Japan Immigration News

For investors, intellectuals leaving China, it's Japan -- not US -- that's the bigger draw

Release Date
2024-09-15
Media
The Mainichi
Summary
In recent years, a significant number of Chinese individuals, including intellectuals and wealthy investors, have relocated to Japan, seeking greater freedoms and economic opportunities amid increasing repression and challenges in China. Chinese journalist Jia Jia, who lectures at the University of Tokyo, highlights Taiwans struggle for democracy in a lecture series, reflecting the taboo nature of such discussions in China.

Many Chinese migrants choose Japan for its relaxed immigration policies compared to Western countries, a rich culture, and a favorable living environment. The influx has been driven by various factors, including economic downturns and a desire for personal freedom. In 2023, Chinese nationals made up the largest group of foreigners in Japan, with numbers rising from previous years.

Notably, the easing of Japans immigration stance, prompted by low birth rates and an aging population, has resulted in a projected increase of foreign residents from 2% to 12% by 2070. Wealthy Chinese see Japan as a stable place to protect their assets, particularly in light of economic uncertainty in China. Additionally, the depreciating yen makes real estate investments attractive.

Many of those moving to Japan are well-educated and affluent, looking to escape Chinas tight controls. For example, former ByteDance engineer Guo Yu has embraced life in Japan, focusing on business ventures in social media and tourism.

The government aims to attract skilled labor to address labor shortages, and individuals like ballet dancer Du Hai express positive experiences in Japan, considering citizenship. Overall, Japans evolving immigration landscape continues to attract a diverse group of Chinese migrants, drawn by both personal aspirations and economic conditions.
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Immigration Policy,China

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