighting the start of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The event followed a visit from Kishida late last month, during which the two countries celebrated an “unbreakable alliance.” Biden’s claim Japan is “xenophobic” comes amid concerns the country faces a population crisis, with Kishida saying last year Japan’s declining birth rate is “the biggest crisis Japan faces.” Japan’s population is expected to fall by about 30% to 87 million by 2070, after the country recorded a record-low number of births in 2023, Reuters reported.
Further Reading
Biden Calls Japan And India Xenophobic: ‘They Don’t Want Immigrants’ (The Guardian)
