Society Glancing at Europe, Japan considers stricter immigration measures

Europe as a negative example: Japan is preparing for a future where foreign residents could comprise more than 10% of its population, on par with major Western countries. According to the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research, this mark may be reached by 2070, but it is more likely to be achieved much sooner than that.

Japan is preparing for a significant overhaul of its immigration policies as projections suggest foreign residents could make up more than 10% of the population by mid-century. A report by Justice Minister Suzuki Keisuke warns that without careful planning, the country could face social friction similar to that seen in Europe, and calls for a government-wide approach to manage both new arrivals and their integration. Officials emphasise that successful integration will be crucial to maintaining social cohesion while accommodating a growing and increasingly diverse population.

Suzuki took office in autumn 2024, coinciding with growing reports of tension between the Kurdish community and Japanese residents in Kawaguchi, Saitama Prefecture. This sparked harsh statements on social media, including calls for Kurds to "leave Japan." Shortly after assuming his post, Suzuki dispatched young politicians to Kawaguchi to observe the situation firsthand. Then, determined to prevent the kind of social division and political chaos seen in Europe, Suzuki launched a study group in February of this year. Consulting about 10 immigration experts and coordinating with relevant ministries and the Cabinet Office, Suzuki and his team spent six months developing the latest report.

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The report warns that "as the proportion of foreign nationals increases, their impact on Japanese society will grow, and various challenges may become apparent in a complex manner."


According to the 2024 International Migration Outlook report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), immigrants accounted for 2.5% of Japan's total population in 2023. This figure was 13.8% in France, 15.2% in the United Kingdom, and 18.2% in Germany. Japan counted foreign nationals in this data, while the other nations counted those born abroad. Some European countries with immigrant ratios above 10% now face growing social divides. Suzuki stated at a July lecture at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo, "By around 2040, we must be prepared for the possibility that foreign nationals may exceed 10% of Japan's population."

thomas said:

Officials emphasise that successful integration will be crucial to maintaining social cohesion while accommodating a growing and increasingly diverse population.

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I agree with this and they should at Denmark's policy of discouraging foreign nationals to live in the same areas, but instead live amongst the Danish. The government provides compulsory language and cultural classes which all immigrants must attend. These measures are very unpopular with those made to comply, but it appears to be very successful in the long run.

Ukigumo said:

I agree with this and they should at Denmark's policy of discouraging foreign nationals to live in the same areas, but instead live amongst the Danish. The government provides compulsory language and cultural classes which all immigrants must attend. These measures are very unpopular with those made to comply, but it appears to be very successful in the long run.

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I would agree as long as it doesn't dip in to racist, evil territory. In the U.S. there's a long history of the dominant culture attempting to erase other cultures and languages. For example they took native American children away from their families into boarding schools and forbade them to speak their native languages or practice their native cultures. The intent was to "kill the Indian in him, and save the man."

I certainly think Denmark is enlightened enough not to do such a terrible thing and my impression is Japanese society is much the same......I like to think.

Is it unreasonable to ask that a person who's decided to live in a different country learns to speak its native language and have an understanding of the culture and customs? I don't think it is.