Japan may boost immigrant numbers

[Aepsilons]

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga on Friday did not deny a media report that the administration is considering increasing the number of immigrants to boost Japan’s potential for long-term economic growth.

The Sankei Shimbun reported Friday that the Abe administration has decided to consider accepting a massive number of immigrants, possibly as many as 200,000 a year, to make up for the rapid aging and shrinking of the Japanese population.

“It is true (the Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy) is now having discussions to promote mid- to long-term development of Japan, with an eye on structural changes such as the shrinking of the population,” Suga, the top government spokesman, said during his daily news conference.

“It is also true a knowledgeable person there proposed the utilization of foreigners as one policy option . . . but we, as the government, have not made any decisions on such a matter yet,” Suga said.

As he pointed out, during the Feb. 24 session of a subcommittee of the Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy, a key advisory body for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the administration revealed an estimate that Japan will be able to maintain a population of more than 100 million if it accepts 200,000 immigrants a year and the total fertility rate, a key indicator of a country’s birth trends, recovers to 2.07 by 2030 from the current 1.39.

Whether to accept huge numbers of immigrants to maintain Japan’s economic potential has long been a politically sensitive issue. Many conservative lawmakers in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party are opposed to such ideas.

But earlier this month, in an apparent sign of a policy shift, a high-ranking official close to Abe argued that Japan should accept a large number of foreign unskilled workers and that such a policy should be included in a package of new growth strategies Abe plans to announce in June.

“Resistance of the LDP is strong, but it’d be easier to win understanding of people if (immigrants are limited to) such areas as domestic helpers, baby sitters, medical workers and nurses,” the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The Abe aide also pointed out that the prime minister, in a speech delivered at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Jan. 22, already promised to world business leaders that Japan will accept more foreign workers.

“Few people have understood the importance of the speech, but (Abe) has already made the promise to world leaders in Davos,” the official said.

In his speech to global business and political leaders, Abe said Japan should tap more female workers to increase the country’s growth potential, and for that purpose, Japan “needs support of foreigners” in such areas as domestic help and home nursing of the elderly.



@That Guy , @TaiShang , @Echo_419 , @Armstrong , @waz , @LeveragedBuyout

Japan may boost immigrant numbers | The Japan Times

 

[That Guy]

Nevermind on the previous comment, you just answered me

 

[LeveragedBuyout]

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga on Friday did not deny a media report that the administration is considering increasing the number of immigrants to boost Japan’s potential for long-term economic growth.

The Sankei Shimbun reported Friday that the Abe administration has decided to consider accepting a massive number of immigrants, possibly as many as 200,000 a year, to make up for the rapid aging and shrinking of the Japanese population.

“It is true (the Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy) is now having discussions to promote mid- to long-term development of Japan, with an eye on structural changes such as the shrinking of the population,” Suga, the top government spokesman, said during his daily news conference.

“It is also true a knowledgeable person there proposed the utilization of foreigners as one policy option . . . but we, as the government, have not made any decisions on such a matter yet,” Suga said.

As he pointed out, during the Feb. 24 session of a subcommittee of the Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy, a key advisory body for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the administration revealed an estimate that Japan will be able to maintain a population of more than 100 million if it accepts 200,000 immigrants a year and the total fertility rate, a key indicator of a country’s birth trends, recovers to 2.07 by 2030 from the current 1.39.

Whether to accept huge numbers of immigrants to maintain Japan’s economic potential has long been a politically sensitive issue. Many conservative lawmakers in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party are opposed to such ideas.

But earlier this month, in an apparent sign of a policy shift, a high-ranking official close to Abe argued that Japan should accept a large number of foreign unskilled workers and that such a policy should be included in a package of new growth strategies Abe plans to announce in June.

“Resistance of the LDP is strong, but it’d be easier to win understanding of people if (immigrants are limited to) such areas as domestic helpers, baby sitters, medical workers and nurses,” the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The Abe aide also pointed out that the prime minister, in a speech delivered at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Jan. 22, already promised to world business leaders that Japan will accept more foreign workers.

“Few people have understood the importance of the speech, but (Abe) has already made the promise to world leaders in Davos,” the official said.

In his speech to global business and political leaders, Abe said Japan should tap more female workers to increase the country’s growth potential, and for that purpose, Japan “needs support of foreigners” in such areas as domestic help and home nursing of the elderly.



@That Guy , @TaiShang , @Echo_419 , @Armstrong , @waz , @LeveragedBuyout

Japan may boost immigrant numbers | The Japan Times

On a personal level, I'm packing my bags.

But in all seriousness, I would say that this is a mistake on Japan's part, because multi-culturalism kills societies. That said, if immigration is managed well through a points system, as is used in Canada and Australia, then Japan can screen for populations that will both contribute to national wealth, and also have the necessary psychological composition that will enable them to assimilate. Japan was smart to concentrate on populations that have a closer physical resemblance (Koreans, Chinese, etc.), who can plausibly blend in perfectly with the local population within a few generations. But the problems with accepting the Brazilian Japanese should serve as a warning that above all else, culture matters. Accept the culture, learn the language, bring wealth, contribute skills. That should be the order of priority.

Unfortunately, I am not hopeful, as there are virtually no examples of long-term success in this area (Canada seems to be doing better than most, but Australian Jihadists are now fighting for ISIS). Good luck to Japan.

 

[Aepsilons]

Nevermind on the previous comment, you just answered me

I believe that in the next 5-10 years, we'll be seeing more and more diversification of Japan. It is long awaited!

On a personal level, I'm packing my bags.

But in all seriousness, I would say that this is a mistake on Japan's part, because multi-culturalism kills societies. That said, if immigration is managed well through a points system, as is used in Canada and Australia, then Japan can screen for populations that will both contribute to national wealth, and also have the necessary psychological composition that will enable them to assimilate. Japan was smart to concentrate on populations that have a closer physical resemblance (Koreans, Chinese, etc.), who can plausibly blend in perfectly with the local population within a few generations. But the problems with accepting the Brazilian Japanese should serve as a warning that above all else, culture matters. Accept the culture, learn the language, bring wealth, contribute skills. That should be the order of priority.

Unfortunately, I am not hopeful, as there are virtually no examples of long-term success in this area (Canada seems to be doing better than most, but Australian Jihadists are now fighting for ISIS). Good luck to Japan.

You bring a sobering point, Sir, and it is much welcomed ! Considering that I am taking advantage of the United States' H1B visa system, I believe that the United States' platform of bringing in intellectuals from abroad -- is -- remarkable -- impressive. I believe that Japan should imitate the American strategy, as well as follow the standards of the US and Canada by bringing in professionals from abroad. You make a strong point about multiculturalism and some problems that may arise, but , hopefully by then we can learn more from model societies like the United States and Canada in how they deal with multiculturalism and assimilation. I'm trying to be hopeful, too. We need fresh blood, lol.

 

[That Guy]

I believe that in the next 5-10 years, we'll be seeing more and more diversification of Japan. It is long awaited!

Only time will tell if these policies work out.

Japan has already applied a lax policy on tourist visas to many friendly nations this year. I think that by the end of this year, or by 2015, there will be increased immigration of foreign workers , foreign professionals in Japan. This will continue until the domestic growth / reproductive rate increases from 1.39 to 2.00+.

I think this will be perfect because it will bring in new innovative minds to Japan. And an added diversity.

Source: Foreign brides fill the gap in rural Japan | Page 4

I'm continuing the discussion here, because it's more relevant.

200,000 seems like a massive amount of immigrants per year, this may cause a bit of friction with the local population who may not be ready, thus may end up being hostile. It happens all the time, it's called culture shock.

An increase from 1.39 to 2+ by 2030 seems a bit...I don't know how to describe it exactly, It seems too quick.

On a personal level, I'm packing my bags.

But in all seriousness, I would say that this is a mistake on Japan's part, because multi-culturalism kills societies. That said, if immigration is managed well through a points system, as is used in Canada and Australia, then Japan can screen for populations that will both contribute to national wealth, and also have the necessary psychological composition that will enable them to assimilate. Japan was smart to concentrate on populations that have a closer physical resemblance (Koreans, Chinese, etc.), who can plausibly blend in perfectly with the local population within a few generations. But the problems with accepting the Brazilian Japanese should serve as a warning that above all else, culture matters. Accept the culture, learn the language, bring wealth, contribute skills. That should be the order of priority.

Unfortunately, I am not hopeful, as there are virtually no examples of long-term success in this area (Canada seems to be doing better than most, but Australian Jihadists are now fighting for ISIS). Good luck to Japan.

Multiculturalism kills societies? I'm sorry, I couldn't hear you over common sense. The US and Canada are both multicultural, and they're far from dead.

I know it's nitpicking your comment, but I cannot stand people who think like this.

 

[Aepsilons]

Only time will tell if these policies work out.



I'm continuing the discussion here, because it's more relevant.

200,000 seems like a massive amount of immigrants per year, this may cause a bit of friction with the local population who may not be ready, thus may end up being hostile. It happens all the time, it's called culture shock.

An increase from 1.39 to 2+ by 2030 seems a bit...I don't know how to describe it exactly, It seems too quick.

Hi Sir,

I agree that 200,000 a year is too much in the beginning. The MOI (Ministry of Immigration) should start a healthy rate of around 10,000 - 20,000 a year and then work it upward.

The culture shock is definitely a reality. I think that new immigrants should be enrolled in Japanese language classes prior to their arrival in Japan as well as even in Japan. When they in Japan -- they will be immersed and this way learning becomes easier. This should be something the MOI considers.

 

[That Guy]

Hi Sir,

I agree that 200,000 a year is too much in the beginning. The MOI (Ministry of Immigration) should start a healthy rate of around 10,000 - 20,000 a year and then work it upward.

The culture shock is definitely a reality. I think that new immigrants should be enrolled in Japanese language classes prior to their arrival in Japan as well as even in Japan. When they in Japan -- they will be immersed and this way learning becomes easier. This should be something the MOI considers.

This is going to be extremely tough thing to pull off. Canada has been doing it for decades, but it still has major issues to deal with.

 

[LeveragedBuyout]

Only time will tell if these policies work out.



I'm continuing the discussion here, because it's more relevant.

200,000 seems like a massive amount of immigrants per year, this may cause a bit of friction with the local population who may not be ready, thus may end up being hostile. It happens all the time, it's called culture shock.

An increase from 1.39 to 2+ by 2030 seems a bit...I don't know how to describe it exactly, It seems too quick.


Multiculturalism kills societies? I'm sorry, I couldn't hear you over common sense. The US and Canada are both multicultural, and they're far from dead.

I know it's nitpicking your comment, but I cannot stand people who think like this.

No. Canada and the US are multi-racial, but we have been mono-cultural societies. Now that certain ethnic minorities have achieved certain critical mass, we are becoming multi-cultural, with several cultures existing side-by-side. This manifests itself in different languages, different political affiliations, different perceptions on the ideal size and role of government, different views on America's role in the world.

It's possible to be non-White, and speak English with an accent, but embrace the free market, democracy, and constitutional government--and thus claim to be American without causing any doubt among native-born Americans. But it's also possible to wave a foreign flag at public American events, condemn America at every opportunity and venerate an ancestral homeland, call for socialism, racial polarism, dictatorial government, and create niche societies where English is not the lingua franca--and cause much doubt about loyalties, or indeed, raise questions as to whether the individual or individuals in question might be more comfortable elsewhere.

The former is evidence of mono-culturalism, the latter is evidence of multi-culturalism. The former is changing oneself, leaving behind one's flawed, broken country to embrace the virtues of America, the latter is refusing to change oneself, leaving one's flawed and broken country to make America also flawed and broken.

In the era of the nation-state, multi-racialism is fine. Multi-culturalism is not. If you are a "post nation-state" member of the left, then we'll never be able to agree, but if you are not, then you will see that a unified national identity derives from a unified national culture.

 

[somsak]

cautious for religious that resists assymmilation.

 

[Echo_419]

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga on Friday did not deny a media report that the administration is considering increasing the number of immigrants to boost Japan’s potential for long-term economic growth.

The Sankei Shimbun reported Friday that the Abe administration has decided to consider accepting a massive number of immigrants, possibly as many as 200,000 a year, to make up for the rapid aging and shrinking of the Japanese population.

“It is true (the Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy) is now having discussions to promote mid- to long-term development of Japan, with an eye on structural changes such as the shrinking of the population,” Suga, the top government spokesman, said during his daily news conference.

“It is also true a knowledgeable person there proposed the utilization of foreigners as one policy option . . . but we, as the government, have not made any decisions on such a matter yet,” Suga said.

As he pointed out, during the Feb. 24 session of a subcommittee of the Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy, a key advisory body for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the administration revealed an estimate that Japan will be able to maintain a population of more than 100 million if it accepts 200,000 immigrants a year and the total fertility rate, a key indicator of a country’s birth trends, recovers to 2.07 by 2030 from the current 1.39.

Whether to accept huge numbers of immigrants to maintain Japan’s economic potential has long been a politically sensitive issue. Many conservative lawmakers in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party are opposed to such ideas.

But earlier this month, in an apparent sign of a policy shift, a high-ranking official close to Abe argued that Japan should accept a large number of foreign unskilled workers and that such a policy should be included in a package of new growth strategies Abe plans to announce in June.

“Resistance of the LDP is strong, but it’d be easier to win understanding of people if (immigrants are limited to) such areas as domestic helpers, baby sitters, medical workers and nurses,” the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The Abe aide also pointed out that the prime minister, in a speech delivered at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Jan. 22, already promised to world business leaders that Japan will accept more foreign workers.

“Few people have understood the importance of the speech, but (Abe) has already made the promise to world leaders in Davos,” the official said.

In his speech to global business and political leaders, Abe said Japan should tap more female workers to increase the country’s growth potential, and for that purpose, Japan “needs support of foreigners” in such areas as domestic help and home nursing of the elderly.



@That Guy , @TaiShang , @Echo_419 , @Armstrong , @waz , @LeveragedBuyout

Japan may boost immigrant numbers | The Japan Times

This is a great initiative on part of abe,but Japan should be extremely careful & screen each & every immigrant & do you have to know Japanese to study or live in Japan.

 

[TaiShang]

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga on Friday did not deny a media report that the administration is considering increasing the number of immigrants to boost Japan’s potential for long-term economic growth.

The Sankei Shimbun reported Friday that the Abe administration has decided to consider accepting a massive number of immigrants, possibly as many as 200,000 a year, to make up for the rapid aging and shrinking of the Japanese population.

“It is true (the Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy) is now having discussions to promote mid- to long-term development of Japan, with an eye on structural changes such as the shrinking of the population,” Suga, the top government spokesman, said during his daily news conference.

“It is also true a knowledgeable person there proposed the utilization of foreigners as one policy option . . . but we, as the government, have not made any decisions on such a matter yet,” Suga said.

As he pointed out, during the Feb. 24 session of a subcommittee of the Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy, a key advisory body for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the administration revealed an estimate that Japan will be able to maintain a population of more than 100 million if it accepts 200,000 immigrants a year and the total fertility rate, a key indicator of a country’s birth trends, recovers to 2.07 by 2030 from the current 1.39.

Whether to accept huge numbers of immigrants to maintain Japan’s economic potential has long been a politically sensitive issue. Many conservative lawmakers in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party are opposed to such ideas.

But earlier this month, in an apparent sign of a policy shift, a high-ranking official close to Abe argued that Japan should accept a large number of foreign unskilled workers and that such a policy should be included in a package of new growth strategies Abe plans to announce in June.

“Resistance of the LDP is strong, but it’d be easier to win understanding of people if (immigrants are limited to) such areas as domestic helpers, baby sitters, medical workers and nurses,” the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The Abe aide also pointed out that the prime minister, in a speech delivered at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Jan. 22, already promised to world business leaders that Japan will accept more foreign workers.

“Few people have understood the importance of the speech, but (Abe) has already made the promise to world leaders in Davos,” the official said.

In his speech to global business and political leaders, Abe said Japan should tap more female workers to increase the country’s growth potential, and for that purpose, Japan “needs support of foreigners” in such areas as domestic help and home nursing of the elderly.

@That Guy , @TaiShang , @Echo_419 , @Armstrong , @waz , @LeveragedBuyout

Japan may boost immigrant numbers | The Japan Times

That makes sense if a giant portion of the 200.000 proposed immigrants were to be recruited from nearby (East Asian) nations (as Japan has come to do), especially from China. Too much 'foreign' culture (especially in the case of Westerners who reject assimilation and often impose their own culture) is dangerous to the social-cultural fabric of the Japanese nation.

 

[Aepsilons]

That makes sense if a giant portion of the 200.000 proposed immigrants were to be recruited from nearby (East Asian) nations (as Japan has come to do), especially from China. Too much 'foreign' culture (especially in the case of Westerners who reject assimilation and often impose their own culture) is dangerous to the social-cultural fabric of the Japanese nation.

Most likely the professionals will be recruited from neighboring East Asia and South East Asia. As you may already know, since you are Taiwanese, Japan has lax the visa requirements for Taiwanese passport holders into Japan. In fact, it is now possible for Taiwanese citizens or Taiwanese residents in Japan to apply for Japanese permanent resident status, and ultimately citizenship. With this we are expecting and allowing greater immigration of Taiwanese into Japan.

Chinese immigration to Japan is , as you may already know, very high. There is close to a million Chinese living in Japan, making the largest minority group in Japan, followed by the Koreans who number around 500,000 or so. Immigration of Chinese (PRC) and South Korean professionals to Japan would be good -- I think this would readily decrease the perception that South Korea and China are hostile to Japan .

In addition, since there are already a trend of Chinese millionaires to migrate abroad; the immigration of wealthy Chinese to Japan would be good. This is exactly the type of immigrants the nation needs.

In regards to South East Asia; there are 3 countries that Japan has agreements: Indonesia, Vietnam and Philippines. We are importing care givers, nurses, physicians, pharmacists, physical therapists from these countries. This is a necessity because right now Japan is in need of some 160,000 caregivers, and over 40,000 nurses, and over 10,000 physicians.

 

[waz]

It sounds ok in principle, but I really think that Japan should concentrate on ethnic Japanese from Latin America first, as there are still quite large populations there, and they are always looking for opportunity. After this, start to work to bring back the Japanese from Europe, in particular Britain. Here in London we have over 100,000 Japanese folks alone! Thereafter do the same with Australia, where many young Japanese are.

I'm sure the above will go a long way in helping the country alleviate the problems associated with the population trends. If this is not enough, then look for the very best immigrants from East Asia, preferably Korea and China. But even then, having been to all three countries, there are great differences. I am a big believer in preserving cultures and identity. Japan is one of those nations that have so much to offer, and I don't want to see it lost to the delude of mass immigration.

Also the mass movement of unskilled workers to Japan has many pitfalls compared to benefits.

 

[Cheetah786]

On a personal level, I'm packing my bags.

But in all seriousness, I would say that this is a mistake on Japan's part, because multi-culturalism kills societies. That said, if immigration is managed well through a points system, as is used in Canada and Australia, then Japan can screen for populations that will both contribute to national wealth, and also have the necessary psychological composition that will enable them to assimilate. Japan was smart to concentrate on populations that have a closer physical resemblance (Koreans, Chinese, etc.), who can plausibly blend in perfectly with the local population within a few generations. But the problems with accepting the Brazilian Japanese should serve as a warning that above all else, culture matters. Accept the culture, learn the language, bring wealth, contribute skills. That should be the order of priority.

Unfortunately, I am not hopeful, as there are virtually no examples of long-term success in this area (Canada seems to be doing better than most, but Australian Jihadists are now fighting for ISIS). Good luck to Japan.

So you are saying immigrants have contributed absolutely nothing to American success. and where she is today isn't because of Brian power gained by immigration from all over the world.

 

[LeveragedBuyout]

So you are saying immigrants have contributed absolutely nothing to American success. and where she is today isn't because of Brian power gained by immigration from all over the world.

No. Where did you get that idea from?