• Yujin Woo Assistance Professor, Tohoku University

• Sawako Shirahase TCJS Director

Is migration a plausible option in combating aging and shrinking population in countries with a strong emphasis on ethnic homogeneity? What kind of policies would be ideal to realize a multicultural society in such countries? To answer these questions, this presentation explores Japanese people’s views on citizenship (who qualifies as “Japanese?”) and migration (what kind of migrants are more favored?). Based on original survey results, it aims to provide evidence to influence policy discussions in regard to the recent debate over labor migrants in Japan. Specifically, it points out limitations with the current one-way assimilationist approaches pursued by the Japanese government and suggests a consolidation of social integration policies for both Japanese natives (i.e., recognizing and appreciating cultural diversities) and incoming migrants (i.e., understanding Japanese language and culture).