Japan has long been on my travel wish list. I admire their culture and, in particular, the many artisans who create beautiful things. I also appreciate the unique things that the Japanese have created, such as anime. However, this topic has arisen because I am a foreigner with a darker complexion than the typical Japanese. This essay is intended to provide insight into what foreigners may encounter in order for them to be prepared to face these prejudices and treatment. This is not to say that foreigners cannot have positive experiences; rather, they should expect some form of discrimination and not be surprised or offended.
This essay explores the topic of xenophobia in Japan, examining its origins, manifestation in the country’s history and culture, and efforts to address and combat it. I discuss several factors that contribute to xenophobia in Japan, including the country’s history of isolation, rapid modernization and globalization, and relatively homogeneous population. The essay also highlights the negative consequences of xenophobia in Japan, including discrimination and prejudice against foreigners, as well as the impact on Japan’s relations with other countries. I also cite examples of discrimination and alienation faced by foreign residents and children in Japan.
Overall, the essay presents a thorough and nuanced analysis of xenophobia in Japan. The discussion of the historical and cultural factors that contribute to xenophobia is particularly illuminating, as is the discussion of the negative consequences of xenophobia for both foreigners and Japan as a whole. However, it would be helpful to see more concrete examples or statistics provided to support some of the points made in the essay, such as the prevalence of discrimination against foreign residents in Japan. Additionally, it would be interesting to see more exploration of potential solutions or efforts to combat xenophobia in Japan. Overall, this essay provides a valuable contribution to the understanding of xenophobia in Japan.
Japanese Xenophobia
Japan can be considered a tourist country but on the contrary, it can also be considered Xenophobic. In Japan, xenophobia, or fear and hatred of people from other countries, has a long and complicated history. Despite its long history of immigration and cultural exchange, Japan has not been immune to the types of xenophobia that have plagued other countries around the world. This paper will look at the origins of Japanese xenophobia, how it has manifested in the country’s history and culture, and some of the efforts made to address and combat this form of discrimination. People often wonder why Japanese people are afraid and rude to foreigners but have not considered looking at their history and demographic. The Japanese people have cultural and societal values that contribute to their xenophobia.
One of the key factors contributing to xenophobia in Japan is the country’s long period of isolation from the rest of the world. Prior to the mid-nineteenth century, Japan was largely isolated from the rest of the world, with little contact with other countries. This isolation aided in the development of a sense of cultural and national identity based on shared history and cultural traditions. It did, however, contribute to a sense of otherness and mistrust of those perceived as outsiders or foreigners.
Another factor influencing Japanese xenophobia is Japan’s rapid modernization and globalization in the latter half of the twentieth century. The number of foreigners living and working in Japan increased in tandem with the country’s economy and international presence. This influx of foreigners, combined with Japan’s history of isolation, has raised concerns about cultural erosion and a threat to national identity.
Japanese xenophobia has had serious consequences for the country and its citizens. It has resulted in prejudice and discrimination against foreigners, including hate crimes and discriminatory policies. This has had a negative impact on the lives of foreigners living in Japan, as well as on Japan’s relations with other countries.
Foreign residents in Japan face discrimination as an example of Japanese xenophobia. According to a Ministry of Justice survey conducted in 2018, nearly half of foreign residents in Japan have faced some form of discrimination (Ministry of Justice, 2018). This can manifest as verbal abuse, exclusion from social activities, or difficulty finding employment or housing.
In his video, foreigner youtuber Chris Broad, gives insight as to how work life is affected by the xenophobia, how he is alienated by his coworkers and work environment in general. People tend to avoid interaction with foreigners. Another example of alienation is amongst children. In schools, foreign children are subject to bullying by being called “Gaijin”, which can refer to an outsider or an alien. These social aspects contribute to the xenophobia in Japan.
There are several factors that contribute to the persistence of xenophobia in Japan. One factor is the country’s history of isolationism. Japan has a long history of isolation from the rest of the world, which has contributed to a sense of cultural homogeneity within the country (Iwamoto, 2015). This has also contributed to a lack of understanding and acceptance of cultural differences.
Japan has a relatively homogeneous population, with Japanese ethnicity constituting more than 98% of the population (Japan Statistics Bureau, 2020). This lack of diversity can lead to a lack of exposure to different cultures and perspectives, leading to fear or mistrust of people from other cultures.
Associate Professor Nagayoshi Kikuko in her article, “Prejudice against immigrants explained in numbers”, Published by The University of Tokyo, introduces the topic of Xenophobia in Japan. Nagayoshi had observed that xenophobia was a social problem as the society had discriminated against immigrants as a whole. She addresses this claim by her memories of the people around her telling her to avoid minorities. According to Nagayoshi, “Japan is a country where the native population dominates the charts, where 1.2% to 2% are immigrants.” This means that there is a major lack of representation of the minorities which can lead to discrimination. Nagyoshi’s purpose of the article is to educate people on why Japan has prejudice towards immigrants and how it is spread. Nagayoshi utilizes an informative tone for her audience, immigrants traveling to Japan, and foreigners to explain why they may feel outcasted.
In Japan, some efforts have been made to combat xenophobia, such as the passage of anti-discrimination legislation and the establishment of organizations and initiatives promoting cultural understanding and tolerance. The Japanese government has implemented programs to help foreign residents and promote diversity, such as language classes and cultural exchanges (Ministry of Justice, 2018). Civil society organizations in Japan, such as the Japan Human Rights Association and the Japan Council of International Student Organizations, have also worked to raise awareness about and combat discrimination against foreigners and minority groups. However, these efforts have frequently met with opposition, and xenophobia remains a major problem in the country.
In conclusion, xenophobia is a major social issue in Japan, affecting both foreign residents and minority groups within the country. It stems from Japan’s history of isolationism and lack of diversity, and it has manifested itself in a variety of ways, including discrimination against foreigners and minority groups. In order to promote a more inclusive and accepting society, efforts to address and combat xenophobia in Japan, including initiatives by the government and civil society organizations, are crucial.
Works Cited:
Nagayoshi, Kikuko (June 16, 2021). “Prejudice against immigrants explained in numbers”
Broad, C. (2021, June 1). 12 reasons not to move to Japan. YouTube. Retrieved December 27, 2022, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfpWAqK0YZE
Iwamoto, M. (2015). The Ainu of Japan: A history of cultural survival. Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Company.
Japan Statistics Bureau. (2020). Statistical Handbook of Japan 2020. https://www.stat.go.jp/english/data/handbook/c02cont.htm
Ministry of Justice. (2018). Results of the survey on the living conditions of foreign residents in Japan. https://www.moj.go.jp/content/001317942.pdf
Japan Foundation. (n.d.). What is Japanese Culture? https://www.jpf.go.jp/e/project/culture/index.html
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. (n.d.). Japan’s Modernization and Expansion. Retrieved from https://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/other/bluebook/2017/html/chapter1/section3/index.html
