Immigration and Japan
Benefits and risks of increasing immigration; Does Japan need more immigrants?
1170449 Takao Toriyama
School of Management, Kochi University of Technology

Abstract

addition, some suggestions for a better immigration policy for

In recent years, the number of foreign residents in Japan is on theJapan will be considered.

increase. The Japanese government put the point-based system
into effect for immigration treatment and attempt to accept more

Chapter 1 The present situation of immigration inhighly-skilled foreign nations. However, Japan still has its strictJapan

policies which prohibit unskilled foreign workers to work in Japan.

In this chapter, the present situation of immigration in Japan will

Japanese working-age population is on the decrease. There is abe illustrated.

significant need for better immigration policies which enable
Japan to accept more international migrants and to boost the

Chapter 1.1 The definition of immigrants

working-age population. This paper examines potential benefits,

There is no clear definition of the term immigrant made by the

problems and risks of receiving more international migrants both

Japanese government. According to the United Nations (2016 p.

high skilled and unskilled to Japan and some suggestions for a4), ‘an international migrant is a person who is living in a country

better immigration policy of Japan will be considered.

other than his or her country of birth’. International migrants canbe categorized as follows:

Introduction

Temporary labour migrants (also known as guest

Immigration, the movement of people from one country to anotherworkers or overseas contract workers): people who

is a great contributor to globalization. Foreign workers are playing

migrate for a limited period of time in order to take up

important rolls in Japanese economy; however, increasing number

employment and send money home.

of immigrants coming to Japan is raising anxieties among theHighly skilled and business migrants: people withJapanese nation at the same time. Moreover, Japan is closed toqualifications as managers, executives, professionals,

immigrants and Japan’s immigration policies are not developed

technicians or similar, who move within the internalvery well. Although it is very challenging for Japan to open up thelabour markets of trans-national corporations andcountry to immigration, Japan should consider accepting moreinternational organisations, or who seek employment

international migrants because equitable immigration could bethrough international labour markets for scarce skills.

beneficial to Japan.

Many countries welcome such migrants and have special'skilled and business migration' programmes to

Purpose of study

encourage them to come.

This paper aims to give an overview of the present situation of

Irregular migrants (or undocumented / illegal

immigration in Japan and examine potential benefits, problems

migrants): people who enter a country, usually in searchand risks of receiving more international migrants to Japan. In

1

of employment, without the necessary documents andAlthough the proportion of foreign residents in Japan is on thepermits.

increase, this ratio of foreign residents to the total population ofForced migration: in a broader sense, this includes notjapan is still significantly low compared with other OECD

only refugees and asylum seekers but also people forced(Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development)

to move due to external factors, such as environmental

countries. According to Coppel, Dumont and Visco (2001, p. 6),

catastrophes or development projects. This form ofJapan received approximately 270,000 arrivals in 1998 thanks tomigration has similar characteristics to displacement.

the relaxation in the restriction on temporary migration; however,Family members (or family reunion / family‘relative to population, arrivals remain limited, compared with areunification migrants): people sharing family ties

number of the smaller OECD countries’ (figure 2).

joining people who have already entered an immigration
country under one of the above mentioned categories.

Chapter 1.3 The overview of Point-based system

Many countries recognise in principle the right to family

Point-based system is used for immigration treatment in Japan.

reunion for legal migrants. Other countries, especially

According to Ministry of Justice, JAPAN (2015), current point-

those with contract labour systems, deny the right tobased system was introduced on May 7, 2012 giving preferential

family reunion. (United Nations Educational Scientificimmigration treatment for the purpose of facilitating theand Cultural Organization n.d.)

acceptance of highly-skilled foreign nations. Ministry of Justice,JAPAN (2015, p. 8) states

In this paper, any foreign people who live in Japan bothThis system divides the contents of the activities of thetemporarily and permanently will be considered as immigrants.

highly-skilled foreign nationals into three categories:

However, focus is placed on the first two categories; temporary“advanced academic research activities”, “advanced

labour migrants and highly skilled and business migrants.

specialized/technical activities” and “advanced business
management

activities”,

andaccordingtotheChapter 1.2 Changes in the number of foreign residents

characteristics of each category, points are awarded forin Japaneach

Throughout the history, the number of international migrants“professional career” and “annual salary”, and if thecoming to Japan has always been negligible; however, the number

total number of points reaches a certain number of points

of foreign residents in Japan is on the increase in recent years. The(70 points), such foreign national becomes eligible fortotal number of mid to long term residents and special permanent

preferential immigration treatment, thereby aiming toresidents in Japan was 2,121,831 at the end of 2014, which number

facilitate the acceptance of highly-skilled foreignis 2.7 per cent higher compared to the end of 2013. Moreover, ‘At

nationals into Japan.

the end of 2014, the number of foreign residents as a percentage ofIn December 2013, a review was undertaken in order tothe total population of Japan (127,083,000) was 1.67%, which was

relax requirements for recognition as a highly-skilled

0.05 point higher than 1.62% at the end of 2013’ (Immigration

professional and to further the incentives for preferential

Bureau, Ministry of Justice, JAPAN 2015, p. 22).

treatment, and as a result, the number of foreign

item,

such

as

“academic

background,”nationals recognized as highly-skilled professionals has2seen an upward trend. Looking at a breakdown, foreign

nursing care. According to Kingston (2012 p. 146) ‘Japan has

nationals“advanced

agreed to accept up to 400 Indonesian nurses and 600 caregivers

comprisedin 2008 and 2009 as “candidates” for government certification if

who

were

specialized/technicalrecognizedforactivities”

approximately 80% of the total (Chart 5).

they pass qualifying exams’; however, only 104 Indonesian nurses
and 101 caregivers began work in 2008. ‘Candidates are given six
months’ Japanese language and vocational training’; however,there are concerns that the candidates cannot develop the requisite
language stills fast enough to pass the qualification exam
(Kingston 2012 p. 147). As a result, only two of the Indonesiannurses passed the qualification exam in 2009 and it turned out that

Source: Ministry of Justice, JAPAN (2015)

63 of the original 104 Indonesian nurses who came to Japan in2008 had returned home, mentioning language problems

However, this system is not well developed. Kingston (2012)(Kingston 2012).

argues that Japan has very strict policies prohibiting unskilled
foreign workers. Kingston (2012) also states that the aim of point-

Chapter 1.5 Public attitude towards immigration

based system introduced in 2012 is to retain only highly skilled

Japan has been closed to immigration and still has barriers toworkers and professionals such as doctors, lawyers, researchers,

immigration both socially and legally. In fact, Kingston (2012)and entrepreneurs by according them preferential treatment inargues that immigrants in Japan are feeling less welcome even as

terms of longer periods of stay and a fast track to permanent

their presence has become more indispensable in the early twenty-

resident status; the Japanese government estimates that this new

first century. Public attitudes towards immigration have been

points program will benefit about 2,000 people a year. Moreover,

opposed and the rights of international migrants in Japan are not

Nippon Keidanren (Japanese Business Federation) also supports

protected very well. According to Nagy (2015) many Japanese

increased immigration in order to work on labour shortages andhave very negative opinions about the migrants living in Japan.

declining population; however, the proposals by Nippon
Keidanren exclude unskilled workers and makes no provision forThis comment is reflective of views of many Japanese residents

permanent residency or a citizenship track for migrants (Kingston

toward the role of migrants living in Japan. These three responses

2012).

were given to city researchers in Shinjuku city in 2008.
Please do not let any more foreigners enter than this.

Chapter 1.4 Acceptance of nurses and care workers

Crimes will increase, making it more difficult forSome effort is also made by Japanese government in order toJapanese to live (Male, 50–59 years old).

accept nursing and care workers from foreign countries. Mistry ofJustice, JAPAN (2015 p. 23) states that ‘foreign certified care

Foreigners should learn more about Japan. Doing this,worker candidates etc. are being accepted based on an Economic

discrimination by Japanese will disappear. We don’t

Partnership Agreement (EPA) with Indonesia, the Philippines andforget those who make effort. (Male, 20–29 years old).

Vietnam’ in order to meet the growing demand for high-quality3

It is natural that foreigners who come to Japan should do

The number of migrants pointed by the UN is far greater than thethings the Japanese way. It is strange that we provide

current situation. Clearly, there is a significant need for more

special services for them. We should not give them any

favourable immigration policies which enable Japan to accept

special treatment (Male, 40–49 years old). (Shinjuku

more international migrants and encourages foreign people toCity cited in Nagy 2015, p. 380).

migrate to Japan. The potential benefits and risks of receiving
more international migrants in Japan will be examined in the

Chapter 1.6 The number of migrants Japan needs forfollowing chapters.

the future
Japan is one of the fastest ageing countries on the earth. Nagy

Chapter 2 Benefits of receiving more international(2015) stated that Japan’s population is expected to drop to 115

migrants to Japan

million by 2030, and to approximately 90 million by 2055. This

Equitable immigration could bring benefits to receiving countries.

significant population decline will cause negative impacts on

Immigrants can fill the labour shortage, contribute to a better

Japanese economy. The United Nations highlighted the number of

economic cycle and the globalization of receiving country.

international migrants Japan needs under various situations andhelps put the immigration issue in perspective (Kingston 2012).

Chapter 2.1 Migrants as labour force

The UN Population Division stated that:

In recent years, millions of people leave their home countries to

If Japan wishes to keep the size of its population at theseek opportunity abroad; Indian technicians, for instance, arelevel attained in the year 2005, the country would needseeking high-paying jobs in the information sector, Filipino nurses

17 million net immigrants up to the year 2050, or an

are filling gap in industrial-country health care systems and low-

average of 381,000 immigrants per year between 2005

skilled Indonesians and Pakistanis are labouring in the oilfield ofand 2050. By 2050, the immigrants and their

the rich Gulf states (Goldin 2006).

descendants would total 22.5 million and comprise 17.7
per cent of the total population of the country. In order

It could be beneficial for Japan to accept more immigrants because

to keep the size of the working-age population constantthey could fill the labour shortages in Japan. Ganelli and Miakeat the 1995 level of 87.2 million, Japan would need 33.5

(2015) suggest that japan is suffering from labour shortages which

million immigrants from 1995 through 2050. This

have a negative impact on potential growth and reduce themeans an average of 609,000 immigrants are needed per

effectiveness of monetary and fiscal stimulus according to data andyear during this period. Under this scenario, theanecdotal evidence. For instance, labour shortages are particularly

population of the country is projected to be 150.7 million

strong for medical doctors and medical technicians and nurses andby 2050. The number of post-1995 immigrants and their

midwifes among specialist and technicians sector, restaurant

descendants would be 46 million, accounting for 30 per

severs and home service and long-term care providers in thecent of the total population in 2050 (UN Population

service sector, structure construction workers in the construction

Division cited in Kingston 2012, p. 151).

sector (Ganelli & Miake 2015). Moreover, Ganelli and Miake(2015) argue that according to a survey of global employers
conducted by the Manpower Group, 81 percent of Japanese firms

4

reported that they are having difficulties in filling job in 2014 andbeen a shift in labour demand of receiving country towards skilled

this was the highest number among all the countries surveyed andworkers and increased emphasis on attracting skilled immigrants.

more than double the global average of 36 percent. Kingston (2012,

In Japan, point-based system was introduced in 2012 in order top.142) also argues that ‘Japan faces a serious shortage of nurses

accept highly skilled foreign nations.

and caregivers as the number of elderly requiring nursing care is
projected to total 7.8 million in FY2025–6, a 1.7-fold increase

Japan should also allow low-skilled workers to enter the country

from FY2006–7’.

at least as seasonal workers. Low-skilled or even non-skilledworkers could still fill the labour shortages in some jobs such as

Japan might be able to resolve this labour shortages by accepting

agriculture and other blue-collar jobs where labour shortages are

more international migrants. In fact, as it was cited in the firstevident. In the United States, the share of foreigners employed inchapter, some effort has been made by Japanese government inagriculture is considerably high compared with the share fororder to fill the labour shortages in nursing and care givers sectors

nationals (Coppel, Dumont & Visco 2001). Some of OECDby accepting nursing and care workers from Indonesia andcountries also allow immigrants to enter temporarily as seasonal

Philippines since 2008. However, it has not been successful.

workers and most of them work in the agricultural sector (Coppel,

According to Kingston (2012), there is high demand for Filipino

Dumont & Visco 2001).

nurses around the world and these nurses prefer English-speaking
countries; about 18,000 Filipino nurses and caregivers go overseas

Furthermore, low-skilled immigrants could also help fill the gap

every year, with the US and Canada as top destinations. It wasfor undesirable jobs that Japanese are not willing to take. Kingston

stated that:(2012) argues that although the Japanese government knew that

In other countries they are highly sought after and cancompanies needed more workers doing undesirable jobs that thestart work and be earning money immediately, whereas

Japanese avoided because of low pay, they did not want to dealin Japan they have 6 months of language instruction

with the potential problems caused by accepting migrant workers.

before they start earning wages. In addition, in other

Others stated that immigrants will be needed to fill undesirable

countries they are welcome to stay and many preferjobs.

Canada because it facilitates naturalization of migrantFinding labor for undesirable jobs is expected to become

workers rather than sending them home if they failparticularly

difficult certification exams (Kingston 2012, p.148).

specifically from poor countries with low wages and low

difficult.

Large-scale

immigration

In fact, many Indonesian nurses who came to Japan had returned

expectations concerning conditions of work will behome citing language problem. Clearly, there is a significant needneeded to fill “dirty” jobs that are difficult to mechanize

for a better designed program to accept more foreign nurses andand that the domestic labor force will not undertake as

care givers in more favourable terms.

its expectations rise. A permanent stream of firstgeneration immigrants will be needed to fill the bottom

Another problem is that Japan has very strict policies against

layer of this “dual labor market” (Piore 1979; Stalker

accepting non-skilled or low-skilled workers from foreign

1994: Ch. 4; Fassmann 1997 cited in Coleman &countries. Coppel, Dumont and Visco (2001) argue that there has

Rowthorn 2004, pp. 584-585).

5

Nevertheless, there is still strong reticence in Japan towardand purchase goods, all of which feed the local economy andallowing the settling of migrants especially those who are non-contribute to a better economic cycle. In the United Kingdom,skilled and it is illogical that ‘the kinds of jobs that unskilledlarge-scale immigration is officially considered to be essential for

workers would take are the ones that Japanese have shunned for

the UK’s economic wellbeing and beneficial for its society

more than 30 years, such as many in manufacturing, agriculture,(Coleman & Rowthorn 2004). Moreover, Goldin (2006) argues

forestry, and fishing’ (Nagy 2015, p. 382). Therefore, there is nothat even a modest increase in migration inflows could boost

doubt that accepting more international migrants even if they areglobal output by $150 billion a year although it is considerably

low-skilled can be beneficial for Japan as they could fill the labourdifficult to estimate the impact of migration on a global scale.

shortages in Japan.

Immigration has always been a formidable engine of economic anddomestic growth for the United States. Borjas (cited in Coppel,

Chapter 2.2 Economic Benefits of receiving more

Dumont & Visco 2001, p. 16) reported that immigration inflows

immigrants

induced ‘a small net gain, equivalent to 0.1 per cent of GDP or $10

Receiving more immigrants could also bring economic benefits tobillion per annum’, based on the US experience. However, itJapan. First of all, simply, there will be more people paying taxes

should be noted that these assessments of the economic impact

if Japan successfully receive more immigrants and boost working-generated by immigration inflows largely depend on ‘theage population. Gott and Johnson (cited in Coleman & Rowthorn

economic performance of immigrants themselves and how quickly2004) claim that inflows of working-age immigrants will generatethey adapt to the new environment’ (Coppel, Dumont & Viscoa positive net contribution to the national account because youthful

2001, p. 16).

immigrants modestly use social welfare system and this modest
welfare costs are more than compensated by tax contribution ofSome argue that although immigration generates small net gains

working immigrants. Japan’s young-age group population is on thein terms of per capita output to the host country, the benefits are

decline and there is a need for more taxpayers in order to keep the

not necessarily evenly distributed within the nation of the hostnational social welfare system solvent, which includes medical andcountry; some could gain; however, some may lose frompension programs. Increased immigration might be able to create

immigration (Coppel, Dumont & Visco 2001). It may be true;

an immediate positive impact on government revenue assuming

however, theoretically, it is plausible that immigration had indeed

that the working-age people immigrate to Japan. In fact, Goldinboosted growth where immigrants have been welcomed (Goldin(2006) argues that immigrants may contribute to the long-term2006). This will be described in detail in Chapter 3.4. Hence, it

survival of public pension systems in host countries ofcan be summarized that increased immigration could create aimmigration by lowing the average age of population.

positive impact on government revenue, contribute to a better
economic cycle and the host countries of immigrants are more

Secondly, economic activities of immigrants could make a positive

likely to benefit from immigration on a national scale than to lose

impact on the local economy. Coppel, Dumont and Visco (2001,

from immigration.

p.16) claim that ‘immigration creates demand for goods andservices produced by the host population with favourable
consequences for labour demand’. Migrants pay rent, buy homes6Chapter 2.3 Adding global competitiveness to Japanese

Furthermore, well-educated and highly trained foreign workers areindustries

inventive and productive. They increase business flexibility,

Immigrant workers could contribute to the globalization of Japan.

allowing companies to quickly respond to changing demands.

Kingston (2012, p. 137) argues that ‘Japan is certainly not as

Goldin (2006) argues that immigrants may bring in skills anddiverse as Europe and the US, but it has become more diverse

expertise which are in short supply in host country and it will

and in some respects is a multi-ethnic society in denial’. In fact,possibly stimulate innovation throughout whole sectors. Moreover,the proportion of foreign residents was only 1.67% of the total

bandwidth effect; broadening of trade and investment links can be

population of Japan in 2014 (Immigration Bureau, Ministry of

expected by increased immigration; it works and benefits both

Justice, JAPAN 2015). On the other hand, some countries haveimmigrants’ host county and home countries (Goldin 2006).

successfully integrated immigrants into their society. It wasstated that

Immigration, the movement of people from one county to another,In Singapore, the richest country in Southeast Asia,

is closely related to the globalization of the world. Goldin (2006

immigrants make up a quarter of the workforce; thep.118) claims

two wealthiest countries in Europe, Luxembourg and

Globalization has made millions in the developing world

Switzerland, also have the largest proportion of

more aware of higher standard of living that people inimmigrants workers; in Dubai, perhaps the mostthe industrialized world enjoy, and development has

dynamic economy in the Middle East, migrants

lowered the international and financial cost and travel

workers actually outnumber the native-born nine totimes involved and raised living standards to the pointone. (Goldin 2006, p. 114-115)

where migration is considered by many.
Increased immigration could contribute to Japan’s global

Increased immigration could contribute greatly to Japan’s global

competitiveness by helping business organizations broaden its

competitiveness. Immigrant workers could make a diversity inmarkets and enriches Japanese culture by bringing newworkplace which would help company or enterprise globalize theirperspectives and cultures. Hence, there is no doubt thatorganization; the business networks could be expanded withimmigration could contribute to the globalization of Japan.

employees from a lot of different backgrounds. Hiring immigrants
makes it easier for business organization to expand their business

Chapter 3 Potential risks and problems caused byinto foreign market thanks to the immigrant workers who know

increased immigrants

their culture. For instance, when a Japanese business organization

Opponents of immigration have concerns about adverse impacts

seeks to expand their business into Chinese market, a Chinese salesof increased immigration on the social conditions, labour market,

representative working for the Japanese business organization

public finances, collision of culture and so on. In this chapter, four

could provide language and cultural knowledge which are hard topotential risks of increased immigration will be discussed.

comprehend for Japanese people. Business organizations could
also gain broader perspectives and knowledge supplied by people

Chapter 3.1 Possibility that increased migrants disturb

from different backgrounds.

the public peace of the host country

7

Opponents of immigration often point out that Japan’s publiccurrent wave of immigration into the United States does notpeace may be disturbed by increased number of immigrants. There

increase crime and, in many cases, a higher percentage ofare wide-spread perceptions in Japan that foreigners often commit

immigrants in the population is associated with lower crime rates’

crimes (Kingston 2012). Shinjuku-city conducted an interview in(Polczynski Olson et al. 2009, p. 237). In addition, Smith and2006 and one of the respondents answered as follows: ‘Please doFuresth (cited in Ferraro 2013, p.142) claim that ‘immigrant

not let any more foreigners enter than this. Crimes will increase,communities are able to provide their members with support

making it more difficult for Japanese to live (Male, 50–59 years

systems by which to manage the stressors of social, cultural, andold)’ (Shinjuku-city cited in Nagy 2015, p.380). In fact, the arrival

economic marginalization’.

of increased immigrants was expected to cause a disorganizationin the destinations of immigrants because of the limited

In this way, most of the studies similarly deny the correlation

mechanisms to aid in incorporation of immigrants (Ferrao 2013).

between increased immigrants and crimes. Clearly, increased
immigration does not always mean higher crime rate. These

A number of studies do not support this perception. Kingston

findings on immigration and crime should be able to get rid of the(2012) argues that disproportionate to the number of foreigners,

image of immigrants as a criminal element and change thenational crime statistics show that in fact foreigners do not resort

negative public image of immigration.

to crime and most of their offenses are related to visa violations.
Other researchers also found that increased immigrants and crime

Chapter 3.2 Impact on unemployment of native

are not correlated. Bianchi, Buonanno and Pinotti (2012)

population

investigated the causal impact of immigration on crime across

There has been an argument that increased immigrants will take

Italian provinces during the 1990s and failed to support thejobs from native workers and create negative impacts on

widespread perception of a causal relationship between

unemployment. Coppel, Dumont and Visco (2001) argue that theimmigration and crime. According to the research conducted in the

opponents of immigration have concerns that increased

United States by Ferraro (2013, p.142),

immigration will lead to higher unemployment and lower wages

Changes in immigration exert no effect on changes infor the native population; however, the negative impact ofcrime, whether overall, violent, or property; whether

immigration on unemployment are not obvious.

among immigrants arriving only within the previous five
years or those who have been here for decades; andThere have been mainly two arguments about the impact ofwhether in places with established histories ofimmigration on labour market. The first argument is that for every

immigrant reception or those whose histories are justimmigrant who finds employment, a native-born worker isbeginning casts another boulder of doubt on thedisplaced (Greenwood & McDowell cited in Borjas & Tienda

persistent perception of an immigration-crime link.

1987). This argument was made based on the assumptions that the
number of jobs is fixed and immigrant workers can be perfect

Furthermore, Polczynski Olson et al. (2009) reported that levels of

substitutes in the production process; however, these assumptions

criminal involvement of immigrants is in fact lower than the native

are not necessarily correct (Borjas & Tienda 1987). The otherborn with few exceptions based on recent investigations. ‘The

argument is that the entry of immigrant workers into the labour8market does not result in a significant displacement of native-born

The host community also needs to play its part in theworkers because immigrants take a distinct set of jobs which arebargainundesirable jobs that native-born workers are not willing to takeenvironment: providing language tuition; recognizing(Piore cited in Borjas & Tienda 1987). For the most part the native-

qualifications and giving employment advice; making

born workers work in the good jobs available in the primary sector,

available classes on its political institutions, laws andwhereas immigrant workers, especially who are non-skilled, arevalues; giving political leadership and working with therelegated to the low-paying jobs in the secondary sector (Borjas &public to fight racism and discrimination. Giving

Tienda 1987). Immigrant workers may compete for jobs with

migrants access to work should be the central part of thenative-born workers who work in the secondary sector which

integration process. It is not just an important way forrequires no skills. The impacts of immigration on the labour

migrants to put something back into society, it is central

market mostly depend on the skills of immigrant workers and how

to their self-esteem, a critical way to build up social

quickly they adapt themselves to the new working environment.

networks, learn the language and become embedded inbycreating

an

open

and

welcoming

local society. (Nagy 2015 p. 367)
Nonetheless, most studies fail to find the obvious adverse impacts

Coppel, Dumont and Visco (2001 p.16) argue that although thereof immigration on the unemployment of native-born population.

is concerns about the size of the fiscal cost of immigration and‘Available empirical studies from the United States fail to find thatpolicies such as language training specially designed to facilitate

immigration has harmful effects in terms of raising unemployment

the pace of migrant assimilation, an assessment of the economic

in the receiving country’ (Simon, Borjas, & Friedberg & Hunt

impact of immigration depends to a large degree on the economic

cited in Coppel, Dumont & Visco 2001, p.15). A few studies show

performance of immigrants themselves and how quickly theythat there are small negative effects of immigration on

succeed in integrating themselves into the labour market in theunemployment in Europe (Winkelman & Zimmerman cited inhost country.

Coppel, Dumont & Visco 2001).
Other common concern is that immigrants may consume moreHence, it can be concluded that the increased immigration does not

public welfare services than they contribute in tax revenue. Public

have obvious negative impact on the unemployment of native-born

health care systems may be hard put to accommodate the arrival of

workers; even if there are small negative impact, it can belarge numbers of immigrants who are uninsured (Goldin 2006).

negligible.

The question is whether increased immigration places anadditional cost on social welfare, education and health systems

Chapter 3.3 Fiscal costs of receiving more immigrants

which is not compensated by higher tax payments (Coppel,

There is a concern that increased immigration may increase theDumont & Visco 2001). Coppel, Dumont and Visco (2001) argue

fiscal cost of its host country. The host country has to assimilatethat some governments put policies such as waiting periods inthe international migrants in favourable ways; providing language

place, which restrict access of new arrivals to some social

program, employment supports and so on all of which will beprotection payments, including unemployment benefits. However,

initial costs to the host country. It was stated thatas stated in chapter 2.2, most studies found that immigrants are less9

likely to receive public assistance, even when they do, they

immigration, a proper immigration policy needs to be developed.

modestly use social welfare system compared to natives.

Further suggestion about this matter will be made in chapter 4.

Costs that the host country has to compensate may initially

Chapter 4 Suggestions for a future immigration

increase as the host country has to help the assimilation ofpolicy of Japan

immigrants; however, in the long run, the cost should not be huge

Taking account of the discussion in the chapter 2 and 3, someas immigrants start to work and pay taxes.

suggestions for Japan’s new immigration policy will be consideredin this chapter.

Chapter 3.4 Possibility that increased immigration will
increase the opponents of immigration

Chapter 4.1 Respect for immigrants’ right

There is a concern that increased immigration will increase theSome researchers proposed the things need to be considered for

opponents of immigration because of different lifestyle ofthe better immigration policy. Berry (cited in Nagy 2015, p. 368)

immigrants. The impact of a large influx of immigrants from quite

illustrated three essential features of integration of immigrants.

different cultures on the local culture could be a cost to the host-Equality: Everyone is treated equally, has a right to faircountry (Goldin 2006). In Japan, as immigrants increase in theoutcomes, and no one should expect special privileges

local community, local residents encountered difficulties withbecause of what they are.

their new neighbours who have different lifestyle (Kingston 2012).

-

Participation: All groups in the society should expect to

It might be more difficult for the local communities to sustain theirshare in how decisions are made, but should also expect

identities when they are forced to accept the entry and diversity of

to carry the responsibilities of making the society work.

immigrants. Many immigrants found that the Japanese people they-Interaction: No one should be trapped within his/her

encountered to be cold, unfriendly and unreceptive making

own community. In a truly integrated society, he/she

integration of immigrants more difficult (Kingston 2012).

should be able to work with and have friendships in andInterestingly, a respondent of an interview conducted by Shinjuku-

outside his/her own cultural/ ethnic community.

city (cited in Nagy 2015 p. 380) claimed ‘Foreigners should learn

Global Commission on International Migration (GCIM cited in

more about Japan. Doing this, discrimination by Japanese will

Goldin 2006 p. 119) placed an emphasis on human right ofdisappear. We don’t forget those who make effort’. It is obvious

immigrants. These are the six broad principles proposed by GCIM.

that multicultural coexistence should be dealt with special care-

People should be able to migrate by choice rather thanensuring that the local community can maintain the Japaneseout of necessity, in a safe and authorized manner andintegrity.

because their skills are valued and needed.
-

The role of migrants in promoting economic growth,Moreover, local workers whose labour is substitutable with

development,

immigrant workers could lose from immigration and these people

recognized and reinforced; migration must become an

could become the opponents of immigration. Rapid increase of

integral part of global development strategies.

immigration could create an antipathy and antagonism among the-

local population. In order to avoid these potential risks of increased

andpoverty

reduction

shouldbeStates, exercising their sovereign right to decide whoenters their territory, should cooperate with each other10-in an effort to stem irregular migration, while fully

New immigration policy needs to be designed to enable business

respecting the rights of migrants and refugees andorganizations to access the human resources or skills that they

readmitting those citizens who choose to return theirneed to fill the labour shortages; not to replace native-bornhome country.

workforce with cheap labour from abroad. Great care is requiredLong-termandauthorized

migrantsshouldbeto ensure that Japanese workers with comparable skills are noteffectively integrated in the societies where they settle,

displaced.

so as to accommodate social diversity and foster social--

cohesion; migrants must be aware of their rights andChapter 4.3 Avoiding cultural conflicts

respect their legal obligations.

In Japan, there is a lack of the recognition for immigrants’ roles in

The human rights framework affecting international

Japanese economy among the native-born nation. Raisingmigrants should be implemented more effectively, so asawareness of the roles of immigrants is necessary while promoting

to improve protections and labor standards for migrants.

immigration in Japan. Emphasis should be placed on cross-cultural

Migration policies should be enhanced by improved

understanding in the assimilation of immigrants in order to avoid

coherence and strengthened capacity at the national level,

cultural conflicts. Both Japanese nation and immigrants should

by greater cooperation at the regional level, and by more

understand each other properly. Doing it step by step could help

effective dialogue and consultation among governments

people understand other cultures better; people first have toand between international organizations at the global

recognize other culture, then respect the culture and finallylevel.

reconcile with other culture.

These principles and suggestions should be used as a base forJapan’s new immigration policy. In particular, immigrants’ rightMoreover, Japan should place more focus on accepting moreshould be regarded as important. Immigrants should be consideredinternational students from all over the world. This would be aas equal partners with local Japanese people who can bring some

perfect opportunity for young students, both Japanese and non-benefits and help make Japan a better country.

Japanese, to learn about other cultures. For Japanese students,
studying with foreign student could help them learn about different

Chapter 4.2 Acceptance of low-skilledcultures and broaden their views and mind. For foreign students,

Acceptance of low-skilled workers should be included in the newthey can learn Japanese manners and how to do things in Japanese

immigration policy as well as high-skilled foreign nationals. Japanways by studying with Japanese students which will be advantages

should allow low-skilled workers to work in Japan at least as afor them when they start to work in Japan in the future.

short seasonal worker. They can fill the labour shortages in some
sectors such as agriculture and others. However, the acceptance ofConclusion

low-skilled workers needs to be done with special care. Risks ofThis paper has illustrated the present situation of immigration in

accepting more immigrants need to be managed in a proper way.

Japan and examined the benefits and problems of receiving more

There need to be a clear guideline which indicates what jobs caninternational migrants to Japan. In chapter 2, the benefits ofbe filled with immigrant workers.

receiving more international migrants has examined; immigrants
could fill the labour shortages in Japan, contribute to a better

11

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12