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Commentary
From the Far East to the Old West: Chinese and Japanese Settlers in Montana
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Laboring over Immigration Policy
The domestic economic benefits of allowing unskilled laborers to enter the Japanese market, especially for jobs unwanted by the Japanese, will likely appear most clearly at the micro level, as struggling companies find relief from labor constraints. Embodied by Nippon Keidanren, the corporate voice behind the policy change comes from Japanese companies employing foreign labor through programs such as special “internships,” as well as firms that would hire foreign workers if the law permitted them to do so more easily.
Concurrently, angst over the implications of this new policy also abounds, ranging from culture clash concerns to Japanese job insecurity due to an influx of workers willing to accept lower wages. Some critics have voiced apprehension over possible crime increases incited by foreign workers, especially if they lose or leave their jobs once in Japan. Others worry that solutions to the foreign labor problem could interfere with efforts to resolve low birth rate and work-life balance issues. Namely, foreign workers could replace women who want to work fewer hours, thus further displacing working mothers and discouraging women from having children.
The United States can identify with Japan`s immigration policy struggle, as we continue to face similar challenges in integrating Hispanic and other communities. Our experience has taught us at least two lessons: the benefits of foreign labor can outweigh the difficulties, and effective policies can facilitate this result.
Japan`s domestic concerns do not exist in a vacuum. The reality is that immigration policy will increasingly affect Japan’s foreign policy as talk of regional agreements progresses. The United States encountered this lesson during NAFTA negotiations, and we are still learning.
Asian perceptions of Japan’s closed borders must change if Japan truly expects to play a leading role in a substantive East Asian Community at best, and negotiate workable FTAs with Asia`s developing nations at the least.
Though discussions currently center on the broader aspects of such a community, the closer economic ties touted as a principal goal of any Asian regional cooperation agreement will inevitably involve measures on cross-border labor flows. In the nearer term, as Japan negotiates FTAs with other Asian nations, it faces pressure for more lenient policies on foreign workers, particularly unskilled labor and healthcare workers from nations such as Thailand and the Philippines.
Despite Japan`s aging society, Japanese employment in geriatric care is waning. Given this dearth of Japanese workers in this growing field, Thai and Filipino workers could serve as short- or long-term substitutes. Japan has an opportunity to accommodate its changing labor market while demonstrating willingness to cooperate with Asia`s developing countries. This opportunity could be lost to the view that domestic labor problems require domestic solutions, that the answer lies solely in incentives to encourage greater Japanese participation in these professions.
The Japanese Government`s efforts to balance foreign labor policy with measures to improve Japan`s work environment do not have to result in a zero sum game. Well-designed policies can benefit employers and employees alike, preventing discriminatory behavior while improving bottom lines and efficiency. If Japan sincerely wishes to smoothly integrate foreign workers into the Japanese community, such policies should include measures on education, healthcare and other benefits afforded to Japanese nationals. Refusal to grant these benefits could contribute to crime and cultural conflict -- the very problems Japan aims to avoid.
These domestic concerns have international implications. The home countries sending their citizens to work in Japan ideally have as great an interest in their resolution, founded in ensuring the smooth export of labor. Foreign labor challenges may differ by country, and input from these foreign governments could facilitate Japan`s efforts to resolve them.
Japan does not need to face the challenges associated with foreign labor policy changes unilaterally. Working with nations that hope to export laborers to Japan could provide an opportunity for healthy debate and concrete measures that benefit all parties.
(Currently assigned to the Government of Japan as a Mike
Mansfield Fellow, Jennifer Sklarew is an International Trade
Specialist in the U.S. Department of Commerce`s Office of Japan.)
Please forward media inquiries to:
Director of Communications The Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation 
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