In Japan there are ethnic minorities such as Ainus or people of Korean origin.
However, Finance Minister Taro Aso ignored them during a meeting in Fukuoka Prefecture, in which he said Japan has remained for the past 2,000 years with a single language and a single ethnic identity.
Japan's deputy prime minister said his country is the only one that "has lasted 2,000 years with a language, an ethnic group, and a dynasty."
His statements could motivate criticism for outspending minorities like the Ainus, according to Kyodo.
Despite highlighting Japan's supposed ethnic homogeneity, Aso praised the Japanese rugby team, made up mostly of foreign-born players, which managed to rank in the world's top eight in the World Japan.
Aso has been a constant source of controversy or criticism over its sexist outbursts or allusions to Nazi Germany.
The government of Japan is making efforts to support the Ainus. In May last year, a law came into force to protect and promote their culture. (International Press)
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