Debate on Immigrants: Balancing Public Sentiment and Practical Policy

Foreign workers are now a daily presence in Japan's urban areas. They are found working in convenience stores, restaurants, and office buildings as cleaning staff. In many businesses, foreign employees have become common. Yet, many Japanese still resist the idea of Japan becoming a society that embraces immigrants.

The government and business sectors are expanding the acceptance of foreign workers through policy changes. However, there is no public consensus on how to manage their immigration. Therefore, serious social issues are put off for the future.

In December, a call for a boycott of a confectionery company emerged on social media. AFP reported the controversy, which stemmed from remarks by Kameda Seika Chairman and CEO Lekh Raj Juneja.

A Provocative Statement

According to the article, Juneja stated that Japan must change its mindset and accept more immigrants to restore the economic glory of its high-growth era. His comment, particularly the assertion that Japan has "no choice but to accept more immigrants," triggered a backlash and led to boycott calls.

Allegations that some of the company's products used Chinese ingredients further fueled the uproar. Kameda Seika declined all media inquiries regarding this issue.

Born in India, Juneja first came to Japan in 1984 to study biotechnology at Osaka University. After joining a Japanese company, he built his career and served as vice president and director at Rohto Pharmaceutical. Following his time at Rohto Pharmaceutical, he became CEO of Kameda Seika in 2022. Mr Juneja is also a naturalized Japanese citizen,

Strong Aversion

In 2023, I had the opportunity to hear Juneja speak at a Japan-India Association seminar. Speaking fluent Japanese with a sense of humor, he expressed deep respect and affection for Japan. He passionately argued that Japan could and should do better. Meant as encouragement for Japan's progress, his recent comments inadvertently caused strong backlash due to the use of the term "immigrant."

Whether such remarks warranted a boycott against the company, however, is debatable. Kameda Seika's employees, who must now deal with complaints, are the most inconvenienced by this situation.

*The building housing Japan's Immigration Services Agency. April 25, Chiyoda, Tokyo. (©Kyodo)*

The incident highlights the strong aversion toward the term "immigrant." Many Japanese associated it with the people flooding into Western countries and portrayed in the media as engaging in criminal activities. Therefore, the term often triggers an involuntary negative response. Juneja was likely referring to skilled foreign professionals, but the lack of nuance in the article made him an easy target for criticism.

Overcoming Misconceptions

In her book A Nation Cold to Refugees? (Nanmin ni tsumetai kuni? Nippon: Shien to shinsa no genba kara, Keio University Press, 2023), Fusako Yanase, a veteran refugee support activist, clarifies misconceptions about refugees, immigrants, and other migrants. She emphasizes that mutual consent between migrants and host nations is essential. Moreover, she notes that Japan as a nation does not automatically allow permanent settlement.

Involved in refugee support for many years as part of the certified NPO Refugees International Japan, Yanase explains:

"A person becomes a legitimate immigrant when their intention to move aligns with the host country's system in a mutually agreeable situation. However, if they do not meet the host country's criteria, their continued stay in Japan as immigrants becomes illegal. Moreover, in Japan, immigrants are not presumed to be permanent residents from the outset."

Yanase's motivation for writing the book was to counter the misconception that Japan is cold toward refugees. She highlights the support refugees receive from the government, private organizations, and individuals, enabling them to become independent and active. However, this reality is not widely reported, and the term "refugees" is often misused. Recently, Asahi Shimbun reported on homeless individuals described as "refugees." Genuine refugees, though, would hold official refugee status.

Unpacking Misunderstandings

Ms Yanase serves as a refugee examination counselor for the Ministry of Justice. On April 21, 2021, her testimony at the House of Representatives Legal Affairs Committee garnered attention. She admitted that, before taking on the role, she doubted whether immigration authorities properly recognized those deserving of refugee status.

Driven by a strong determination "to identify and assist individuals with credible refugee claims," she dedicated herself to the position. However, over 17 years and more than 2,000 cases, she testified that she was able to submit opinions supporting refugee recognition for only six individuals.

During my meeting with Ms Yanase last December, I learned that some people apply for refugee status in Japan due to a misunderstanding. They believe that by applying, they can gain permission to work, thinking that a refugee visa provides a work qualification.

This misconception is especially prevalent among some Kurdish minorities from Turkey who reside in Kawaguchi City, Saitama Prefecture. Many entered Japan seeking employment opportunities and later filed for refugee status.

The Need for Reform

There is a lengthy processing time for refugee status applications. Therefore, currently, applicants can work under a six-month "Designated Activities" visa while their application is pending. However, applicants are limited to two submissions under the revised Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, which took effect in June 2024. After the third application is denied, those without new special circumstances can be deported.

*A plenary session of the House of Councillors, where a bill to revise the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act was passed. May 1, 2023. (© Kyodo)*

Still, the six-month "Designated Activities" visa offers greater flexibility than other work-based residency statuses, which have more conditions. As a result, some view applying for refugee status as an alternative way to obtain work qualifications.

Some applicants also work during the refugee application process to acquire skills. Unfortunately, this then leads to a vicious cycle of "illegal stay, unauthorized employment, avoidance of deportation, and prolonged detention." This reality highlights the need for further improvements in the system.

Yanase reflects in her book:

"The future of immigration and residency administration is shaped by the policies for accepting foreign talent and resources. It hinges on the vision for Japan's future and the legacy we leave for our children. Establishing a foundation for this vision requires consensus built through national debate."

Although this writer opposes immigration policies that enable permanent settlement upon entry, I find this perspective compelling and worth considering.

Balancing Emotion with Economics

The July 2024 issue of Seiron featured an article by Aoyama Gakuin University Professor Yoshitaka Fukui titled 'The Gradual Acceptance of 'Immigrants.'' It examines the 2023 report 'Borderless Welfare State (final edition)' published in the Netherlands. In his Seiron article, Professor Fukui also discusses the economic impact of immigration based on research by Harvard University's Professor George Borjas.

A common theme in both analyses is the attempt to view immigration not as an emotional issue, but as one of practical calculation. Through such work, Fukui aims to foster constructive debate.

Discussing immigration in terms of economic impact may face criticism, but accepting immigrants only to impoverish the nation is counterproductive. Since accepting immigrants incurs costs, the economic effects they bring cannot be ignored.

From the cases of the Netherlands and the United States, Fukui concludes that "immigration is a redistributive policy that does not increase national income but widens income disparities. Businesses and elites benefit, while those who lose out are ordinary citizens."

The Dutch report, based on individual data for the entire Dutch population, estimates the fiscal contributions and expenditures associated with immigrants and native-born citizens. In 2016, the fiscal contribution of immigrants from non-Western countries was negative ¥1.7 million JPY ($10,785 USD) per person. Furthermore, when analyzed over several years, the negative impact became even more pronounced. Fukui accounts for variables such as inflation and explains that while the argument may seem cold, it necessitates calm deliberation.

Bridging Divergent Perspectives

While Yanase draws on field experience working with refugees, Fukui relies on data to analyze economic effects. Yanase advocates for multicultural coexistence. Meanwhile, Fukui prioritizes the welfare of domestic citizens, particularly the vulnerable.

Politics must bridge this divide and achieve public consensus. Failure to do so risks fostering emotionally charged conflicts without the benefit of data-driven discourse and practical solutions.

(Read the article in Japanese.)

Author: Makiko Takita, The Sankei Shimbun