Foreign Workers as Respected Partners

In recent years, the issue of foreign workers has gained significant attention in Japan. With the nation facing a declining population and a severe labor shortage, opinions range from the argument that accepting foreign workers is an unavoidable necessity to concerns that further acceptance may lead to social disruption.

I believe this issue must be considered not only from an economic perspective but also from social and cultural angles.

For instance, there is debate surrounding the remittances sent by foreign workers to their home countries. Some argue that the money earned in Japan being sent abroad represents a financial outflow, which is problematic for the Japanese economy.

While it is true that remittances result in a temporary outflow of funds, they can also indirectly contribute to the purchase of Japanese products and support the Japanese economy.
Moreover, foreign workers interacting with Japanese society may develop an appreciation for Japanese culture, becoming admirers of Japan. This connection can lead to long-term economic benefits as they continue to support Japanese goods, films, and anime even after returning to their home countries.

From this perspective, remittances are not a simple loss for Japan but can be seen as a significant economic and cultural benefit from a global standpoint.

In today’s highly globalized world, interdependence has deepened to an unprecedented extent. Whether it is economic challenges, food security, or climate change, no single country can solve these issues alone.

The issue of foreign workers, too, must be viewed globally. It involves not only addressing domestic labor shortages or concerns about unemployment but also considering refugee and human rights issues in the context of international society.

Foreign workers are not merely a source of labor. Each individual is a global citizen representing the diverse cultures of their home country, making them indispensable and respected partners.

In this context, the recent rejection of immigrants and foreign workers in some Western countries is a growing concern for the future of the international community.

The world faces numerous challenges today. Rather than seeing each other as adversaries, it is time to have serious discussions about how we can coexist and prosper as respectful and mutually supportive partners. Without such efforts, humanity may have no future.

Thank you for taking the time to read to the end.

Here is the Japanese version.