Image credit: Banden Tong on Threads
A Malaysian English teacher based in Yokohama has gone viral in Japan after posting photos of a hateful message left on his front door and car – an incident that has sparked outrage as well as a wave of support amid rising concerns over anti-foreigner sentiment in the country.
Written in Japanese and signed “Yokohama City Conservative Faction”, the flier read: “To foreigners, please leave Japan. You are not welcome here. Japan doesn’t need immigrants. Japanese taxes are not for you. Go back to your country.”
The teacher, who identifies himself as Banden Tong, shared photos of the note on social media on Monday, saying he discovered it after returning home from work. His post, written entirely in Japanese, has since garnered thousands of reactions and more than 800 comments — most expressing sympathy and support.
One user, a Japanese woman familiar with Malaysian exchange students, wrote: “As a Japanese person, I sincerely apologise. Not all foreigners are bad. Judging people as a group shows a lack of compassion.”
Another commenter said: “I’m ashamed as a Japanese person. Please don’t let this incident push you away – I hope you’ll continue living in Japan.”
Tong worked hard to achieve his dream of living in Japan
In his post, Tong expressed both hurt and love for the country. “So, conservatives, are you satisfied now? You’ve really hurt me deeply,” he wrote. “I’m from Malaysia, and ever since I was a child, I’ve admired Japan. My parents also love Japanese culture, and I was raised that way.”
Tong said he worked tirelessly to fulfil his dream of living in Japan. “Last year, my dream came true – I bought a house and a car in Yokohama, and now I work as an English teacher. Every day, I enjoy teaching and spending time with my students.”
On his social media profile, Tong describes himself as a 24-year-old Malaysian now living in Japan, a Buddhist, and someone who “loves Japan and Japanese people.”
“I have never thought of invading Japan, committing crimes, causing trouble, or having any bad intentions,” he wrote. “I just want to live in the country I love and contribute as a normal person who cherishes Japan.”
He concluded with a heartfelt plea: “To Japanese people who hate all foreigners – please understand, not all foreigners are bad people.”
He reported the incident to the police, who said they would investigate and increase patrols in the area.
Demographic shifts increased support for Japan’s far-right party
The case has struck a chord in Japan, where public debate over immigration, labour shortages, and national identity has grown more intense amid a rapidly shrinking and ageing population, reports SCMP.
Although foreigners make up less than three per cent of Japan’s population, the government has been expanding work visa schemes to fill gaps in industries like construction and elderly care. At the same time, anti-immigrant sentiment has become increasingly visible.
The far-right Sanseito party, which promotes a nationalist “Japanese First” agenda, made surprising gains in July’s Upper House election, increasing its seats from one to 14 – a result analysts say reflects growing unease over demographic shifts and the mainstreaming of hardline rhetoric once limited to the fringes.
Viral post has been taken down upon advice from police
Two days after his viral post about receiving a hate-filled message telling him to “leave Japan”, Malaysian English teacher Banden Tong has shared an update, saying he has returned to the police station and will now leave the matter entirely in the authorities’ hands.
In a new statement posted on social media, Tong said police assured him they would step up patrols in his neighbourhood and had even reached out to assist with installing a surveillance camera near his home.
“They said if the police look into this kind of thing properly, they’ll increase patrols around the area. We also got a call to help install a surveillance camera! Such sweet people!” he wrote.
Tong added that police had advised him to delete his previous viral post about the incident for his own safety. “So I had to archive the post. When I posted it, my emotions were very disturbed and upset,” he said. “From the bottom of my heart, I am sorry for causing bad feelings to others. I apologize.”
He also expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of support he received online since the story went viral earlier this week.
“Thank you so much for all of your kind words! They helped me get through a tough time. I’m so glad there are so many kind people,” Tong wrote. “I will continue to do my best as a Japanese employee.”
Reflecting on the experience, he said the ordeal taught him an important lesson about handling sensitive situations responsibly.
“I want to live in Japan as a normal person from now on,” he said. “I learned a lot from this incident — don’t post something you don’t like, but report it directly to the police.”
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