ハーフ日本人 Half JapaneseコミュのMy Take on the Whole Japanese Nationalism Issue

さい＞
Thanks for the advice. I will reply to your comments later, but for now, I am reposting my last reply on the other thread.　

ところで皆さん。たぶん俺が日本語で書いた在日韓国人とポストコロニアリズムの部分はあまりよくなかったので、英語で書いた５の方がより正確だと思います。

I am advocating for Japan as a citizenship-based state rather than ethnicity-based state. And this, I believe, is a "natural" outcome of Japanese history and its colonialism as well as the illusion of "homogenous Japan". This would mean more civil rights and greater political involvement for the non-ethnic Japanese.

There are many alternatives when it comes to Japanese nationalism. Following these models are possible critique and questions.

1. Fusion of Multi-nationalism - similar to American multinationalism, which is often linked with and is obscured by American patriotism due to its immigration history and lack of tradition, although this seems to reflect white, middle America more than any other group. So far, Japan may not be racially diverse enough for this to have much effect.

2. Coexistence of Japanese nationalism and other nationalism - Nationalism of Koreans in Japanese exist, but the sad reality is that this often contradicts with the ideas and historical understanding of "radical" Japanese nationalism. Since the Japanese natiionality is almost mutually exclusive with the idea of hypenated Japanse (Korean Japanese), could there be Korean Japanese nationalism? Would that help the civil rights of Koreans in Japanese? And perhaps, other non-ethnic Japanese in Japan?

3. Reconstruction of Japanese nationalism itself - Japan itself is not becoming less of a mononational state. Is it perhaps possible to embrace the tradition and heritage of non-full Japanese (Koreans in Japan, Ainus, naturalized Japanese, haafus, and etc...) and help them assimilate? Or do they really want to assimilate?

さい＞
I was just carrying on histrionichapa's joke.（誰かつっこんでくれよ！！）

Luna＞
Thanks, I do worry about the fact that nationalism comes in waves, and the times ahead may bring more close-mindedness. I think the "hapas" should be the ones stopping that careening bandwagon instead of being pawns in the game.

マサさん＞
Glad you've started an interesting debate in the community. I'm a bit confused about your position on the issue, on the one hand you say:

We Japanese are from all over really, and some were brought here by force, some by migration, and some to seek refuge. But they all found a way to blend in and become "Japanese."

You say this in order to emphasize the lack of an actual Japanese race, but then at the end you say:
I support Japan trying to stay pure because I don't want Japan to turn into America, France, Germany, and many other countries, who have SERIOUS race issues.

So, on the one hand Japan is not really pure, but then again we should support them staying pure. Well, which is it? Pure or not pure? Also, as halfs, who are obviously not "pure," (or are we more pure than other non-Mongoloids?) should we be allowed citizenship or no? If no, then maybe we should give up our citizenships?

I think Masa's just advocating strict immigration policies. That doesnt contradict.

I support immigration policies as well (because it would be mayhem without them), but "strict" is a very vague and noncommital word. Do you simply mean "less" immigration, or more thorough monitoring of immigrants, or tougher qualifications to enter, or regulation according to country, or.. the list could go on. Usually people who just made it under the wire (i.e. got their citizenship) let out a big sigh of relief, turn around and oppose further immigration. I think immigration is going to become an integral part of Japan's makeup in the next fifty years, especially with the coming population decrease and aging and so forth. Isn't Japan just going to have to face the fact that without immigration they will become a withered non-entity?

Also interesting to note that the government looks with distaste upon Asian immigration but welcomes Western immigration with promotion of English-teaching, e.g. the JET program (government-run). Many Japanese don't mind Westerners coming and living, mixing, etc. but aren't that keen on the Asians (though they'll take up the dirty jobs for them).

I am not advocating whole-sale immigration and I don't think that would happen anyway. But the increase in halfs, etc. is indication that Japan will change racially in this century. Maybe we should accept that. Maybe even welcome it.

Also, you still haven't answered the question about halfs. Do we all deserve citizenship, whether we speak Japanese or not, and should dual-citizenship be allowed?

Even if you come to Japan with JET, the government will still want to kick you out after you do your time (Max 3 years). It doesn't guarantee immigration--immigration is still very difficult for "westerners."

I've seen many JET folks who had to return to their native land after their extension pleas were declined.

Most JETS will not stay in Japan, but think of the opportunity it provides to Westerners (English-speakers). Just by being able to speak English they are able to live in Japan for a number of years while receiving a healthy salary (more money than most Japanese their age). Also, while they are here they introduce their language and culture to kids and adults of all ages, promoting positive images of their countries. And of course, once you're here, then it's a lot easier to look for a job and make the transition. If you want to stay in Japan after JET's up, it's really not that hard, all you have to do is get a job. About half of my JET friends stayed in Japan after their term was up, and only left when they felt it was time to go home. I don't think the JET program's main purpose is to promote Western immigration, but then again . . what is the main purpose?? At the very least to promote a healthier relationship between Japan and Western countries.

(btw I believe there are some Asian JETs doing the same kind of thing but that is specialized and the numbers don't compare to the number of Westerners here.)

Well, if it comes to sympathy, I'd rather support the individual from a poor nation who decides to come over here rather than the poor country itself. If that individual feels that conditions in his country are not desirable, and he feels that he will make a better living in Japan, and he has a service to offer, then why not? If for example there is an Indian IT expert who has skills to offer, then do I really care that India is not reaping the benefit of his skills? I'd say . . too bad India! Or maybe we should stop stealing valuable brains from other countries?

Anyway, I would prefer a Japan with a lot of valuable brains rather than a nation of withered oyajis . .

(あ、もう11:30だ、man I really got to do some work! )

Owen,

I've worked about 10 years in various Japanese companies with Japanese "oyaji" as you put it, but they have so far proven to be incredibly resourceful, intelligent, and hard working. You may be a tad prejudiced towards the "withered oyaji"s who probably are actually highly skilled folks in their own right with valuable brains.

テッドさん、
Well, by oyajis I mean retired men over the age of 65, so . . I'm sure they're very resourceful but if they spend most of their time mountain-climbing or gardening then . . aren't they kind of a non-factor (or sort of unrelated to the economic "might" of Japan)? And if that's a third of the population of Japan in just a few years, then maybe it wouldn't be so bad looking for a few extra valuable brains . .

Last sorta comment b-fore I take off (day-trip tomorrow).

First of all - 2% Japanese?? em, not too many people like that.

Also, I am half-Japanese, have lived in Japan for literally half my life, was born in Tokyo, speak Japanese (passed ikkyu for 日本語能力試験）, like Japan (probably more than US), root for the Japanese soccer team, etc. etc. but do not have Japanese citizenship. This is due to the fact that dual-citizenship is not allowed, and well when I entered the JET program they basically forced me to give it up because you are not allowed to be Japanese and be in the program. I don't really begrudge the government for doing this to me because I ended up with 永住権 at least, thankfully (my mom is Japanese). But it does make me wonder about the laws that are in place now. I get the sense that "what it means to be Japanese" will have to be re-defined, esp. since it's all getting so mixed up.

Anyway, have fun with rest of debate, I have written WAY too much.

They told me I had to give up my citizenship about one week before I was set to go . . Needless to say I wasn't too happy. Not really too much time to decide there, is there? Maybe I should have just chosen Japan and become unemployed right out of college!
But, either way wouldn't be nice not to have to choose??

Not unrealistic!!

Japan's so xenophobic that the government hands out visas to many English speakers, but Japanese passport holders are not allowed to participate in the program.. riiiight..

Owen, had you entered civil service in the States, you probably would've found many useless middle aged men of the ethnic majority too. Bureaucracy's like that.

If Japan only offered negative aspects to living and working as a haafu or foreigner, many of these people wouldn't stay in Japan. So, there must be some positives to being a haafu or foreigner in Japan. Like being outside the strict social codes and expectations, etc. But this thread gives me the impression that life in Japan as a foreigner or haafu is all negative and nothing good ever happens.

Also, Japanese nationalism is one of the favourite topics of foreign media. But how much of what's in the media is a true dipiction of real life? I haven't met any hardcore nationalists in all my time here. And I don't live in an English bubble like some English speaking haafus and foreigners.

I do agree that legalizing dual nationalities is a good idea though.

A level-headed take on Japanese citizenship, instead of nationalistic or Japan-bashing garble.
http://www.japanreview.net/essays_measuring_citizenship.htm

The Japanese government often threatens you that they will take your citizenship away if you don't choose. This is actually a feigned threat, because Japan can't take your citizenship away if you tell them you are "in the process" of removing your other citizenship, but are not able to due to extenuating circumstances. Most halfs who do this say they are 努力中, and thsu retain their citizenship. I'm in my 30's, but still have my Japanese and US citizenship.

さい＞
My basic point was that Japan is xenophobic towards Asians and quite welcoming to Westerners. There are tons of advantages of living in Japan if you are Western or half-Western. Lack of responsiblity, high-paying work, attention, etc. Though many Westerners will complain of being left out, getting too much attention, etc. actually they have it pretty good of course compared to Asian or South American foreigners.

And yep, you can get away with keeping both passports but you know it would be a whole lot easier if they changed the law and you didn't have to hide it.

I don't know any developed country that's not xenophobic towards foreigners from the developing world. Take the US and Mexico, France and North Africa, UK and the Caribbean, Germany and Turkey, etc. How is Japan different?

So you agree that Japan is xenophobic, right? No more or less than other developed countries, but yes, they are xenophobic.
Not sure when I said they were different from other countries . .

I never wrote that Japan is not xenophobic. So Japan's xenophobic like any other developed nation, that proves what?

em, I guess it was in response to your comment>

Japan's so xenophobic that the government hands out visas to many English speakers, but Japanese passport holders are not allowed to participate in the program.. riiiight..

sorry maybe misinterpreted it but I saw it as sarcasm??

and if Japan is xenophobic and you got no issues with that, then I guess it's all cool!

so, were you this vocal (and active?) about discrimination back home, or is Japan "special"?

Yes I have a vendetta against Japan.

笑

I am this worried and concerned about the country because I care about it. sounds like a cliche, but it's true.
and what do you mean 'back home?' Japan is home to me!

It's just human nature to be deeply influenced by where you grew up. So, even if you don't believe it yourself, you're full of Judeo-Christian American values, as well as being influenced by the English language media (unless you equally consume Japanese media), and you judge the world accordingly. And this isn't restricted to haafus and foreigners either, Japanese who grew up overseas can be excessively critical of Japan as well. English media and education do a rather good job at painting Japan as a soulless, materialistic, right wing haven, but many are just portraying subliminal stereotypes, probably even decades old from WWII and Japan-bashing days of the 80s bubble economy (look at how China is treated in similar light these days by the American media, it's easy to sell people on fear of the unknown).

But, anyone who's spent significant time in Japan should know that the Japanese education system is controlled by the iron grip of the JTU who are entrenched with the communists/pacifists on the far left of Japanese politics (do you know of any other country where the national flag and anthem are demonized by the educators?). And mass circulation newspapers' editorials don't go beyond suggesting taking a firm stand against Chinese regional aggression (while Asahi wants Japan roll over and play dead, isn't it healthy to have varying points of view in public?)
http://www.asahi.com/paper/editorial20051121.html
http://www.asahi.com/paper/editorial20051120.html
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/editorial/news/20051118ig90.htm
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/editorial/news/20051120ig91.htm
Should Japan allow the Koreas and China to walk all over her in an effort of appeasement? I do not think so. Even the Yomiuri editorial isn't that right wing in that sense, just common sense. After all, how many apologies and how much in ODA has Japan given to neighbouring nations (especially China) without it being acknowledged in their domestic media and education? To expect that Japan should be the only one giving concessions in an effort to bring regional stability to North East Asia, I cannot agree with. Ideally, there would be a movement for cooperative history text book writing in the region, like in Europe. Only then would either side finally abandon some of the ridiculously extreme versions of their "history". The truth lies somewhere inbetween claims laid by those nations involved. And it is rather comical to see people do an about face on credibility of Chinese claims. Many people do not believe in official Chinese version of the events and figures in Tibet, but the very same people swallow and regurgitate figures like Japanese killing 30 million Chinese during WWII without hesitation. I wonder why the double standard of judging credibility of Chinese claims? All nations involved (including Japan) need to come to terms with their own history before telling others to get it right, but this is very difficult anywhere in the world. I guess this would just have to progress concurrently with the regional cooperation on historical facts.

So, where is this great shift to right wing mentality? It just seems like Japanese officials, media, and public perceptions are just correcting itself after decades of public pacifism. If you think the black vans are getting worse, you'd have a much easier time of finding larger Neo-Nazi gatherings in the supposedly model nation of Germany, and a regional government even has seats occupied by a far right party. It's true that the general populous may be rather ignorant on international issues, but remember that you're much more internationalized (you even decided to move to another country!) than the average Japanese, American, German, or any other large powerful nation. So posing similarly international questions to average folk in above mentioned countries would result in similar apathy and ignorance.

The idea that Japan could return to the days of imperialism is utterly ridiculous and unfounded in this day and age of ever more integrating global economy, except in the minds of individuals with slanted take on social and global issues.

It's funny because I often criticize/make fun of topics and posts on mixi due to their extremely Japan-centric point of view. But in English, I seem to defend Japan more unwarranted attacks. Just the result of being stuck in the middle, I guess..

Wow! When you wrote "full of Judeo-Christian American values," did you mean me?? Well . . I'm not Jewish and I'm not Christian and I was born in Tokyo and was raised by a Japanese mother . . . but okay if that suits you you can say that.

Em, look I am not attacking Japan, and in reflection I usually defend it. But I am a person who is wary of government, all government anywhere, and I do not like nationalism in any shape or form, period. I'm American but I hate patriotic wave-flagging, etc. and I am Japanese in heart (though they took my passport from me) but I still don't like things like compulsory anthem singing (even the Emperor opposed that!) It doesn't matter what country you're talking about, governments try to mobilize (and not necessarily militarily) their people through nationalism.

Btw I do agree Japan has "formally" apologized for WWII and that the Chinese and Koren governments just use it to gain concessions. But that's my point is that it's a game between governments! I just don't like to see people get caught up in the whole farce, do you know what I mean?