Japanese Welfare State and Racism: Is the Myth of Social Homogeneity Overshadowing Discrimination Patterns on Migrants?

Abstract

Like other countries, Japan is not immune to hazy forms of inequality and racism that affect immigrants. Its welfare system presents many ambiguities, and it is often used to fuel discriminatory practices. Forms of discrimination exist in public demonstrations, official speeches, and social media, which are integral parts of the Japanese political tolerance over forms of discrimination. Welfare state becomes not only a source of discrimination, but also an instrument of exploitation for the incitement of hatred and to harvest electoral advantage. This chapter wants to shed light on these unseen practises, concealed by ambiguous laws normalised under the label “Japanese”. It contextualises the Japanese “unique scenario” and its peculiar welfare state to clarify Japan’s systemic ambiguities; then it presents specific cases that demonstrate how Japan can be “close” to those forms of racism present in Western countries.