Embracing diversity in Japan

Japan has long been one of the most homogenous nations in the world. Although the Japanese are often welcoming to tourists and visitors, they have not always been so enthusiastic about foreigners who settle in their country. There are signs, however, that the famous Japanese reticence toward outsiders may be receding, at least among young people. The Christian Science Monitor recently published a story about this topic.

Miharu Tanaka hands out fliers in Tokyo advertising Brazilian eateries in Oizumi, a city two hours away by train. The young woman makes the commute to encourage people to visit the country’s most diverse city, with its 16 percent non-Japanese population.

Her efforts are part of a generational shift toward becoming more receptive to a multicultural Japan. But in a country that has long prided itself on homogeneity and is seeing a rise in Japanese-centric nationalism, it will take some persuading for most people to embrace the growing reality of a more diverse population. Japan has long been wary of – even hostile to – foreigners in its midst…It is virtually impossible for immigrants to find work here and become citizens…

But a growing number of Japanese – mostly youths, such as Tanaka – are trying to persuade compatriots to embrace ethnic minorities. Unlike in previous generations, young adults tend to be more welcoming of diversity…In Oizumi, young Japanese are teaming up with Brazilians, cracking barriers among communities. Tanaka formed a group named Kimobig (“daring”) to energize exchanges such as language classes between Japanese and Brazilians.

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