Japan Immigration News

No, Japan’s actually not a xenophobic country

Release Date: 2024-05-15
Media: Asia Times
Summary: The author critiques Joe Biden's comment labeling Japan and India as "xenophobic" during a fundraiser, arguing that it was diplomatically foolish and factually incorrect. Biden's remark, which placed these countries in the same category as China and Russia, was seen as unnecessary and damaging to U.S.-Japan relations, especially given Biden's own immigration policies. The article asserts that Japan is not an abnormally xenophobic country, noting that while all nations exhibit some level of xenophobia, Japan's immigration policies have evolved significantly in recent decades.

Japan has increased its acceptance of immigrants, especially since the 1990s, with a notable acceleration under Prime Minister Abe Shinzo from 2013 onward. Japan's foreign population has grown substantially, with 3.2 million foreign residents as of 2023 (2.6% of the population). Key policies have been enacted to attract immigrants, such as fast-tracking permanent residency for skilled workers and offering pathways for blue-collar workers. These changes reflect Japan’s response to its demographic crisis, with the government actively seeking immigrants to sustain its economy.

Public opinion in Japan has shifted in favor of immigration, with surveys showing that the majority of Japanese citizens support increasing foreign labor to address labor shortages. However, there are still concerns about the speed and scale of this change, and some unease about rapid diversification. Despite these reservations, there has been no significant political backlash against immigration policies.

The article also addresses the persistent stereotype of Japan as a xenophobic, homogenous society. It points out that while there are occasional negative anecdotes, such as restaurants refusing service to foreigners, these are rare and do not reflect the broader reality. The author argues that Japan, like many other countries, has become more welcoming to immigrants over time and should not be unfairly labeled as xenophobic, especially by global leaders. The piece concludes by urging figures like Biden to avoid making baseless claims about Japan's attitudes toward immigration.
Tags: Immigration Policy

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