President Joe Biden made headlines by referring to close US ally Japan as "xenophobic" during a fundraiser in Washington, D.C. He argued that Japan, along with Russia and China, would benefit economically from embracing immigration. Biden's remarks were made in the context of praising immigration's role in strengthening the US economy. This critique of Japan comes despite his recent praise of the US-Japan alliance during a state dinner with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Japan has grappled with a demographic crisis, but like other East Asian nations, it has been hesitant to use immigration as a solution. Biden's comments coincide with domestic political pressure over immigration policies amid a surge in migrants and criticism from Republicans. Despite the criticism, Biden emphasized the enduring strength of the US-Japan alliance during the state dinner, highlighting shared values of democracy and freedom.