Japan in the post-sub prime collapse

[hsakakibara1]

Getting better but........

I think you perspective is not equal to mine as I don't see any Significant Discrimination in Japan. Usually When foreigners say "Discrimination" in Japan, attribuites of individuals or exageration.
That's why supporting rate of Democratic Party of Japan has rapidly been declining. Historically we don't trust foreigners claiming voting rights with keeping foreign nationality.
Meanwhile, Please do not mix up Permanent resident status with citzenship. It is very easy to obtain permanent resident status in Japan unlike US green card. Japan is already enough open society for foreigners. But still certain limits.

Thank you but I have had foreign (white) friends in Japan and I have sees them openly discriminated in housing, entrance to discos, etc. I know that this is getting less but it is still a great deal. There is also still a lot of discrimation on the basis of gender, age and sexual orientation. Yes, things are getting better but still we have a long way to go.

As for PR, it is much harder than citizenship in Japan. I for one do NOT think that those with PR should get voting rights in Japan. I think the whole thing is ridiculous. I also think that Minshuto will eventually abandon this idea. But you are right in that Japan is now easier to immigrate to than the US or UK, which, in my opinion, are two of the hardest countries in the world to move to.

 

[Astroboy]

Thank you but I have had foreign (white) friends in Japan and I have sees them openly discriminated in housing, entrance to discos, etc. I know that this is getting less but it is still a great deal. There is also still a lot of discrimation on the basis of gender, age and sexual orientation. Yes, things are getting better but still we have a long way to go.
As for PR, it is much harder than citizenship in Japan. I for one do NOT think that those with PR should get voting rights in Japan. I think the whole thing is ridiculous. I also think that Minshuto will eventually abandon this idea. But you are right in that Japan is now easier to immigrate to than the US or UK, which, in my opinion, are two of the hardest countries in the world to move to.

I don't know specific case, but as far as I know, the cases foreigners point out are usually the results of bitter experiences of Japanese landlords with foreigners. In other words, Japanese landlords are afraid of foreigners' unexpected acts (e.g. change layout of room without notice; not pay rents; suddenly disappear at night; loud music at night causing troubles with neighbours; etc.). Propbaly from foreigners perspective, Japanese must be patient with any acts of foreigners, but ... if I were a landlord, I will be cautious as I want to protect my own asset. In general, foreigners tend to believe that what they do is right even in Japan.