In the heart of Sapporo, Japan, a story unfolds that is as much about the challenges of demographic decline as it is about the complexities of cultural integration. The once-vibrant Tokiwa Elementary School, a symbol of the city's past, now stands as a haunting reminder of the country's shrinking population. But amidst this desolation, a plan emerges to breathe new life into the district, only to be met with a storm of controversy and xenophobic sentiment. This is a tale of how a simple bid to revitalize a neighborhood became a flashpoint for Japan's culture war, revealing deep-seated anxieties and the struggle to build a truly multicultural society.
A School's Demise and a Community's Hope
The story begins with the closure of Tokiwa Elementary School in 2021, a victim of Japan's demographic winter. As schools shut down, communities wither, and the once-bustling Tokiwa district began to fade. But a glimmer of hope emerged in the form of Global Indian Education (GIE), a Singapore-based private school operator with a vision to transform the area. GIE's plan was ambitious: to open a prestigious international school, offering an International Baccalaureate curriculum and serving as a community hub, by August 2027.
What makes this story particularly fascinating is the contrast between the potential benefits of the school and the intense backlash it faced. The school's proposed inclusive enrollment policy, similar to GIE's other campuses, was a detail that many overlooked in the midst of the controversy. The plan was to create a vibrant, diverse community, but instead, it became a lightning rod for nationalist sentiment.
The Culture War Unveiled
Japan's struggle to integrate foreigners is not a new phenomenon, but the recent surge in anti-foreign sentiment has brought it to the forefront. The rise of the 'Japanese First' political movement, with its explicit 'Japanese First' slogan, has pitted local anxieties over economic strain against the growing influx of foreign tourists and residents. This has led to a culture war, where the line between welcoming foreign talent and resisting immigration blurs.
The changing demographics in Sapporo are stark. The foreign population has surged by 2.7 times in just over a decade, from 9,302 in 2013 to 25,331 in 2026. This has led to a record-high 1.29% of Sapporo's residents being foreign nationals, with one in three being seniors. 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.
The Battle for Coexistence
The GIE project became a battleground in this culture war. Protesters, fueled by xenophobic rumors and conspiracy theories, hijacked public briefings and flooded the Sapporo City Assembly with petitions demanding a shutdown. The protests, led by the Counter-Racist Action Collective NORTH (C.R.A.C.NORTH), revealed a deep-seated resistance to foreigners, fueled by a lack of penalties for hate speech. C.R.A.C.NORTH's volunteer Hikari Sarashina, who works in a labor union, believes that civic grassroots activism is the only thing standing in the way of hate speech.
The protests, however, were not without consequences. Sarashina, who spoke out for foreigners, faced online doxxing and harassment at her workplace. This highlights the challenges of fostering coexistence in a society where hate speech goes unchecked. Despite the backlash, the project moved forward, with municipal lawmakers rejecting the petitions based on untruths, and the plan was given the green light to proceed.
A City's Ambitions and Challenges
Sapporo's ambitions to become a multicultural hub are not without challenges. The city is aggressively promoting itself as a destination for foreign talent, leveraging its national designation as a Green Transformation/Artificial Intelligence Finance and Asset Management Special Zone. Officials are proactively promoting the city worldwide, offering incentives such as tax breaks for companies that set up offices there. However, experts like Hyunjoo Naomi Chi warn of a disconnect between the municipal government and the locals, who often live in their social media echo chambers, forming their own prejudices.
The city's efforts to attract foreign bus drivers, a first for a Japanese municipal government, are a testament to the challenges of integration. While securing Japanese drivers remains the priority, accepting foreign personnel is necessary. The city chose a small cohort initially to gently acclimatize residents to the idea of a foreigner behind the wheel. This delicate balancing act between the need for foreigners and ensuring they can adapt while maintaining their cultural identity is at the heart of Sapporo's struggle.
A New Beginning in Tokiwa
Back in Tokiwa, the desire for renewal outweighs the political noise. A local retiree, who wishes to remain anonymous, expresses hope for the school's revival, envisioning it as a hub for young families and a source of new vitality. The story of Tokiwa Elementary School is a microcosm of Japan's larger struggle to build a truly multicultural society, where the voices of children can be heard, and the community thrives.
In the end, the future of Sapporo and its ability to integrate foreigners will depend on the city's ability to navigate this delicate balance. While the challenges are significant, the potential rewards are immense. The city's efforts to attract foreign talent and create a truly multicultural society are a testament to its ambition and resilience. As Sapporo continues to evolve, the story of Tokiwa Elementary School serves as a reminder of the power of community and the importance of embracing diversity.
