Close Menu
    "Xenophobia is scary": Convenience store bosses feel threatened by tightened restrictions on foreigners
    Japan

    “Xenophobia is scary”: Convenience store bosses feel threatened by tightened restrictions on foreigners


    https://mainichi.jp/articles/20260114/k00/00m/020/120000c

    "Xenophobia is scary": Convenience store bosses feel threatened by tightened restrictions on foreigners

    　The heads of major convenience store chains have been making statements regarding the stricter policies on foreigners being promoted by the Takaichi administration. Seven-Eleven Japan, Lawson, and FamilyMart are targeting a combined total of 110,000 foreign employees for the first time in 2025, making them an indispensable part of the workforce at each company.

    　Many of the foreign part-time workers at convenience stores are international students. While "student" status of residence generally does not allow them to work, they can apply for "permission to engage in activities other than those permitted under the status of residence permitted" from the Immigration Bureau and, if approved, can work up to 28 hours a week.

    　"We want them to learn in Japan through work, including their studies, not as cheap labor," said Junro Ito, chairman of Seven & i Holdings.

    　He expressed understanding of the current rules on working hours, saying, "It's not that it interferes with studies, but the current set working hours are fine," but emphasized, "I'm afraid it could turn into xenophobia. It's necessary to protect those who are working without any problems."

    　Some owners have acquired the necessary residence status and are now running stores, and some have reportedly expressed their enthusiasm, saying, "If a 7-Eleven opens in my country one day, I'd like to be the owner of the first store."

    　Ito urged the government, saying, "We cannot exclude such people. As a Japanese society, I would like you to think about how we can coexist with foreigners."

    　The number of foreigners working part-time at convenience stores is increasing every year. According to the companies, in 2013 there were approximately 52,000 foreigners working at Seven-Eleven, approximately 31,000 at Lawson, and approximately 27,000 at FamilyMart.

    https://i.redd.it/611kbj0xkceg1.png

    View 7 Comments

    7 Comments

    1. YamatoRyu2006 on

      While I admire Seven&I’s Ito for playing a major role in preventing its takeover by Couche Tard, he just like most other business leaders is a **scaredy pussy for not speaking out CLEARLY THAT “WE NEED FOREIGNERS, DONT DEMONIZE THEM”.**

      They are just saying these things at a time when Takaichi has decided to dissolve the parliament.

      Really pathetic spineless leaders, they didn’t speak up when Xenophobia was at its peak and sponsored by the government.

      If they really want “Japan to become attractive”, not only should THEY NOT PROMOTE XENOPHOBIA BUT ALSO RAISE WAGES.

      They are sitting on tens of billions of cash holdings, they could very easily raise the wages of all employees by 50% and they would still have a net positive net income.

    2. Embarrassed-Part-890 on

      Will there be a foreigners only store coming soon? Like it’s 1950s America lol

    5. LorderNile on

      I feel like this is going to fly in japan’s face WAY faster than it is with the US. Mostly cus she’s lining up so much to be dependent on the US, which is an attrocious strategy.