Japan’s Foreign Population (Julien)

              It shouldn’t surprise you when coming to Japan that gaikokujin, or foreigners, are sparsely in sight. Japan is one of the most homogenous countries in the world. Not even many other East Asian ethnic groups are in Japan, though their proximity is close. The rationale for this may lie in a number of reasons. Among them, Japan’s xenophobic past, and its luxury of being an isolated island on the edge of the world. In fact, up until the latter half of the 20^th century, foreigners were enclosed to small enclaves for the sole purpose of trade, and forbidden, by fear of death, to move freely outside their perimeters. As one can imagine, this fact has united the Japanese people to have both a greater sense of community and nationality than most other nation-states. This attribute notoriously manifested itself in the first half of the 21^st century.

              Because of this not so ancient history, Japan has one of the strongest immigration policies of any country. The influx of immigrants, unlike in the USA, is extremely controlled and limited, mostly to the educated and those possessing Japanese spouses. This being said, however, there is an underclass of illegal and poorer immigrants. Most notably: Koreans, who were once used as laborers during WWII, Chinese and Southeast Asian migrants, who seek unskilled labor, Brazilians, many who claim Japanese ancestry, and Iranian and Indian immigrants, seeking a better life in the economic powerhouse of Japan, which is relatively closer than Europe or the States. Because they have less income and are from poorer countries, these are the groups that are most often discriminated against and targeted by police. Many of them live in segregated ghettos, often not seen or heard from in the media.

 

              If you can afford to study and/or work in Japan, you will most likely not ever be discriminated against, as your economic activity is highly appreciated by the Japanese people. If you are a Westerner you will be at the top of the pyramid amongst foreigners, in the eyes of many Japanese. Don’t be too giddy about this, however, as it is obnoxious and will result in resentment. Apart from this, Japanese people are interested in most foreigners from anywhere, as they represent something new, unique, and cool. Many foreigners are often seen on Japanese TV, commercials, and advertisements (Black and White). They are known as Gaijin Tarento (foreign talent). Many Japanese may want to be your friend, solely because you are a foreigner, but please recognize and don’t exploit this, as it is only skin deep. Be cool and modest about being a foreigner and you will be even more appreciated. You may also find as you move away from the metropolitan areas that there are even less foreigners. Therefore, be on your guard and act your best.