The Potential and Possibility of a Pluralistic Japan

Julian Chapple

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The Potential and Possibility of a Pluralistic Japan

In: Boundaries: Dichotomies of Keeping in and Keeping Out

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Julian Chapple

Julian Chapple
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Type:: Chapter

Pages:: 103–117

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1163/9781848880214_010

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Today, amidst an unprecedented flow of people from country to country, Japan has remained almost a passive observer - satisfied to keep stringent entrance barriers intact for the sake of preserving the cultural status quo. However, with a sharply falling birth rate, and rapidly aging population, coupled with labour shortages, and economic stagnation, Japan’s lawmakers and bureaucrats have recently begun to initiate debate into the possibility of greater immigration. This chapter looks at the necessities of political, societal and attitudinal change in the populace in order to allow for the inclusion of difference in what is arguably the world’s most homogenous developed nation-state. This requires a re-assessment of exactly who is (and can be) and what it means to be ‘Japanese;’ enormous questions that at present the government seems loath to address. An examination of local and grassroots level moves to accommodate greater diversity, demonstrates the benefits to Japanese society of such acceptance. It concludes with suggestions for how state-makers can realize a possible new model along the lines of what has been referred to variously as ‘cosmopolitan,’ ‘global’ or ‘universal’ citizenship, applicable and, arguably, beneficial to Japan’s situation. Done correctly and with sufficient input and debate, Japan could create a new social contract with its citizens (native and new) that would serve as a model for other states in Asia.

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Boundaries: Dichotomies of Keeping in and Keeping Out

E-Book ISBN:: 9781848880214

Publisher:: Brill

Print Publication Date:: 29 Apr 2010

Subjects
- Philosophy
  - General
- Social Sciences
  - Cultural Studies

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The Potential and Possibility of a Pluralistic Japan

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Boundaries: Dichotomies of Keeping in and Keeping Out

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