＜To who wants to work as an essential worker in Japan＞
Supporting Create Positive Experiences for Foreign Workers in Japan
<Struggles of Early Immigrants>
I once visited the Japan-Peru Cultural Center (Japanese Immigration Museum) in Lima, the capital of Peru. Various materials highlighted the hardships faced by approximately 18,000 Japanese immigrants who arrived in Peru between 1899 (Meiji 32) and 1923 (Taisho 12). Among the displays, I found a panel with the following descriptions:
・Breach of contract on many pre-determined clauses, such as payment agreements
・Changes from a monthly salary system to a performance-based payment method
・Forced to shop at overpriced stores run by plantation owners
<Struggles of Foreign Workers in Japan Today>
Despite more than a century having passed since then, reports indicate that foreign workers in Japan continue to face similar hardships today.
Leaving one’s home country and family is a significant decision. Many workers came to Japan with the hope of working hard, sending money back to their families, and achieving success in Japan. Of course, some have realized their dreams. However, many might be facing unexpected challenges here for reasons such as:
・Lack of understanding of Japanese laws
・Existence of employers who exploit laws, and inadequacies in the laws to regulate such employers
・Difficulties to adapt to living conditions and customs
<Supporting Create Positive Experiences for Foreign Workers in Japan>
Currently, Japan does not basically admit immigration. Meanwhile, the trend of declining birthrates has intensified, particularly in essential jobs that are critical for daily life, where the contributions of foreign workers have become indispensable. (Essential workers mainly include those in blue-collar professions such as factory workers, nursing care, agriculture, forestry, fishing, construction, car/machine repair, and food services, store sales etc. )
Regrettably, among the foreign essential workers who have come to Japan with the aspiration to develop their professional skills and contribute to the growth of both their home countries and Japan, some are unfortunately treated “unfairly” in various aspects, like earlier immigrants.
As a Japanese citizen, I feel a deep sense of shame that there are individuals who, more than 100 years later, are compelled to work under labor conditions not much different from those of earlier immigrants in a country that ranks fourth in the world economy and advocates for liberalism, known as a law-based society.
On the other hand, I personally experienced very little exclusion during my life nearly ten years abroad. Rather, I, along with my family, received both tangible and intangible supports, allowing us to lead meaningful lives in those countries
I wish to help foreign workers in Japan gain experiences that will serve as the foundation for their future careers and create wonderful memories.