NHK World Special Programs

Foreign Workers: Toward a More Welcoming Japan (2020x1)

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Faced with a shrinking population, Japan is admitting a record number of foreign workers. In April 2019, the government initiated a new residence status called "specified skilled worker." Many companies and communities are opening their arms to foreign workers. But some Japanese are concerned about crime and problems with assimilation. Should Japan become more welcoming? Or is homogeneity more important than growth? We look at the growing awareness of these issues and the steps being taken to address them.