The problem is they want the workers but not the people.

Because they have looked at the current state of France, Sweden, Germany and elsewhere and have decided those are not the kind of societies they want to become.

She's 100% right.

That's very honest of her.

I'll go one step further: they want the workers' tax money. And not much else.

That sums it up perfectly.

Because they have looked at the current state of France, Sweden, Germany and elsewhere and have decided those are not the kind of societies they want to become.

This is something my Japanese coworkers who travel to Europe on business often say.

My own take is immigration brings good and bad. Japan should learn from France, the UK, Germany and Sweden who got it very wrong.

Bold and real statement by the First Lady! Spun out.

People are just afraid of change that’s all. If they do immigration right, with proper systems and support networks in place , and the right people coming , at the right numbers and pace it’ll be a win win for everyone. Just got to do it right, and this is where those that live here and know the place get a bit nervous. It could and should work but.....well, it’ll take competency that’s all.

Most of those countries cited by some posters did not do a very good job of integrating people or welcoming them and Japan is no different. If they left their holier-than-thou-you-are-lucky-to-be-here biases out maybe things could have been better. Try not acting like the victorious colonizer, superior group and inventer of all things good and maybe those lesser humans might feel like a part of the community. Guarantee that Japan will fail at this and do the foreign blame game like many in those countries have done. I say, just desserts. You won't understand that position because you have never been there, can't relate, and your conditioning is holding you back. I see it every day.

Yes!

Chosen immigration (a la Oz, Canada, nz) works/may work, not so much the 'you're all welcome/ bring your family with you' model implemented in western Europe.

Plus I wouldn't worry too much about SEA migrants if I were J. They've done very well in the us, Europe or Oceania.

Bold and real statement by the First Lady!

Shinzo's wife is Akie Abe, this is Atsuko Abe, a political scientist at J.F. Oberlin University in Tokyo, as it says below the quote. Also, Akie isn't the "first lady" because Japan is a monarchy.

Good post from Mocheake!

@Mocheake

Most of those countries cited by some posters did not do a very good job of integrating people or welcoming them and Japan is no different.

Sweden has been held up as a model case for immigration and refugees, Germany was highly praised, too, by the multy-culties. Now, a growing number of their populations view such "enlightened" policies as a mistake, spurring a steady rise in right-wing populism and new social divisions.

Some social policies are just plain wrong.

Jeff, regardless of our feelings about immigration, the fact remains that Japan has decided to welcome more workers. This quote is about how they are to be treated, not whether they're a solution or not. I'd argue that someone can be both against immigration and concerned about how foreigners are treated, especially given Japan's poor record in this regard. I may not want to welcome my in laws into my house for dinner all the time but while they're hear I treat them well.

Jeff, regardless of our feelings about immigration, the fact remains that Japan has decided to welcome more workers. This quote is about how they are to be treated, not whether they're a solution or not. I'd argue that someone can be both against immigration and concerned about how foreigners are treated

If they're going to do it, they should do it right. Half-assing it because some people haven't bought into the idea is the surest way to ensure it does not work well.

Good post from Mocheake!

I'll second that. Best post on this thread in my humble opinion.

Oops!

@Strangerland

Half-assing it because some people haven't bought into the idea ensure it does not work well.

"Some people"? A poll found that 65% of Japanese voters are opposed to the new law. An earlier poll by Pew found only 23% of Japanese want more immigrants.

Dismissing the will of the public, a specialty of the left these days, is the surest way to create an irretractable disaster.

@Mocheake

You won't understand that position because you have never been there, can't relate,

Yeah, this is all about me. LOL. Turning a debate on public policy toward some supposed personal flaws of the debater is the surest way of knowing that the accuser has no argument.

"Some people"? A poll found that 65% of Japanese voters are opposed to the new law. An earlier poll by Pew found only 23% of Japanese want more immigrants.

Regardless, the law has been decided, so the implementation should be done correctly to avoid issues that other countries have run into.

Regardless, the law has been decided, so the implementation should be done correctly to avoid issues that other countries have run into.

I can only conclude that as a privileged gaijin, sort of a special gaijin, mind you, he's completely unconcerned with what might happen to the rabble that will be let in, or those who are already here. I guess humanizing them would distract from his larger purpose, barring entry to other foreigners who, like him, see Japan as a place to realize their dreams.

It's like monomaniacally railing against drug use while blithely ignoring treatment for addicts.