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Monday, April 28, 2008

"No, probably not," would be the short answer, I think.

Can Japan Overcome Its Fear Of Foreigners? | Japan Probe:
"...And during the debate over the idea of introducing a cap on foreign investment in Japan’s major airports, the governor of Chiba Prefecture, where Japan’s main international airport is located, made these remarks:
“Restrictions on foreign investment are necessary to ensure Japanese and Chiba citizen’s security. It would be a great problem if foreign investors in airport companies made decisions that would harm the interests of both Japan and Chiba Prefecture, if not as bad as terrorism.”

It’s interesting how terrorism comes up when foreigners are mentioned. Of course, xenophobia is not only a sticking point for those who would like to invest in Japan. The controversial practice of forcing foreigners who come to Japan to submit fingerprints was reintroduced last October with the new policy of taking fingerprints and photographs of all foreigners when they enter Japan, even those who actually live here. The justification for this heavy-handed measure is that it will prevent terrorists from entering the country and reduce the crime rate.

So, here we find ourselves in 21st century Japan, and foreigners are still stereotyped as either being rapacious businessmen, terrorists, or just out and out criminals. It goes without saying that, in the end, Japan is the country that will be hurt by its own discriminatory policies. Even so, I don’t foresee any change in the status quo. I mean, we are talking about a country that has designated the creation of humanoid robots as a main priority in order to stave off the need for immigrant workers..."

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