In a shocking turn of events, chaos erupted inside Japan’s parliament as left-wing lawmakers engaged in a brawl, desperately attempting to block a controversial immigration bill.
The scuffle, caught on Twitter footage, showed former Japanese actor and celebrity legislator Taro Yamamoto, leader of the anti-establishment Reiwa Shinsengumi party, being restrained as he lunged at opposition leaders during the tumultuous proceedings.
Despite the physical altercation, the bill continued its path and passed the Upper House of Japan’s legislature, known as the National Diet. It is set for a final vote on Friday, defying the attempts to halt its progress.
Members of the Japanese Communist Party, including Sohei Nihi, voiced their objections during the debate, demanding the withdrawal of the bill and the need for thorough deliberations. T
The proposed legislation aims to overhaul Japan’s immigration rules and address long-standing issues surrounding the detention of asylum seekers in the country.
While the bill has gained support from the majority coalition, it has faced strong opposition from progressive lawmakers.
Critics argue that it falls short in protecting the rights of refugees and asylum seekers and fails to address the dire conditions experienced by those already in detention.
This is not the first attempt at immigration reform in Japan. A similar proposal was introduced in 2021 but was met with public outcry following the death of Ratnayake Liyange WIshma Sandamali, a Sri Lankan refugee who died while being detained at an immigration facility in Nagoya.
The incident sparked a lawsuit and drew attention to the urgent need for improvements in detention conditions and the application process for asylum.
The new bill seeks to enhance medical supervision of detainees and provide better training for caretakers.
However, opposition leaders, including Yamamoto, argue that these measures do not guarantee improved conditions, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, nor do they address the flaws in the asylum application system.
As the final vote approaches, the heated debate over the immigration bill continues to divide lawmakers and the public alike.
The outcome will determine the direction of Japan’s immigration policy and its treatment of asylum seekers in the years to come.
