A Kurdish father residing in Japan has described a climate of growing fear among his children, who are now reluctant to leave their home following a physical assault. The family, which fled persecution in their home country years ago, now contends with rising local antagonism.
The incident occurred in a park near their residence, where the man’s young son was reportedly struck and knocked to the ground by an individual who shouted anti-foreigner remarks. In a later confrontation, the same individual allegedly made threatening statements, deepening the family’s sense of insecurity.
This case highlights rising tensions in certain suburban communities that have become home to a visible Kurdish population. Over the years, these neighborhoods saw generally peaceful coexistence, with local governments previously issuing multilingual guides and supporting cultural exchange efforts. However, community advocates note a shift in recent years, pointing to a rise in xenophobic rhetoric and harassment.
The change in atmosphere coincides with amendments to immigration laws and increased public debate over foreign residents. While Japan’s foreign population remains a small percentage of the total, its growth has become a subject of political discussion and media attention. Far-right groups have staged demonstrations in these areas, and online forums frequently feature derogatory language targeting the Kurdish community.
Local support groups report a noticeable increase in hate messages, vandalism of Kurdish-owned businesses, and the spread of misinformation on social media. One civil society organizer noted that online provocateurs often visit with the intent of stirring conflict, filming interactions without context.
Despite these challenges, there have been limited legal successes. A regional court recently issued an indefinite ban on protests by specific hate groups in one of the affected towns, prohibiting the distribution of inflammatory leaflets.
For many Kurdish families, however, daily life is now shadowed by anxiety. The father at the center of the recent assault says his son suffers from nightmares and remains terrified of encountering the attacker again. With his own immigration status still unresolved and his children afraid to go outdoors, the family’s search for safety remains fraught with uncertainty.
