Waseda Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies, Contemporary Japan Study Group & Institute of Asian Migrations ​ Book talk with Michael Strausz "Help (Not) Wanted: Immigration politics in Japan"

Date and time: May 19th, 2021 9:00-10:30 JST ​ Speakers: Prof. Michael Strausz (Texas Christian University) ​ Chair: Prof. Glenda Roberts (Institute of Asian Migrations, Waseda University)

Abstract:

Why has Japan’s immigration policy remained so restrictive, especially in light of economic, demographic, and international political forces that are pushing Japan to admit more immigrants? Michael Strausz will answer this question by drawing on insights from nearly two years of intensive field research in Japan. In addition to answering this question by outlining the central argument of his 2019 book, Help (Not) Wanted: Immigration Politics in Japan, this

presentation provides context to recent developments in Japanese immigration policy – particularly the December 2018 creation of new “Specified Skills Visas,” the role of immigration in the 2019 House of Councilors election, and the immigration policy response to the COVID pandemic.