I went to a lecture by Minister Agawa today at the Japanese Information and Cultural Center in D.C. I've been clued in to a lot more of these things since my wife Yuki started working at the Japanese Embassy a few weeks ago. :)
He talked about the influence that some major 19th century individuals have had on cultural exchange between the U.S. and Japan, after their pioneering visits to America. Foremost of these were Yukichi Fukuzawa, founder of Keio University, Jo Niijima, founder of Doshika University, and Umeko Tsuda, founder of Tsuda Women's College.
I actually have most of the books in the "Fukuzawa Yukichi SenShu", a collection of most of his works, and it's an incredible trip to read. I am fascinated by the man, and it was interesting to learn that the reason Minister Agawa's English is so good, is that he studied in Hawaii as a child in an exchange program founded by Fukuzawa's grandson! It's amazing how one man's travels could have influenced generations of Japanese and Americans...
One of the most interesting things he said though, came out during the Q&A session. He was talking about the diversity in the U.S., and how diversity has been slowly increasing in Japan... But he said that there are a lot of people now in the Japanese government considering making a radical change in immigration policy -- really opening it up, as a solution to the problem of Japan's aging population.
If this were to occur, I think we could see a very different Japan in a matter of a few years. Systems would be forced to change, and there would be a great young new source of ideas (and turmoil) for the society to deal with. I actually really hope that they do this, as it could change Japan very much for the better.
Opening up Japan to foreigners has (at least had) been a frequent topic on political debate shows in Japan. The big debate is: is it worth it to lose a portion of national identity to pay for the lack of social security income. It seems that it's mostly a national pride debate, and both sides have great points. I think almost everyone sees that it's a viable solution, but also sees that the price is high. The debate comes down to just that: who's willing to pay what.
Looking at this debate, I think that the Japanese have other options here, but most of them involve complicated schemes involving international saxation and whatnot that could have dramatic economic impacts (many of which are unforseen). Interesting debate...
Perhaps the Japanese are becoming more pragmatic (politically speaking)?
Posted by: Paul at April 26, 2003 02:57 AM
Man... I would have liked to see some of those shows... It must be really interesting to see Japanese people discussing this.
Like many things in Japan, you never know what's going to happen, except that it's unlikely things will change drastically... I hope they would though. It would be really cool if it became a more diverse country. :)
Posted by: Trevor Hill at April 30, 2003 08:58 AM
Hey Trev,
I'm in Japan for updating my US work visa. ;)
I went to Kyoto last week and met my best friend there. He is going to be married with a beautiful looking Chinese girl.
I think Japan needs to boost up the immigration policy...this contry has to have the global mind set with many of foreigners. People don't know much about outside of Japan, but people are keen to understand other culture. Many people are interested in people outside from Japan.
My question is... what is the attractive thing in Japan if someone wants to move to this country?
Posted by: Keisuke at May 5, 2003 09:15 PM
That is an incisive question, Kei... I may post a longer bit just about that, as I think it's really a key question.
How can immigrants/foreigners be drawn to Japan, and how can they eventually be happy identifying themselves as Japanese? What cultural or ideological qualities of Japanese culture can be attractive to other peoples, thereby creating an ideological identity they can relate to, as in the U.S., rather than a racial one?
I think there are many such qualities... It's just a matter of shifting people's consciousness to accept the idea that immigrants can be "Japanese" too...
Posted by: Trevor Hill at May 6, 2003 08:19 AM
I look forward reading your thought, Trev. ;)
Posted by: Keisuke at May 6, 2003 07:56 PM
AFAIC, it cannot happen a moment too soon.
Posted by: AG at May 7, 2003 09:11 AM
Posted by: Paul at April 26, 2003 02:56 AM