インターナショナルスクール撤退　札幌･旧常盤小跡地の開校計画白紙に･･･根拠ないデマに過激デモ「地域住民の考えじゃない」住民も困惑　札幌市南区

A plan to build an international school on the former site of Tokiwa Elementary School in Sapporo has been canceled due to the spread of misinformation regarding foreigners. Local residents have expressed bewilderment and disappointment. "We will protect Hokkaido!" In June, a demonstration protesting immigration policies was held in the Tokiwa district of Sapporo's Minami Ward. Residents reacted to this unusual sight: Resident: "I'm surprised. It's a quiet residential area." Resident: "I don't think this reflects the views of the local residents." The former Tokiwa Elementary School in Minami Ward. The school closed five years ago, and a committee of neighborhood association officials had been discussing how to utilize the site. Through a public bidding process by the city, Global Indian Education was selected as the preferred negotiating partner in 2025. The group operates six campuses nationwide and had planned to open an international school on the Tokiwa Elementary School site in the summer of 2027. Local residents welcomed the plan, citing its potential benefits in terms of community vibrancy and disaster prevention. However, at a local briefing in September 2025, the following statements were heard: "Everyone, please resolutely oppose this!" "I'm saying we're against it!" "Everyone's against it, right?" "Me too!" "(Applause) We don't need something like this! This is Japan!" Local residents testified that many of the attendees were people they had never seen before. Shouts of opposition erupted, and police officers were called to the scene. Furthermore, on social media… "If Indians start living here in droves, local residents, especially women, will absolutely not be able to walk alone at night." Unsubstantiated information and discriminatory posts spread. Despite the plan being open to both foreigners and local Japanese residents, false claims of it being an "immigrant school" were also made. Global Inc. submitted a notice of withdrawal from the contract to Sapporo City on the 23rd. They explained that they had "considered all factors, including the risks to school operations posed by the spread of some misinformation and protest activities." Sapporo City Official: "Misinformation spread because immigration policy and international schools became linked. We contacted GIE (Global Institute) and communicated with them to dispel concerns, but we were unable to fully convey accurate information." Local Residents: Local Resident: "It's shocking, or rather, several people were surprised or shocked. (The claims on social media) aren't all based on facts. I wish Sapporo City had shown a firmer stance." An expert points out, "Amid the spread of misinformation on social media that 'foreigners are being given preferential treatment,' the government is also strengthening its control over foreigners, amplifying anxiety and dissatisfaction towards foreigners." Yasufumi Moriya, Associate Professor (Immigration and Refugee Studies), Hokkaido University of Education, Hakodate Campus: "It is necessary for the country to move in the same direction and send a message that foreigners can be properly accepted and coexist in local communities." Sapporo City will now discuss the sales contract with the social welfare corporation that was planning to establish employment support facilities for people with disabilities.