In February 2025, the leader of a political party—one gaining increasing supports—stated on a TV program:
“A Foreigner can receive expensive medical treatment costing over 10 million yen after staying in Japan for just three months.”

Naturally, ordinary viewers who heard this were shocked and outraged, thinking: “Why are only foreigners given such preferential treatment?!”

But here’s the truth: Anyone enrolled in Japan’s health insurance system—whether through National Health Insurance, Employees’ Health Insurance, or a corporate insurance union—is eligible for the High-Cost Medical Expense Benefit System.

Even if someone receives treatment costing 10 million yen, they don’t have to pay 3 million yen (30% of the cost). Instead, their out-of-pocket payment is capped based on their income—sometimes as low as 100,000 yen.
(The universal health insurance system designed by our predecessors is truly a remarkable achievement.)

In other words, the politician’s claim should have been:
“Anyone who is enrolled in health insurance—even on the very first day—can receive high-level treatment under the high-cost medical expense system, with significantly reduced out-of-pocket payments.”

Why, then, did that politician go out of their way to say “foreigners”?
His saying was to mislead the public, making them think, “Why are foreigners getting special treatment while Japanese citizens suffer under inflation?”—a sentiment rooted in misinformation.

Furthermore, an article on the front page of the Tokyo Shimbun (Feb 23, 2025) reported: “A seriously ill 2-year-old is unable to receive treatment due to lack of insurance coverage, stemming from their family’s unresolved visa status.”

The article noted that under the Convention on the Rights of the Child, Japan—having ratified it—is obliged to ensure access to healthcare, even for children without legal residency status.

Yet Japan’s Immigration Services Agency responded with: “We cannot comment on an ongoing lawsuit.” (The parents were suing to allow their child to receive treatment.)

While many people are working tirelessly to protect human life regardless of race or nationality, it’s deeply troubling that influential figures near the core of state power would make exclusive or misleading statements that fuel public misunderstanding and resentment.

Please—I sincerely ask: Even if someone has a different skin color or nationality, do not take away their right to live, their right to be happy (as long as they abide by public order and morals).Instead, ask yourself: “What can I do to help them live a fulfilling life?” Because thinking that way will never make you unhappy.