Photo/Illutration An Indian worker provides support during a meal to a retirement home resident. (Asahi Shimbun file photo)

The government has begun reviewing its policy regarding allowing in foreigners.

In the report released in late August by Justice Minister Keisuke Suzuki, which lists the main points for the basic framework for accepting foreigners, one perspective that strongly emerges is that an increase in their numbers could threaten the stability of Japanese society.

But the perspective that should serve as the core for future discussions is how to deepen mutual understanding and coexistence by respecting human rights, rather than only looking at foreigners as subjects to control.

The points of discussion cover a wide range, from the appropriate level of accepting foreigners to continue economic growth as well as labor conditions, including wages.

Other points raised by the report are how the fiscal and social security programs should be set up as well as the effects on law and order.

The report states that another point to be considered is the means to limit entry of foreigners if signs emerge that friction within society is about to exceed acceptable levels.

How foreigners are viewed emerges from such words as “we will protect by all means the safety and peace of mind of the people” and “bad behavior that stops short of being a crime.”

While there may be a need to set certain rules, discussions should not move in a direction that leads to belittling human rights or creating a xenophobic tone.

The report also calls for studies into areas where a high concentration of foreigners reside and the concerns that the public may feel and which do not emerge through statistical numbers.

The question will be how to secure objectivity in such a study.

There are likely many people who hold a vague concern or discomfort at the increase in foreigners.

That is why it is important to discuss bringing about social integration where everyone can coexist while respecting differences and deepening understanding of each other’s culture and habits as fellow members creating a society together.

Rather than view foreigners as a convenient labor force, the foundation should be one of each side making the effort to live together in the same community.

Foreigners make up about 3 percent of the total Japanese population, but there are estimates that figure will rise above 10 percent in the future.

Political leaders at the central and local levels must come up with ideas and methods for integration. Such leaders also have the responsibility of resolutely stating their intention to respect the rights of everyone, including foreigners, and to not allow acts of hate.

They should not move in the direction of regulation simply because they are swayed by social pressure to exclude foreigners.

Until now, support to allow foreigners to integrate into Japan has been mainly left up to local governments or companies.

But this is a policy area that should not differ depending on the area.

The central government must take the initiative to consider specific measures regarding establishing a system to teach foreigners the Japanese language and social habits. Reference should be made to what other nations have implemented.

Despite its long history as a diverse society, Europe has also faced struggles in recent years over how to deal with a flood of immigrants.

While achieving coexistence is not an easy task, the existence of foreigners with diverse roots will energize the economy and could serve as the catalyst for new ideas and innovation.

A Japan that foreigners find appealing and where they hope to live and work will be an attractive and affluent society for everyone.

--The Asahi Shimbun, Sept. 5

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