Immigrant integration in Japan: An institutional perspective

The following thesis will focus on the institutional conditions for the integration of immigrants in Japan. The institutional framework of Japan is relevant to the access that foreign residents have to social benefits. More importantly, the degree and kind of governmental regulations seem to be crucially important for the integration of immigrants into Japans welfare state. This paper will argue that the integration of immigrants in Japan is being prevented by conditions set forth by Japan's national political institutions and actors. The ultimate goal of this paper will be to encourage Japan to work towards greater cross-sectoral partnerships amongst politicians, government officials, policy experts from academia, business, NGOs and the media to create a more effective and responsive system of governance that will yield a foundation necessary for successful integration so as to curb any further friction and other negative aspects between Japanese and permanent foreign residents.