The July 31 Kyodo article "10% of foreign residents have left disaster-hit prefectures" is a rather poor example of journalism, as it fails to provide the full context. Yes, perhaps 10 percent of foreigners left the prefecture, but in the bigger picture, how many Japanese also left the prefecture?
And where did members of each group go? Did they stay with family elsewhere, as in the case of most Japanese residents? This is an option that many foreigners didn't have.
If they were lucky, some foreigners might have visited friends elsewhere for a time in Japan. Lacking that option, they might have left the country temporarily or permanently.
Failing to address any of the possible explanations, the article does a disservice to readers by perpetuating prejudices. That is the exact opposite of what good journalism should do.
The opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are the writer's own and do not necessarily reflect the policies of The Japan Times.