Open Borders, Open Society?

Is Japan prepared for an ethnically-diverse society? The volume examines the past and future trajectory of Japan’s immigration and integration policies and related institutions, taking a cross-disciplinary approach in social sciences. The authors highlight critical issues and challenges that the nation is facing as a result of the government’s inarticulate migrant-acceptance policy, e.g. in the fields of refugee policies, multicultural education and disaster protection. How can the situation Is Japan prepared for an ethnically-diverse society? The volume examines the past and future trajectory of Japan’s immigration and integration policies and related institutions, taking a cross-disciplinary approach in social sciences. The authors highlight critical issues and challenges that the nation is facing as a result of the government’s n be improved? The book investigates the changes and initiatives needed to build a resilient policy regime for a liberal, pluralistic, and inclusive Japan. Japan, a long-time immigration laggard, is opening its gate to foreign workers, both skilled and less-skilled, to address its chronic labor shortage through legal and policy changes. Both government and society are awkwardly exploring “multicultural coexistence”―the harmony of Japanese nationals and others of foreign origin.