National Exclusion, Local Inclusion: Examining the Disconnect between National Immigration Policies and Local Integration Policies

Abstract

Japan is faced with a declining population, which will threaten its economic viability in the years to come. Increasingly, discussions with regards to foreigners being used to compensate for this declining workforce are occurring under the rubric of immigration. Despite the necessity for change, the Japanese government still remains closed to the idea of changing its immigration laws to adjust to economic demands, thereby stemming the influx of foreigners into Japan. However, we can see more progressive policies at the local level, where local governments are continually becoming more open, making their municipalities more inclusive for all residents. This paper will discuss this disconnect between national immigration policies and local integration policies.