national

Japan accepts 27 refugees last year; rejects 99% of applications

74 Comments

The requested article has expired, and is no longer available. Any related articles, and user comments are shown below.

© 2016 AFP

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.

74 Comments
Login to comment

It's probably better for the refugees that their applications are rejected given how unwelcoming Japan is and the hardships they will face here, but it's another black mark against Japan in the eyes of the international community.

13 ( +32 / -20 )

As a German who deals with refugees everyday, I can only say that I envy this decision of Japan. I wish Merkel acted on logic and not on a "we can do it" basis. If you don't have any plans on how to do it, don't accept that many.

Japan isn't being realistic in a lot of ways, but at least they make some sense in this problem.

A rare round of kudos for Japan.

14 ( +37 / -22 )

what is the aim of the human rights groups? to see japan go down the disfunctional road of germany.japan has doubled its refugee intake. give them a break. i dont see any other country doing this

10 ( +29 / -18 )

As an Italian person who lives in a country that is dealing with refugees everyday as well, I can say it's not a simple matter. I don't think Japan is ready for something like that. Plus, it is still facing a complicated recovery from 3/11 disaster. Let Japanese people out from the consequences of Western wars in Africa and ME.

20 ( +33 / -13 )

A very good move by Japan. Wise.

14 ( +31 / -16 )

A lot of numbers but not much information. Were these applications made by people already in Japan? If so, where are they now?

4 ( +7 / -4 )

I have nothing against the refugees. It's not their fault if the West is messing up their countries, and I believe it's right that the countries involved in the mess must take care of them.

8 ( +20 / -13 )

A rare round of kudos for Japan. japan has doubled its refugee intake. A very good move by Japan. Wise.

Just pathetic. First of all, the total applications were a miniscule 7,586 in a country of 127 million. And what is the logic that increasing refugees from 27 to a few thousand or even a few hundred will somehow upset Japan's harmony in any way?

-2 ( +25 / -29 )

@paulinusa: it's not matter of upsetting social harmony. Is the country ready to welcome these poor persons? Probably not. In Europe racism and xenophobia are increasing and the only thing our politicians are doing is to seem all nice and good, to save the face, without facing the actual social conflicts. It's bad also for the refugees.

5 ( +17 / -10 )

Plus, it is still facing a complicated recovery from 3/11 disaster.

Not facing, ignoring. The Japanese of other regions have been unable to welcome the Tohoku victims, they've let them there in the ruins. No suprise they do the same about refugees from further places.

26 ( +32 / -8 )

I feel so sorry for those refugees . Some people will think they are blessed to get accepted . The adjustment and post traumatic stress disorder will only start here in Japan , with basically phobia to ......

10 ( +13 / -4 )

@coskuri: you are generalizing and speaking for all Japanese people. Anyway it's a fact that the whole country is still paying the price for that tragedy, I think the international community often forgets what happened only because Japan is the third largest world economy. Give Japanese people a break.

-1 ( +11 / -10 )

Too many refugees and things would have to change ever so slightly, and that would never do.

10 ( +13 / -4 )

Refugees of war and misery are supposed to stay in a country only for the time that war and instability wrecks their country. That is why usually they stay in centers or camps. Otherwise they should be classified as immigrants and treated consequently - things that Japan is coherently doing. But thanks to Europe the trend has become that anybody coming from a country with economic or uncontrolled violence can be refugee and can set clams for the category of refugee, just because these political parties and specific groups - connected with power - are gaining much economically from the situation and their treatment, despite the class of 'refugee' is very well defined by any international organization and it involves personal threat by a political/governmental organization. Refugee are not immigrants. Why a country should accept somebody just because his/her original country is facing economic difficulties and lack a stable political organization and instead refuse permit of stay to educated and civilized people - possibly bringing economic growth - coming from advanced countries where they can't find a job for their specialization?

15 ( +19 / -4 )

Bleeding heart liberals. Listen to those who live with the refugees. Read the news reports of the conduct of some of them. Look at the Islamization of the countries they are beginning to occupy. I say "YES" to Japan. Do not saddle yourself with the same problems the rest of the world is having. Remain steadfast! Sometimes the truth is brutal. But it remains the truth!

11 ( +26 / -14 )

Am one of the those who were accepted and recognized as political refugees,am first ever recognized political Egyptian refugees since 33 years,thanks to Japan.I have to say Japanese immigration authorities were very fair with me from very beginning,yes it wasnt easy at all to get recognized within almost five months time,which is almost a miracle in Japan,but it happened.Japan never against accepting refugees as many people my falsely think.They do deal very seriously only with serious applicants only,whom proved from my own experience to be handful only,others apply for economic reasons,or to stop deportation procedures according to law,but they are drugs dealers,fraud,theft,overstayed,illegal workers,etc. I fully believe only Japan authorities has the exclusive right to decide their policies what and how to handle refugee issues.yes,Japan should be for Japanese first and always,thats what should be,no matter who doesnt like it.

19 ( +21 / -3 )

I always wonder what this headline should be about?! I mean, what if it would have been the other way round? Anyway, who are other pie plea to tell the Japanese what they have to do?! They have a lot of old people to take care for so its better if they focus on that. 27 refugees does actually translate in over 100 because of family reunion. Look at Germany, they didn't "grant" refugee to a million they just got them! No say in it whatsoever! Is that better??? Look at the problems they have! I think japan is doing the right thing. Japanese first, that the governments duty!

5 ( +10 / -4 )

Should Japan ever suffer a tragedy, natural or man-made, I hope the world will remember their beneficence and extend a hand at similar length.

-7 ( +9 / -17 )

.

"It's not their fault if the West is messing up their countries,"

Syria is experiencing a civil war mainly among local/regional groups -- most of whom are Islamic -- and the government, which has long been a client of the Eastern Bloc. The West has very little to do with it.

1 ( +13 / -11 )

Good

0 ( +12 / -11 )

Japan has the equivalent thinking to Germany's Aryan race delusionsl of 65 years ago. In this world, we must learn tolerance more than exceptionalism and segregation, sacrifice more than accumulation and hoarding. To do otherwise, is to insure a worldwide insurgence against racial and religious intolerance which could send us back to the Dark Ages.

-12 ( +9 / -22 )

I assume those chosen 27 refugees are not islamic, But I still have very grave fear about their ability to conform to structure of Japanese society. If they have the ambition to learn Japanese, Real-estate are not kind to foreigners as it is, So there will be the feeling of not being welcome with there first task, and with each task they will face in daily life that will run into it. Their Mentality of general society has been damage before running away from theirs homelands. Also with all the harsh-ship endured along their route to Japan would further diminished they faith in humanity. Then finally finding some kindness from the Japan government thinking that there is light at the end of the tunnel. THey endure more hardship of not being welcomed. What dose this do to normal thinking people ? It might turn them into ISIS like many before have turn to. There have been many Christians turn Islamic just to be part of ISIS because of their hatred of the West. So Japan has a international obligation to make sure those refugee that are chosen are excepted to conform to Japanese Society.

-1 ( +6 / -6 )

I love it how most of you gaijin don't even reside in Japan, let alone pay your taxes here. I've been in Japan for 5 years and work hard like all of the others in this country. I pay my tax, but don't get salary raises to match the tax increase...therefor putting me out of pocket, and my newborn out of more care.... Japan not allowing more refugees into the country is a good start. Why? Well have you seen what happens to countries that allow it? I'm not saying 100% of them are all bad, I'm saying that a country like Japan simply cannot deal with this. Japanese label all foreigners as "gaijin" including myself. If there was to be an attack on Japanese soil by a refugee (or any foreigner of that matter) then I myself as well as many others would be subject to verbal and mental racism by Japanese people who ALWAYS put us in the same boat.

I do believe there is a higher chance of problems coming from refugees, due to the extreme difference of their country and Japan. Unless they can speak N1 level Japanese or fluent English they should not be allowed into the country. Also as well as religious biased refugees that will try to enforce their beliefs on others.

Japan at the moment is not a country of much religion, which is the way I HOPE IT STAYS.

1 ( +6 / -5 )

The Government of Japan (Justice Ministry) criteria detailed within the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act is unapologetically stringent. I have included and English translation below, however the justice ministry has the process under review.

European Union states are struggling to integrate an unprecedented influx of migrants, approaching 1.4 million. Of this number, the German government have disclosed 'up to' 600,000 remain unaccounted for. Of course this does not excuse AFP quoted low acceptance figure.

Japan is the world's fourth largest financial contributor to the UNHCR. In 2015 Japan have also pledged an unprecedented $6bn in economic assistance, aid, and loan guarantees to the counties and regions affected but civil war. It is unduly harsh to criticize the Justice Ministry and form measured opinion under the rather biased context reported in this AFP article.

And let's not hide from the fact that refugee/asylum seeker integration in a society that values above all else a strong sense of community, essential for the people to rebuild and cope after 2011 devastating earthquake and tsunami, would be a huge challenge for all concerned.

Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act....

http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/english/newimmiact/pdf/RefugeeRecognitionAct01.pdf

Information for Asylum-Seekers in Japan (December 2005)

http://www.unhcr.or.jp/html/protect/pdf/info_seekres_e.pdf

4 ( +8 / -4 )

A very good move by Japan. Wise.

No, stupid. Japan is losing population and needs immigrants to stop the disastrous drop. This country will drop out of the top ten countries for GDP unless the population can hold. Immigrants work hard to fit into their new country. Need an example of that, look to the number one economy in the world the USA which is nearly 100% based on immigration. It is so surprising people's hatred of others when in fact bringing new people into a country overall benefits the country. Again, case in point the USA. Slam dunk case closed. Australia. Singapore and on and on. This hatred of others is rooted in racism.

-8 ( +9 / -18 )

It is good to be refugee.

-4 ( +3 / -6 )

The "omoteinashi-syndrome" that Japanese fell so dearly in love with only lasts so long and as long as it doesn't become permanent.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

27 too many.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

I think when North Korea breakdown the japanese will have serious problems.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

11 accepted lase year. 245% increased!!!!!!

-3 ( +3 / -5 )

Japan is losing population and needs immigrants to stop the disastrous drop.

Give me a break. The place is largely overcrowded, people need to look at maps sometimes; this place (including all islands) is smaller than California and is the home of the equivalent of almost half of US population. This is just insane. If the population is dropping, the place will be easier to live.

On the other hand, Japan does not need to look at a crystal ball when it comes to refugees and how it goes with them. Just open a newspaper, read about other countries experiences, ask to Japanese embassies in Europe some reports about the situation in Sweden, in Germany, in France, in Belgium, ask them how it is to live in fear, how is it to have soldiers with weapons patrolling on the streets like it would happen in some dictatorship places.

Ask them how European asylum policy fuels support for far-right nationalists, ask them about how Eastern European countries have already chosen far right politicians. Ask them about how much far right is gaining ground everywhere. Just ask their opinion to European citizens not to politicians and then decide what is better for Japan.

9 ( +19 / -9 )

There are huge cultural differences between Japanese people and refugees. If Japan is loosing its own population, it can't replace it with a hard adaptable population. I'm not Japanese, but Japan has to be sure newcomers will follow Japanese laws, contribute to keeping traditions and cultural values, as Japan is one of the last genuine places on Earth.

0 ( +7 / -6 )

Japan is completely open to and loving of anyone who wants to come here, so long as you openly love them, do not criticize EVER, and don't want to stay. Japan is just proving here that they are bottom of the list in human rights among G8 countries and likely more.

-8 ( +8 / -17 )

Does it mean that Japan's not open to you? lol

2 ( +9 / -8 )

tokyobakayaroJAN. 24, 2016 - 12:38PM JST Japan is losing population and needs immigrants to stop the disastrous drop. Give me a break. The place is largely overcrowded

You are talking about population density, not overcrowding. Plenty of room in Japan outside the main cities.

0 ( +8 / -8 )

Of the thousands seeking refugee status, five were Syrian

!!!

what is the aim of the human rights groups? to see japan go down the disfunctional road of germany.japan has doubled its refugee intake.

The real purpose of many NGOs is to help the powers-that-be control what happens in other countries. It is sometimes better to ignore them.

-1 ( +5 / -6 )

There are an awful lot of foreigners posting here, who don't want to see refugees in 'My Japan' . Oh the irony !

0 ( +10 / -11 )

Before criticizing Japan for accepting 27 refugee applicants only,we should understand and realize Japan is over populated Islands,unlike Europe,USA,Canada,or Australia.Japan didnt step down or over thrown any regime in the Middle East under any colorful ideas or logos,such as Democracy,human rights,free speech,etc.So every single country played a role in creating crisis in Middle East should take part in bearing responsibility about accepting the consequences of these crisis(accepting refugees),BUT Japan never ever played a passive role,as a result no one has the right to ask Japan to pay a price for what it never been responsible for.Japan is one of the biggest donors in the world concerning refugees in turmoil areas mainly Middle East.IF 27 states governors in USA announced rejection of receiving Syrian refugees,why people blame Japan always and only?! IF Japan population is decreasing,this should not be an excuse for asking Japan to accept more refugees and migrants,Japanese know well what is good for them,they dont need lectures from others.

3 ( +10 / -7 )

Alistair Carnell: There are an awful lot of foreigners posting here, who don't want to see refugees in 'My Japan' . Oh the irony !

OMG, next year they might DOUBLE it to 54!!!

ghoneim mohamed: we should understand and realize Japan is over populated Islands,unlike Europe,USA,Canada,or Australia.

Overpopulated? Really?:

http://tdfk.odomon.net/tdfkimages/00/00/01/34/13400_e.gif

Japan Population Density Map 2015

2 ( +6 / -4 )

I can't help but be nervous about this massive wave of refugees currently flooding into Europe. I think Europe is really quite noble to accept them, but it makes me uneasy for a whole host of reasons; Socio-cultural, political, religious, economic etc, etc.

So I can understand Japan's reticence.

6 ( +11 / -4 )

There's a fine line to be drawn between "becoming a more open country" and letting plenty of refugees in. No country has an obligation to let masses of refugees in, no matter in what hell the refugees country is in. Did the west mess up their countries? I'd rather think the IS is messing up their countries but it can't be denied that the US, UK, France and some other countries have a lot of dirt on their vest. Merkel's view is a very naive one and you see the problems arising from the influx of people (in particular middle east muslim's) that are not accustomed to your own country's culture and who obviously don't want to respect the welcoming's country rules and culture (see sexual attacks in Germany and Sweden). While Japan has other things to criticize, in this matter Japan is very careful because they know this would lead to a many more problems.

8 ( +11 / -3 )

To whom it may concern Japan is the only country all over the world-up to my knowledge-allows refugee applicants to work full time while proceeding applications,which usually takes long time till getting a decision,even though,they keep appealing against decision which takes years time.AFTER getting final rejection decision from court-and according to law-believe it or not,they can open new fresh case again,getting fresh work permission again for years while proceeding applications!!!No wonder refugee applications are increasing dramatically since 2010!! If these gaps wont be bridged soon,Japan will host two Olympic games in 2020,first one is sportive,the other will be refugees and migrants Olympic games.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

In my opinion, some of Japanese people do not want foreigners to live in Japan except tourists. They think foreigners commit more crime than Japanese do (of course it's not true) and will take jobs from Japanese (It's true) I think one of the reason is that Japan has been isolated country for long time and having hard time to adapt to international society. On the other hand, we have unique culture. In addition, Japan has a lot of issues such as suicide of young people (One of the top country in the world), aging society, nuclear plant etc... Government needs to resolve internal issue first. BTW I am Japanese.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

I realized this article is missing one very important information. Most of applicants quit applying after they found another country to go. Most of them applied many countries.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

I sincerely hope that people who are against accepting refugees never become one in their life. Sometimes a country needs to rise and think above all the political, immigration, religion drama going on in the world and act in the name of humanity. 99.9999% of the refugees from war torn countries have no bad intentions and just want to live peacefully.

-1 ( +3 / -5 )

ghoneim mohamedJAN. 24, 2016 - 01:49PM JST Before criticizing Japan for accepting 27 refugee applicants only,we should understand and realize Japan is over populated Islands

Say what? Have you stepped outside the city? Japan's not "over-populated" - the cities are crowded (for the most part), but travel for an hour outside, and there are regions that are absolutely not in the category of "over-populated".

0 ( +4 / -5 )

@Tamarama

The big problem in Europe is that most of people arriving are not real refugees. They are economic migrants from north and central africa. Young, single male between 20 and 35. Put 10.000 of them in a city and a disaster will happen, like in Cologne.

6 ( +6 / -0 )

As a German who deals with refugees everyday, I can only say that I envy this decision of Japan. I wish Merkel acted on logic and not on a "we can do it" basis. If you don't have any plans on how to do it, don't accept that many.

Furan is right about needing plans before taking them in. If Japan has no plans to take them in that is their prerogative. And as for Europe, the situation is different; refugees are heading for the North-West European countries because those are where the best social security benefits can be obtained, especially Germany and the U.K. And the poorer East European countries, with the commendable exception of Hungary, have been all to happy to pass them through to North-West Europe. Merckel has therefore done no one any favours, particularly her own country, by being so welcoming, as she and the rest of N.W. Europe are now beginning to realise. Finally they are beginning to look for a workable plan to slow the migration, and not before time. Japan, keep your policy!

5 ( +7 / -2 )

That's 27 too many! None at all would be better for Japan!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

27 is an ideal number. All of the successful refugees have reason to be very pleased!

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

I applaud Japan immigration services, well done, Must have been properly screened and carefully considered. Besides I dont really understand how a refugee would reach Japan anyway...

4 ( +6 / -2 )

What do you contribute to this society that the people denied entry are unable to - the ability to speak English?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Tony W.JAN. 24, 2016 - 05:52PM JST As a German who deals with refugees everyday, I can only say that I envy this decision of Japan. I wish Merkel acted on logic and not on a "we can do it" basis. If you don't have any plans on how to do it, don't accept that many.

Japan's decision was hardly made out of some better forethought or intelligence than Germany - Japan doesn't have the desire, infrastructure or charitable sensibility towards strangers to accept refugees. There's also the xenophobia that is part of their decision.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

It's simply japanese government can't dealt with inside problems so they're rejecting outside problems.Any question.For example rape and malpractice serious problems in japan.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

To have rejected 99%of the refugee applicants is surely an indication of the wisdom and perspicacity of the Japanese Government Officials who have made the decisions in he face of criticism.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

"Japan is completely open to and loving of anyone who wants to come here, so long as you openly love them, do not criticize EVER, and don't want to stay. Japan is just proving here that they are bottom of the list in human rights among G8 countries and likely more."

And this was said by an immigrant himself.

And PLEASE Japain! DO NOT destroy your country.

Like mine is doing every day!!!

0 ( +5 / -5 )

Aside from 'refugees' and the whole label thing, rejecting mass immigration is a very, very smart move. it is not about racism, it is about math. Large scale immigration (especially when it comes to muslim men) bring costs and problems more than benefits. Period.

5 ( +7 / -2 )

The article is a one-sided and distorted story on what is really happening in Japan today. The article quotes only what some NGOs claim, i.e, most of 7500 or so asylum seekers are real refugees and Japan rejects most of them. The Japan Today does not ask comments from the Ministry of Justice that has completely different views based on examination of all asylum claims. The NGOs are involved in only a few hundreds of claims - they do not have a complete picture.

The reality is that most of the asylum seekers are from Asian countries like Indonesia and Vietnam who take advantages of Japan's asylum system to find employment. Last year there were only five Syrians who sought asylum in Japan, compared to 1,000,000 in Germany. Real refugees are not coming to Japan for various reasons.

The Japan Today is one of the foreign media that created an image of "Japan closed to refugees" thereby deterring real refugees from coming to Japan. If you are a refugee and read the article, will you come to Japan? The Japan Today, along with the Japan Times and Reuters, is one of the culprits who contributed to the lamentable state of affairs in Japan.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

goneim mohammad: "To whom it may concern Japan is the only country all over the world-up to my knowledge-allows refugee applicants to work full time while proceeding applications,which usually takes long time till getting a decision,even though,they keep appealing against decision which takes years time."

What on earth good does 'full-time employment' do when 99.6% of them will get the boot? And if Japan is 'over-populated', why is the number one threat facing the nation the aging population and a lack of children to fill the void? Outside of the major cities there is a HUGE need for more people, and without them this nation will collapse.

Peeping Tom: "And PLEASE Japain! DO NOT destroy your country."

It's destroying itself by not letting anyone in, Tom. You may think going out 'pure' or some moronic equivalent is better than continuing to exist by letting in 'others', but that's just plain silly. Hope you don't ever find yourself in a position where you are running and your life depends on getting into a nation you look up to, then are spat on and sent back. The people fleeing are not terrorists, they are victims who were put into VERY unfortunate circumstances beyond their control. Shame on you for suggesting they are the cause of whatever woes you suffer.

-6 ( +3 / -9 )

"It's destroying itself by not letting anyone in, Tom"

The Japainese don't care about your plans for their country.

If they were as worried as you and other foreigners are they would do something about it.

"Hope you don't ever find yourself in a position where you are running and your life depends on getting into a nation you look up to, then are spat on and sent back.”

And what's the chance of this happening???

I'm a Brit and very happy about it, thank you very much.

"getting into a nation you look up to"

Looking up to??? Ain't you tired of telling us that Japain is the world's toilet? Is there is anyone out there who "looks up to Japain after reading your well informed posts?!

And I live in a city/country slowly being "destroyed" in the proper sense by massive immigration; I can see it, nobody told me.

Japain should go down, if they chose to do so at their own hands.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

The picture that accompanies the story explains exactly why Japan recognises so few refugees. There are simply no asylum seekers who reach Japan by trekking through the snow for thousands of miles.

The vast majority of asylum seekers in Japan pass through multiple transit lounges at airports in Istanbul, Hong Kong, Dubai or China before they ever arrive in Japan. Unless they have a plausible reason for refusing to apply for asylum in these safe countries, it's only right that their claims should be viewed with skepticism. However, as someone said above, if North Korea ever boils over you might actually see Japan taking in thousands of refugees.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

well done japan. dont import stress...

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Good on japan, no need to suck up to those who whine "we do it so you have to too". If they bring nothing to japan why should they be allowed in? Japan does not need to be the Germany of asia.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Give me all the thumbs down you want to, but this is very shameful for Japan and that is a fact that cannot be denied.

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

A few thousands refugees wouldn't even impact too much the country, so that is not even an issue. But for those advocating mass immigration as a solution to shrinking population dynamics let me remind you that:

1) Immigration policies cost a lot (education, social security, etc.) and payback depends on whether they will be employed and pay taxes. This is should be not taken for granted as it depends on many variables such as economy status, labour market, fiscal policies, etc. So before speaking of immigration, several preconditions should be fulfilled.

2) Immigrants coming from certain cultural backgrounds find it difficult to integrate and often become source of troubles.

3) In the long run industrialized countries will have to cope with zero demographic growth anyway, so just deal with it now instead of procrastinating.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

I agree with Japan !

3 ( +3 / -0 )

but this is very shameful for Japan and that is a fact that cannot be denied.

That's your opinion and it's OK. But I disagree with you 100%.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Just give them temporary resident visa and send them back once their countries situation has improved. Don’t want to buy the trouble. The problems do not start today but it will grow and explode in future. Read and watch video below, the desperate 23 years old Afghan refugee threatening to kill people and 'eat humans' in a barrage of vile rhetoric unleashed towards an elderly Swedish bus passenger. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3405434/Afghan-migrant-threatens-kill-people-eat-humans-row-Swedish-bus.html#ixzz3yBV5bqaB

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Who cares about the "corrupt internationl community", good for Japan refusing these Assylim seekers!

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Japan rejecting refugees is a good thing. Its bad enough Turks and Kurds were brawling in the streets of Tokyo with respect for the public and police.

If Japan allowed masses of refugees, japanese women wouldn't be safe exiting the train stations and walking home late at night.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Tom Petty said it all.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I am not against to any refugees if they are for real. Many of the so called Refugees in Europe are not really are..they are economically bothered and want to have a better life in Europe. Unfortunately, Germany is unable to execute strict control and checking when these people arrive in the country. I am very sad to say that the world is unluckily not as safe as it used to be, it is a place to be afraid of in so many ways but having said that though, we can still surely make a difference. We can be all hero in our own little way. We can start humanitarianism at home, at the workplace and of course in our country. Japan is not selfish at all nor inhumane. It is a protective country and I can't blame them from not accepting refugees but at least the country would extend its hand to people who are really in need.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

The reason only 27 people were accepted as refugees is because most of the applicants were not refugees at all, but chancers looking for a way to remain in Japan. For example, the largest number of applicants last year were from Nepal. I understand that Nepal is a dump and the standard of living is very low, but there is no war there and people are not persecuted by their government. Thus the applicants from Nepal are not refugees and the Japanese government was right to reject their applications.

The same argument can be applied to most other applicants: just because your country is a miserable dump doesn't make you a refugee. Merkel has foolishly allowed Germany to be invaded by hordes of these people. Most of them are not from Syria and cannot be considered refugees under any sensible definition. Even those from Syria are not really refugees as most of them were already living safely in Turkey and should have stayed there. Unless action is taken to prevent the invaders from entering Europe the entire EU will soon collapse. All thanks to Merkel.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Login to leave a comment

Facebook users

Use your Facebook account to login or register with JapanToday. By doing so, you will also receive an email inviting you to receive our news alerts.

Facebook Connect

Login with your JapanToday account

User registration

Articles, Offers & Useful Resources

A mix of what's trending on our other sites