Japan Immigration News

Japan is opening up to immigration – but is it welcoming immigrants?

Release Date: 2025-04-28
Media: The Week
Summary: Japan, historically known for its isolationist stance, has been forced to open up to immigration in recent years due to severe labor shortages caused by an aging population and declining birth rates. The government has significantly relaxed visa and work permit requirements, leading to a doubling of foreign workers and a sharp increase in the overall foreign population, now making up about 2.4% of the total.

Despite this shift, Japan has done little to integrate these newcomers, especially Muslims, who face significant cultural and religious barriers. While the Muslim population has grown to around 350,000, they struggle with limited access to Islamic burial sites, halal food, prayer spaces, and culturally aware healthcare and education. Most cemeteries still only perform cremations, which Islam forbids, causing concern for Muslims considering long-term residence.

Though public resistance to immigration remains relatively muted, and foreign workers are mostly accepted in industries like agriculture and elder care, Japan remains far from a truly multicultural society. Without more comprehensive efforts to accommodate religious and cultural diversity, the country risks leaving many foreign residents, particularly Muslims, marginalized and unsupported.
Tags: Coexistence

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