U.N. urges Japan to resettle more refugees

won't happen..

Guess now the world is going to get a taste of what the Japanese public has been dealing with since the Abe administration came to power......"urges"

Dont do it Japan they become a burden on the country both financially and criminally

Its record at home has drawn sharp criticism from international human rights groups, and has been at odds with its traditional status as a major international donor on refugees.

good

It officially rejects unskilled migrant workers,

Japan says that many people claim asylum in Japan to find work, encouraged by access to renewable work permits for people applying for refugee status.

Well, scap the trainee program and accept refugees instead. Oh wait. They are also easily exploited, and THEIR situation prevents them from going home. never mind

Japan is a difficult country to survive even for Japanese. I do not recommend them to come to Japan. As many commentators write here, there are many problems which are making them difficult to live such as undemocratic, feudalistic, prejudices, regimental society etc. To live in Japan, it takes "gaman" (patience). Not much freedom here.

Don't do it Japan. Look at the state of the UK these days. There is no gain to be gotten in inviting in masses of people from a culture who have no interest in assimilating to yours. It's very fashionable for the rich and famous to favor letting in refugees.  Have you ever noticed they are the same ones who can afford to live far-away from the inevitable ghettos though? Funny that.

The utopian prospect of a world "race" is completely outdated and damaging for world community! Move away from this dangerous pre-modern aspect Japan, please! You know better than this.

It's cool to have a national state, but it shouldn't hamper refugee influx! Then the japanese society should make more babies to maintain the "japanese" level!:)

Got to be honest, while fairly left leaning on most issues, I prefer the barriers to entry to be kept fairly high.

Thats not to say more refugees shouldn't be welcome but only those who pass stringent checks and show an absolute commitment to adjusting to their adopted home.

Strikebreaker555, I don't disagree, and think there needs to be some adjustments on what is considered to be "Japanese" or at least be considered legitimate to be here, but having been most places in the world (other than the middle east) I will put up with a few inconveniences here and there for the cleanliness, quietness and relative peace, freedom and safety I have have.

Just like you urged Japan to pay for the 3rd time to Korea? The UN is a joke, whoever pays them the most gets their say.

Immigration without intelligent and modern integration is not good for the host nation.

Positives can come from it, but their is much we need to learn and do better as a society in.

The Japanese are fully aware of the social costs of the kind of immigration the UN advocates. Germany’s government is currently paralyzed by its misguided immigrantion policies.

I think Japan would rather suffer the economic consequences of an aging and shrinking population rather than commit cultural suicide. Too bad that Europe and America didn’t have the sense to do the same. In the long run, Japan will emerge as a strong and cohesive people. The rest of the West will have squandered their legacy.

As ever Japan wants to take full advantage of global systems but shoulder none of the burdens. Free trade? Oh yes, we're all for the right to sell our stuff in your country. Cheap oil? Thank you kindly. Accept a few refugees from the US's global wars? Sorry, that's out of the question. Same as it ever was.

Any attempt at increasing immigration has to come in tandem with education in language and culture to allow immigrants to assimilate into Japan.

Unfortunately, the government 's record on providing for its own population is dismal so it would seem that immigration is a non starter here....

Lots of weird, creepy racial/cultural purity comments in here. It says asylum seekers, not immigrants.

Here's an idea, stop the hedgemon wars creating the refugees.

Better luck getting blood out of a stone....

Dear UN, I have a better solution: stop creating refugees, stop bombing so they can return and rebuild their homes.

Dear UN, I have a better solution: stop creating refugees, stop bombing so they can return and rebuild their homes.

Thr current Syria crisis is a direct result of the US invasion of Iraq, which was done without UN approval or oversight.

I wonder if those who are urging conflict with the DPRK are ready for the vast number of refugees coming in to Japan?

Anyways, mankind is inherently nomadic and migrates in waves over the millennia.

The saddest and most ironic thing here is foreigners not wanting other foreigners to come to Japan.

That and those with Christmas avatars, who conveniently forget that Jesus was a refugee.

With big chance getting terrorist or rapist Japan will keep doors shut and ignore UN.

But enough about the US military...

if Japan wants to except asylum seekers they have to:

Introduce a two year assimilation process. First year involving intensive psychotherapy. If they are genuine asylum seekers they must be traumatised. If genuine go to the Second year. intensive language and cultural studies, They can be released from training camps into work placement, so they can start a new life. Imported family members my go through the same process.

Keep Article 9 so we don't participate in destroying lives, infrastructure, and countries. Genuine asylum seekers don't suddenly materialise.

Japanese people need to understand that not all foreigners are middle-class white american NOVA teachers. They have to start locking doors and windows, not carrying cash, locking cars and using motorbike locks on bicycles, having more security in stores, studying the effects of drug use on their children etc. the world will change, they bubble will disappear so fast.

Japanese people need to look at the positive effects they can bring to the country. As most will be unskilled it can refresh the job market. They can learn more about other cultures, food, customs and that all humans are human.

Tuff to do all this. Too fast will lead to women only concerts like in Sweden, or the rise of Neo-Nazis all over Europe. Slowly and properly is better than making a mess.

No, this isn't really even up for discussion anymore. If they are true asylum seekers and refugees, then their primary cause for flight is due to safety and security concerns.

Which means they can basically settle in any other country on Earth. Choosing Japan over others when not even speaking the language stinks of economic migration, which is a non-starter and will create a backlash against all legitimate refugees and asylum seekers so far accepted, as well as all foreigners currently residing in Japan.

If they are here for economic reasons, then they are not asylum seekers or refugees so decline them.

What is UN's right to "force" the acceptance of the so called "refugees" upon any member nation..?

UN is a forum and a coordinator for international issues, but not their place to dictate or force any action upon any member nation. That is one reason why they do not have a standing military to begin with and they do not have the ability to "tax" any nation.

EU by controlling the "money", the Euro, has the ability but not necessarily the mandate (not yet anyway, since it is primarily economic unity) to force such action. But they did in fact "force" that upon all, the nations by controlling availability and the use of the money. One major reason for the Brexit movement.

Perspective here... in one's view the so called refugees may be "undesirable" or even "unwanted". Moral and ethical values are also different... what is "humane" or even the idea of "responsibility" differs with every people. Then, there is "priority" of the people... as well as their one and only right... the "right to choose"...

So the UN, regardless of their sense of "values" cannot force the refugees upon any member nation... that must come from first "acceptance" by the people of that nation and NOT by the government or by an outside entity...

Japan could accept more refugees, but not in massive way. Currently, in Europe is a disaster. And, honestly, I "laugh" when I see French or other Europeans complaining, when most of European Countries closed their borders, and the EU is forcing Italy, my Country, to keep all the migrants from Africa. This is the truth. Here in Italy we have small villages like Conetta, with less than 200 residents and more than 1000 "refugees". But the rest of Europe closed their borders. Italy is collapsing. Thanks fellows Europeans!

Those who fear economic migration; why are you living and working in Japan?

What I said about the EU situation is true. France, for example, closed her borders, and we Italians must feed people from your ex-colonies, who speak only French. I don't care about the thumbs down, it's simply the truth. Many of them are living in Hotels thanks to our money. And the EU call these people "refugees"...No, mist of them are not refugees.

They are all young men. Just a bunch of women.

Japan fight the UN and continue to keep them out and Japan safe.

I wonder if those who are urging conflict with the DPRK are ready for the vast number of refugees coming in to Japan?

If Syria is any indication, probably not. Those who preach war the loudest seem loudest about refusing to deal with the resultant issues that arise from said war.

StrangerlandToday  09:39 am JST

"Thr current Syria crisis is a direct result of the US invasion of Iraq, which was done without UN approval or oversight."

Then they should plead to the US government instead of asking others to cleaning up this mess. oh wait, it won't work, because we all know they are a big, fat, puppet organization. So their words is equal to garbage anyway, back to square one.

I don't think Japan would be able to stand what Italian people are standing these days. Living in small cities with 200 Italians and thousands of Africans who speak only English and French. Some years ago I always defended pro-immigration policy. But I can't believe what is happening in Italy now, the situation is out of control. And these "refugees" are never satisfied. They complain about the food, the cloths, the Wi-Fi...Jesus Christ. They are getting all of this for free.

kawabegawa:

Don't do it Japan. Look at the state of the UK these days.

The problem with the UK is not immigration as such, but the fact that they've let in TOO many people and some of those are not contributing positively to society. Nobody is saying that Japan should open the floodgates, but come on, 28 asylum seekers accepted?!! That is disgusting, considering Japan wants to be one of the big guys next to other G7 countries. Historically, countries like China have taken in much much more. Japan would rather see its native population become extinct than accept a few more refugees. Accepting them in reasonable numbers, and helping them to integrate will help them to better themselves and in turn contribute to society.

It's difficult to blame Japan for the number of refugees in the world: Japan hasn't been invading or bombing anyone. The countries that caused the problem should sort it out.

The U.N. If ever there was an organisation that needs rapid reform, the U.N is it. This would be the same U.N that has China, Venezuela and some very thuggish African regimes on its Human Rights Council. The same Human Rights Council that recently welcomed Australia's participation while at the same time voicing indignation, quite rightly, at the terrible Manus and Naaru refugee camps.

I have very little faith in the U.N these days.

I find funny how the comment about "the poor UK with too many migrants" got tons of thumbs up, while my comments about Italy are getting thumbs down. But this is the real problem of Europe. We aren't an Union at all. I hope also Italy will be able to do an "Italix".

U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Filippo Grandi.

Mr. Grandi, please do not interfere, Japan is a well managed country.

Here in Italy we have small villages like Conetta, with less than 200 residents and more than 1000 "refugees". But the rest of Europe closed their borders. Italy is collapsing. Thanks fellows Europeans!

So sorry to hear that. A French postal service has just decided to stop delivering to a suburb of Paris because the refugees keep attacking them. Blame Soros and the EU globalists, and my fellow idiot Americans who voted for the war mongers over the last 27 years.

Yeah, right! Get ready for Japan to throw more money at it and claim it's done enough.

Alex80: "I find funny how the comment about "the poor UK with too many migrants" got tons of thumbs up, while my comments about Italy are getting thumbs down. "

Maybe because you always bring in Italy with off-topic remarks and personal politics.

@FizzBit

Thanks for your solidarity. Here there's an article about Conetta, but it's only one of the many similar situations in Italy now

https://www.thelocal.it/20170715/quiet-italy-hamlets-struggle-with-migrant-human-warehouses

1,400 young African men in a town with 190 very old residents.

Of course, everything is told to give the impression that the poor young migrants boys are suffering so much, while there's only a line dedicated to the 190 Italian residents who are basically living in an "African town", with all the related problems. Yeah, the guys are living in a temporary camp, but they get everything they need for free, but it's never enough. They want homes. Many migrants in Italy are actually living in Hotels, and they get public housing also when Italians are waiting for years.

Our government is crazy...and Europe is also more crazy, because like the article says "What has been described as the worst migrant crisis since World War 2 began in earnest in 2014, when 170,000 people landed in Italy. Europe forced Italy to close its borders in 2015 to prevent people travelling onwards.

Since then, the number of people blocked in the country has risen sharply, along with requests for asylum, which jumped from 63,500 in 2014 to 123,000 in 2016. Those filing the requests can wait up to two years for a result."

Can you imagine a similar situation in Japan? I'm sorry, but being politically correct isn't possible anymore. The reality is different from anything that is politically correct, and I can't recognize my Country anymore.

Maybe because you always bring in Italy with off-topic remarks and personal politics.

But other people can always bring remarks about UK, Germany, always the SAME Countries when it's about immigration, even though currently all European Countries CLOSED their borders and it's mainly an ITALIAN emergency because the migrants continue to arrive here, and they can only remain here.

please dont Japan! tell UN to go to hell

Never gonna happen! The Japanese mind is too smart to let this happen!

Those who fear economic migration; why are you living and working in Japan?

You are confused. Nobody is against economic migration. They are against economic migrants coming in under false pretenses (claiming to be war refugees). I had to show I could support myself to come into Japan, and wouldn't be a burden on society.

Japan will have plenty of real refugees to deal with someday here in east Asia. Japan doesn't need to answer to the UN, because the UN answers to nobody.

Since then, the number of people blocked in the country has risen sharply, along with requests for asylum, which jumped from 63,500 in 2014 to 123,000 in 2016. Those filing the requests can wait up to two years for a result."

And of course, this all goes back to the Peace Prize winner Obama and the beloved Hillary Clinton destroying Libya which opened the flood gates of these refugees/free crap army into Southern Europe. We came, we saw, he died.

As was said more needs to be done to integrate refugees, compulsory Japanese classes, etc.

Interestingly my country is experiencing a 45% drop in refugee applications this year.

Under no circumstances should Japan allow the UN to dictate any policies whatsoever. Ask Sweden, Germany, France and Italy how admitting large numbers of so-called refugees are working out for them. I say Japan should admit zero refugees.

Pukey2:  Are you so afraid of refugees? Japan has Polynesian descended people on the smaller islands and ethnic Korean immigrants. Racism is wrong no matter WHO is expressing those sediments.

@Alex80

There are more than a few of your countrymen living and working outside Italy.

I have worked with and been a customer of Italians doing business outside Italy.

And nobody forces Italy to open its doors to migrants from outside the EC.

Italy has a low birth rate and there is opportunity for immigrants to boost that.

Dont you think that the Italian government realizes this?

And nobody forces Italy to open its doors to migrants from outside the EC.

Please look at a world map and notice the close proximity of Libya to Italy.

Italy has a low birth rate and there is opportunity for immigrants to boost that

You obviously don't care about what Alex has said about 1,400 "refugees", and I guess I need to repeat it one time, "refugees", NOT migrants, to the small 190 local Italian population. You make a false and twisted observation (globalist) that a country needs to "have more babies" to be successful. It's that globalist attitude that will ruin the planet. Grow..grow...grow!

"...mankind is inherently nomadic and migrates in waves over the millennia."

Not really. Humans built advanced civilizations when they stopped being nomadic, settled down, stayed put giving them the chance to construct sophisticated infrastructure and develop higher learning.

The great nomadic peoples, like the Mongols, Huns and Comanche, tend to be primitive, violent and aggressive and hence a danger to all around them.

Italy like Greece is one of the main routes for asylum seekers, Spain and now Poland, etc are others.

Many will try to apply for asylum in multiple countries which is not allowed but there is no central EU database.

First Germany, Italy and now Japan?

I see a pattern here !

Good for Japan and their immigration system.  Keeping the refugees out has left Japan a better place to live than having all the other problems other nations who have taken in the refugees are experiencing.  IF they UN really wanted to help the refugees, train them and help them fight to get their own countries in order. That is what people do take the dictators or problems out.  No thank you to any refugees. My tax money is better spent elsewhere.

The amount of forigners living in Japan as of 2015 was 2.23 Million.

(http://www.nippon.com/en/features/h00137/)

The current population of Japan is 126,451,398

(https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ja.html)

 

For a developed country with a population of 126,451,398 accepting such a small amount of refugees is quite frankly appalling.

As for the issue of broader immigration, it seems that the government understands that more immigration is needed in order to prevent some of the dropping population issues that Japan is experiencing.

However, the general attitude towards accepting foreigners seems to be one that has inherent undertones of racism, for instance Japan offers visas and training visas for workers to do the crappier jobs that no one else wants to do and then takes advantage of them by withholding their pay or making them work excessive hours.

Foreigners are not entitled to the same anti-discrimination laws that Japanese citizens are.

The way people respond to immigration is also with fear, a fear that somehow the pure Japanese bloodline and culture will be diluted and destroyed should more foreigners suddenly come to Japan.

If you dump all of the immigrants in a certain area then of course you will end up with cultural divides as well as many other issues, but there is no reason that more immigrants cannot come to Japan to work and live.

I am quite frankly sick of the arrogant pro Japanese everything attitude people are brainwashed with here, everything in Japan is far superior in design and manufacture to other places, everything in Japan is unique, its simply not true and I think Japan really needs to wake up to itself on the worlds stage.

This country has a lot of positives going for it but at the same time its riddled with issues just like other countries more foreigners can only make this country more adaptable and open in my opinion and I think Japan is in dire need of a renaissance.

IF they UN really wanted to help the refugees, train them and help them fight to get their own countries in order. That is what people do take the dictators or problems out.

Like the CIA training the Mujahadeen in Afghanistan to repel the Soviets? Which led to the birth of a terrorist movement which brought down the Twin Towers which led to an invasion of Iraq which left a vacuum for a terrorist organisation which has caused senseless murder and mayhem around the world which has led to a huge displacement of peoples who are demonised by privileged westerners who are happy to see them die in their thousands which leads to resentment, famine and the disintergration of social structures, which leads to poverty...

Gosh only knows what the future holds for us all. I'd like to think we are all brothers and sisters, despite the fear, ignorance and loathing. But it gets more and more difficult to have faith in humanity when topics like this come up.

Send all refugees to United States, It is from Washington the problems have always begun.

Send them to literally any other country, if they really are refugees and asylum seekers escaping persecution they should have no complaint whatsoever. If they complain, then they are economic migrants only looking for a free handout and easy ride. They will also cast doubt on all foreigners currently in Japan, so foreign residents in Japan should be especially opposed.

Either way, this isn't even up for discussion, it won't ever happen thankfully

Thankfully, it's going to happen. Eventually and Japan can breathe new life into itself. It won't dilute, destroy or desecrate what already exists.

Apart from the foreign military, Japan is enriched by all its newcomers.

Long may that continue.

@Kurisupisu: There are also many Americans, Germans, Spanish, etc. who do business ouside their own Country, not only Italians. BUT this kind of migration isn't comparable to the current emigration crisis from Africa. Are you even serious? I am speaking of small villages where there are more Africans than Italians, and they don't "open their business", of course, the Italian State (Italian citizens) pay everything for them. They aren't economically independent. And no, sadly we can't reject them like you think, the EU force us to help them, but let other European Countries close their borders, just because Italy is closer to Africa, so the first Country where they arrive is Italy. Italy has already tons of foreigners, for example also one of the greatest Chinese communities in Europe, but one thing are legal migrants, and another thousands of illegal migrants who ask only one house, food, anything for free, because they think they have absolutely these rights when they arrive to Europe. It's difficult to explain them that not even all the Italian residents are rich, that it's not possible giving immediately house, everything, like they want, but they see Europe like a magical Eldorado. They protest because they dislike the food, or for the lack of wi-fi, and I am not kidding. Since where I live it's plenty of them, every ordinary citizen can see how they are healthy, young men with smartphones, living in Hotels, without doing anything all day. In my city it's also plenty of Chinese, and also Indians, but they work, they arrive here with a different mindset than these "refugees" who apparently know they can get tons of protection and benefits for free by Europe. This isn't integration and it's not the kind of immigration that Italy needs. I think this kind of migration isn't the key to solve the low birthrate of Countries like Italy, Germany or Japan. And I know that putting these three Countries in the same sentence make easy for some of you do some kinds of bad "jokes", but you could keep these jokes for yourself.

Apart from the foreign military, Japan is enriched by all its newcomers.

I haven’t enriched Japan in any way other than paying in more than I take out from the system.

I’m actually in favour of canny immigration, but not all countries want to be enriched. That’s fair enough.

My only gripe is Japan wasting my tax on a sham facade. Just pull out of the obligations and set the number at zero. I doubt you’d get much more than a few hundred in Hibiya Park and a few quickly forgotten, nasty articles in the international press.

Japan, Italy, Germany are screwed, are not sovereign nation, have no foreign policy and united states still maintain their political influence with "Soft Occupation".

Love Miyavi! Slap guitar is awesome.

What’s all this about sending him to an asylum?

@Udondashi: now I understand what you meant. In this case, you are right.

Alfie Noakes

Not my thing at all, but liberals (like yourself) calling out everyday people who value their heritage and culture and dont want it washed away for the benefor of their current politicians, saying that they are creepy and racist is not accurate.

Its that attitude that stokes up the tensions and divides people against each other. It is probably why Trump took advantedge of all the hate and even got elected too.

Asylum seekers/refugees. If they have been properly screened (health/security) and have a genuine desire to contribute to the country then yes Japan should do more in this area (I know my country has) rather than just throw money their way.

Bit perplexed by some of the commenters on here, I’m sure we can give some of these people a fair go?

starpunk:

Pukey2: Are you so afraid of refugees? Japan has Polynesian descended people on the smaller islands and ethnic Korean immigrants. Racism is wrong no matter WHO is expressing those sediments.

I don't mean to be rude, but can you actually read English? It just seems to me that you read the first post that caught your eye, and then assumed everybody else was expressing the same sediments (sic).

Countries like those of western Europe and other large English-speaking countries have accepted so many refugees, which I can only commend. But even the most liberal of people can be pushed over the edge if refugees are allowed to come at an unchecked rate. And we have Japan on the other end of the spectrum, standing proud next to the other big boys of the G7 but doing sod all, except throw money away. You seem to be unaware that the Japanese themselves were accepted as immigrants all over the Americas during the 20th century, fleeing Japan because of poverty.

Can you not understand the whole point of this article? I think the irony has been lost on you. If you want to go back further in time, then you can look at how the Ainu were literally wiped off the face of the earth by the ancestors of modern-day Japanese.

 You seem to be unaware that the Japanese themselves were accepted as immigrants all over the Americas during the 20th century, fleeing Japan because of poverty.

I am tired to see this kind of comparison with the current crisis refugees in Europe. Please, remember that Japanese, Chinese, Koreans, Italians, Greeks, etc. migrants to America weren't different from Anglo-saxon migrants, and they built up America. Why do you think that migrants from UK or Germany were the only true Americans?

Japan has shortage of laborers. Recruit construction companies to build two story aparttmenthuses. Then invite labor intensive factories. Accept Asylum seekers. When Japanese people are not interested. To become laborers ,, Japan need too have workable people from other countries. But ignore UN plan for Japan,, UN only want Japan's money..

The U.N. refugee agency has urged Japan to resettle more asylum seekers

Tell the U.N. refugee agency, and the U.N., to mind their own business.

Don't let in more Immigrants!

Why are you wasting your time UN, don't you have better things to do. This is like banging you head against a wall. Its funny to see many foreigners living in Japan saying in comments to not let in more immigrants. The target of Japan is to let 40 million visitors by 2020 but make sure that all of them leaves.

@Fizzbit Would you rather see villages and towns die out due to lack of people or flourish? And I'm not sure what you mean by 'globalist' ? It sounds like an epithet though ! @Alex80 The fault is not that of any person finding themselves in Italy but rather the policies of the Italian government. If the Italian government is inept at finding work for, educating, or not training foreigners then they will certainly lounge around and do nothing all day......

You seem to be unaware that the Japanese themselves were accepted as immigrants all over the Americas during the 20th century, fleeing Japan because of poverty.

Exactly. And still large numbers of Japanese leave Japan for a happier and wealthier life elsewhere. Luckily many developed nations are more open to them than their own nation is to those in need of a helping hand.

Its funny to see many foreigners living in Japan saying in comments to not let in more immigrants. The target of Japan is to let 40 million visitors by 2020 but make sure that all of them leaves.

Yep.

And everyone seems to ignore those nations that were built on immigration, and now flourish, in part, because of it.

That said, I don't think Japan should allow immigration for anyone, close its borders even to folk like me. That seems to be where they want to head and they don't seem to have the flexibility of mind and society to deal with each other in a fair manner, let alone foreigners. So let them close the borders, I say. Why not renounce all the good things that foreign influence has brought to Japan, too. Let's start with electricity and toilets you can sit on. Japan is a homogeneous and ancient culture after all...

Don't take refugees. I would like to keep Japan as it is - basically a huge outdoor museum, a great place for vacation!

Dont do it...near every other country that have has regretted it.

Politicians living in splendor and safety , while their poulation has to put up with criminal activity etc from the new comers.

Dont do it as Japan is a special place and should not be tainted this way.

I hope the Japanese are looking at the no-go zones and regular gang rapes in French, Swedish, Dutch and (thanks so so much, Merkel) also German cities and say no thanks to this idiotic idea.

There is no need to "flee" for millions of young uneducated men to culturally incompatile societies far away, while bypassing dozens of safe countries on the way --- which of course offer less general welfare.

Immigration is a positive thing when not met with resistance by the local population. Look at America, for example - went from wild west to the most developed nation in a short time.

In contrast, look at any nation where immigrants are treated as 2nd class citizens and you will see problems. The problems lie with the locals, and things go wrong when the tolerance of newcomers is low. It's a simple equation. People migrate because they want opportunities and a happier life (Japanese included).

That said, this story is not about immigration - it is about taking responsibility for the footprint that the developed world (baffles me how Japan is part of it) leaves on these war-torn and economically forgotten nations. Refugees would surely prefer to stay home if things in their environment were conducive to it.

Maybe you all need to look a little harder at yourselves than refugees and immigrants, whether economic or not. Try a little 'live and let live'.

As for crime, stop looking at the face value of things and understand that there are underlying factors to everything. And take note that most crime is perpetrated by locals in any country. Stop blowing things out of proportion! This sickening double speak is becoming so common these days that people are actually believing it without even trying. We are bombarded with it.

Think for yourself!

When was the last time an immigrant or refugee attacked you personally?

That said, this story is not about immigration

Exactly. And yet you continue to talk about it as though it is about immigration. This a common tactic, since the argument in favor of unquestioningly accepting self-proclaimed refugees who bring their cultural baggage with them and seek to take advantage of the host culture is not an easy argument to make. Much easier to try to reframe the discussion as pro-immigrant vs anti-immigrant, with plenty of virtue signalling along the way.

Think for yourself!

Has it occurred to you that someone who is decent and intelligent could think for themselves and arrive at a different conclusion than you?

Immigration is a positive thing when not met with resistance by the local population. Look at America, for example - went from wild west to the most developed nation in a short time.

This is a terrible example. America had numerous native tribes which were all nearly wiped-out due to immigrants. Their culture and socity is almost non-existant now in the US which I'm sure the Japanese do not want to happen.

Also, the US is still pretty 'wild west' with the rampant gun crime. And, most developed nation? I guess US citizens are alone in this thinking!

Exactly. And yet you continue to talk about it as though it is about immigration.

Many refugees go on to becoming esteemed and/or contributing members of society (much like many immigrants, such as yourself), despite the resistance from good folks like yourself. So the two do overlap at some point whether you like it or not.

This a common tactic, since the argument in favor of unquestioningly accepting self-proclaimed refugees who bring their cultural baggage with them and seek to take advantage of the host culture is not an easy argument to make.

Who said anything about 'unquestioningly' letting anyone in? Perhaps you could answer my question; when was the last time an immigrant or refugee attacked you personally? Focus purely on the refugee part if it helps you...

Has it occurred to you that someone who is decent and intelligent could think for themselves and arrive at a different conclusion than you?

Both decent AND intelligent people are hard to find these days. Such people are capable of exercising compassion. With the constant drip feed of right leaning media who usually pander toward feeding the military industrial complex (which I have a feeling you are part of), average people have lost the ability to make decisions that are not influenced by the media as opposed to their own experiences, and most likely take the path of least resistance. That's a major factor as to why we see this movement of insularity growing these days. In short, we are going backwards.

This is a terrible example. America had numerous native tribes which were all nearly wiped-out due to immigrants. Their culture and socity is almost non-existant now in the US which I'm sure the Japanese do not want to happen.

Also, the US is still pretty 'wild west' with the rampant gun crime. And, most developed nation? I guess US citizens are alone in this thinking!

Sure. Maybe not a good example when you look only at the colonial aspect of it. But it's hard to deny that the diversity of American society has not helped them at greatly at various point in their modern history, at least, and still continues to do so. I'm not American nor do I have ties to America, but it's quite obvious that (while perhaps not the most 'developed nation') The US is by far and away the most influential nation. Besides, migration has been a part of our species since the beginning of mankind. Only recently in our history do we have imaginary borderlines.

Again, if you focus only on colonization, negatives pop up all through history. But refugees are not looking to colonize. They are fleeing. Not sure how that can be dressed as colonization. But I am quite sure there were more than 28 legitimate refugees (in any sense of the word) that applied to Japan for sanctuary last year...!

Many refugees go on to becoming esteemed and/or contributing members of society

Irrelevant. In that sentence, "refugees" could be replaced with just about anything and still be true. "Many convicted felons go on to becoming esteemed members of society." See? It doesn't support your argument.

> when was the last time an immigrant or refugee attacked you personally? 

Also completely irrelevant. Personal anecdotes are no way to view society as a whole. Inviting in masses of immigrants who have no desire to blend with the local culture, who lie about their status and who will live off public funds is a non-starter for any thinking person. No society has had a successful experience with this.

Both decent AND intelligent people are hard to find these days. ....　With the constant drip feed of right leaning media who usually pander toward feeding the military industrial complex (which I have a feeling you are part of)

Your second sentence seems to support your first sentence. So I'll agree, even though your second sentence is merely an expression of your own totally erroneous preconceptions. I am glad you are worried about the military-industrial complex though (who would mostly take your side in this debate, by the way).