Japan's labor immigration: challenges to Japan's economic future

Abstract

This paper aims at presenting the current situation of the Japanese labor market and the government requirements regarding foreign workers. Historical analysis is developed in order to offer a glimpse of the current migratory flows occurring in the country. The author concludes that a complex paradox concerning the foreign immigration perception is still present among Japanese authorities because on the one hand, governmental authorities in Japan demand several inflows of working immigrants to supply the required industry and market’s job positions; but on the other hand, the social and cultural requirements that immigrants must complete and fulfil to integrate properly into society, are hindering the very assimilation of foreign workers.