On the first of May 2019, the era of Reiwa was born with the naming of Crown Prince Naruhito as Japan’s new emperor. The word was taken from a collection of historic Japanese poetry, and means "beautiful harmony." To anyone who was in Japan viewing the sakura, Reiwa would have seemed a fitting description of the time. Looking back over the last several months, it is also clear that Reiwa is ushering in dramatic changes in Japan's public policy.
Japan was once known for closing itself off from the world, in a practice known as "Sokaku." Today, many still associate Japan with isolationist immigration policies. In May 2019, Bloomberg's Noah Smith gave voice to the conventional wisdom, that "Japan has little history of mass immigration." However, looking at the latest data, one can see that the Reiwa era is reshaping Japan in ways that were unheard of in previous eras. After reviewing the research, and completing my analysis of Emperor Naruhito's priorities and past record of openness to new cultures, it is apparent that Reiwa is quickly becoming a welcoming era for immigrants.
Changes are in store for foreign residents
The most remarkable feature of the Reiwa era has been the increasing acknowledgement by the government of the plight of foreign residents, and the creation of new pathways for longer stays that will include families. Specifically, this comes in the form of a new two-tier visa programme: workers "who have expert knowledge and skills for specific industries" can bring their families to Japan, beginning in 2021. There is a reason for this change - Japan is increasingly relying on incoming foreign labour due to its ageing and shrinking workforce. Government data, cited in The Japan Times, indicates that there are 258,000 foreign technical interns in Japan . America's National Public Radio (NPR) has noted that there are 1.3 million "foreign laborers" of all types in Japan. The Japanese government estimates that there are 2.73 million foreigners living in the country in all. NPR also highlighted a coming influx of foreign workers: 345,000 over the next five years. A law passed in June established the Japanese government's dedication to ensuring Japanese language acquisition for foreign residents and their families. Although the law is seen as a symbolic gesture, it represents a new beginning for foreign residents in Japan. There will also be new offices founded, where foreign workers can seek local assistance.
Emperor Naruhito, a friend of the west
Emperor Naruhito is Japan's newest ambassador. His book, “The Thames and I”, is a nostalgic collection of memories from his time at Oxford University. In it, the Emperor held western traditions in high esteem, and wrote that his time in England "enriched my life a great deal." His time and experiences abroad paved the way for his lifelong interest in western culture, and his appreciation for various ways of life that differed from his own. Over thirty years later, he still maintains his appreciation for the west. Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako's first state banquet was held for U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at the Imperial Palace. The South China Morning Post reported that Naruhito said he felt a "distinct closeness" to the Commander in Chief. President Trump, for his part, spoke of a "cherished bond" between the countries. Western influences in Japan’s culinary scene can also be observed in French-inspired cuisine, which is particularly popular in Japan. In fact French chefs are considered "geniuses" by Japan's renowned food critic, Masuhiro Yamamoto. Condé Nast Traveler lists Yakitori Imai, which specializes in French cuisine for "food obsessives," among its "15 Best Places to Eat Like a Local in Tokyo." This increasingly popular method of fusion, borrowing strengths from east, west, and innovating beyond anything previously seen, symbolises Japan's new path.
The U.S. and Japan are partners in cultural enrichment and financial enterprise
Bonds between the U.S. and Japan have already been strong. Japanese companies, such as car manufacturers Subaru, Honda, and Toyota, have a reputation for quality and are popular with American consumers. Interest in Japanese culture in America is unquestionably high, and growing. Japanese-themed fairs, festivals, and conventions are common. While they are most prevalent in cities with close ties to Japan, such as Seattle, they can be found in most cities throughout the country. Japan is also an important business partner. The Office of the United States Trade Representative estimated U.S. trade with Japan to be worth US$297.5 billion last year.
Japan, for its part, has an interest in western products and culture as well. Starbucks is the clearest example: it has been a hit in Japan since it debuted there in 1996. The chain can now be found in various shapes and sizes at major intersections and in lobbies of buildings in Tokyo. However, Japanese interest in western civilisation is not just limited to food. Exhibits on western authors such as A.A.Milne, an esteemed English children’s author, have proved to be tremendously popular with local residents. Moreover, on the subject of culture, a Batman-themed store including a lineup of figures like Batman in detailed samurai armour drew its share of eager consumers. The Huffington Post's Andy McDonald is a fan, recommending a Japanese rendition of the American-made superhero. Trends in Tokyo street fashion feature American icons, including The Statue of Liberty. And there are few candies more widespread than Hershey's Kit Kat, in a number of unique varieties only available in Japan. Japan's international reach is also stretching eastward. Japan's Prince Hisahito went on an overseas trip in late August 2019 with his parents, Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko. Their destination was Bhutan, where they spent several days learning about the country and its people.
Having established the propensity of the royal family to see value in other cultures, and recognizing that the trend is flowing in this direction, what could we expect over the next few years? Foreign workers who enter the country will continue to see improvements in their standard of living. Language classes, improved education for their children, and bolstered employee protections will gradually lead to their integration into Japanese society. At the same time, the need for foreign workers will increase. While Japan will not be a melting pot in the traditional sense, the diversity of the population will certainly increase. Emperor Naruhito will honor tradition, as he has already pledged to do, and attempt to bridge the gap between the old ways and the ever-changing world unfolding before him. Tomorrow's Japan will be like today's, but with a larger palate of the world's ways to choose from. The innovation to come is promising.
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