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Japan’s proposed language tests for residency stir debate: ‘pandering to xenophobes’
While some say Japanese knowledge is a fair demand, others worry it will introduce ‘roadblocks’ at a time when the country needs more workers
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The Japanese government is floating the idea of requiring anyone applying for permanent residency to have reached a certain standard of Japanese language skills and undergo instruction on how to be a good citizen.
Media reports on the proposals from the government and the ruling Liberal Democratic Party have provoked fierce online debate among both Japanese and foreign residents.
While many insist it is a fair and reasonable commitment for anyone planning to live in the country long term, others are accusing Sanae Takaichi’s conservative administration of throwing up additional barriers to immigration at a time when Japan requires more workers.
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“Japan remains a very conservative country, in terms of traditions and values. Foreigners need to realise that to be accepted in such a culture, they need to be able to show that they are able to adapt to its values and traditions,” said Eshlin Vedan, a South African who taught at schools in Kyushu for a year.
“This requirement could also make integration easier,” said Vedan, who is presently in South Africa and has been applying for jobs in Japan and China.
However, language skills should not be the only consideration for permanent residency.
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