in, and clarifies the foreign nationals who may or may not enter and reside in Japan. Japanese immigration control administration is based on this status of residence system. (See Data 3)

There are currently 27 categories of status of residence, which can be roughly classified as follows:

(a) Status of residence categories based on the activities in which foreign nationals may be engaged while in Japan ((i) through (v) in the list later in this chapter).

(b) Status of residence categories based on civil status or position ((vi)).

The former is based on what the foreign national does and the latter on who they are.

Japan permits the entry and residence of foreign nationals whose employment requires special technology, skills, or knowledge. However, Japan does not permit so-called manual or unskilled laborers of foreign nationality $ ^{5} $ . Therefore, the residence status types can be classified into those for which employment (operating a business for income or any other activity for which there is monetary remuneration) is permitted ((i), (ii), (v), and (vi)) and those for which employment is not permitted ((iii) and (iv)). While the purpose of (vi) is not employment, since it does not impose any restrictions on activities, the foreign national is free to find employment.

Some of these status of residence categories may affect Japanese industry and the livelihood of citizens, judging from the nature of their activities. Foreign nationals who seek to enter and reside in Japan under one of these categories ((ii) and (iv)) will be denied landing unless they satisfy the landing permission criteria established by a Ministry of Justice ordinance.

Typical occupations for each status of residence category are provided as examples on the following page.

5 Basic policy concerning admission of foreign workers

The amended Immigration Control Act enacted in 1990 clarified, among others, the status of residence of foreign nationals who are engaged in occupational activities using special technology, skills, or knowledge.

With regard to the fact that no status of residence was provided for manual laborers, an outline of the proposal submitted to the Diet after a cabinet resolution stated, “No consensus has been reached on admitting manual laborers (those who require no special technology, skills, or knowledge). In addition, since admitting entry of manual laborers may have a large impact on Japanese society, it is necessary to continue a thorough discussion on the issue, solicit opinions from a wide range of relevant parties in Japan, and develop the required measures based on a long-term vision.”

The Committee of Judicial Affairs of the House of Representatives, which discussed the proposed amendment, adopted a supplementary resolution that read, “Because the debate on the admission of so-called manual laborers is split in Japan, it is necessary to continue a thorough discussion on whether or not to accept them by soliciting opinions from a wide range of relevant parties in Japan.” (November 17, 1989)

The situation has not changed to the present day. The “9th Basic Plan on Employment Measures” adopted by the Cabinet on August 13, 1999, repeated the basic policy, “The Government will more actively promote the acceptance of foreign workers in professional or technical fields from the standpoint of revitalizing and internationalizing Japan’s economy and society.” “Concerning the acceptance of so-called unskilled workers, it can be expected to have a tremendous effect on the Japanese economy, society and national life, beginning with problems related to the domestic labor market. In addition, it would have a significant impact on both the foreign workers themselves and their countries. Therefore, the Government must deal with this issue with thorough deliberation based on a consensus among the Japanese people.”