Readings on Diversity Issues

Japanese society is now in the midst of a dramatic transformation. An extremely low birth rate and rapidly aging society is resulting in a declining Japanese labor force fueling a need for non-Japanese laborers and others to maintain economic growth. However despite a sense of impending crises Japan continues to be ill equipped to accept non-Japanese workers and add to the diversity already existing within its borders. Currently many of the benefits of inclusive societies which lead to a more innovative and fulfilling society are being curtailed by a pervading notion that Japan is monocultural and that diversity leads to too many problems. Readings on diversity issues: From hate speech to identity and privilege in Japan examines the state of diversity in past and present-day Japan and how Japanese people and the government navigate Japan's multicultural society as well as the way cultural minorities negotiate their lives in a country which still has difficulty accepting diversity.