Authors:

Seira Kitagawa

Date Created:

Not specified

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About Paper:

The number of foreign workers in Japan has increased over the years, expected to reach 1 million by 2040. The reasons behind it include the declining and aging population. The government has been accepting so- called "foreign workers" to work in Japan to sustain the economy. My research focuses on studying foreign workers' struggles and support systems and exploring the communication systems behind them through 218 UNIVERSITY OF OREGON • 2024 UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM literature reviews, media observations, and interviewing people from different perspectives. There is a lack of representation and attention to this topic of foreign workers as well as the greater topic of untraditional Japanese communities in Japan. On the other hand, several organizations and individuals pour their work into fighting against unfair conditions that foreign workers face as well as providing language and culture support for the newcomers. There was also a positive point of view from Japanese college students that they are willing to connect, learn, and include people from diverse backgrounds if there is an opportunity. These findings pointed out the lack of communication about the greater topic of diversity in Japan as well as possible opportunities to create a space for more communication and understanding. Having to live in Japan and the US inspired me to acknowledge this issue and provided me the passion to pursue research that is significant to the future of Japan.

Source:

University of Oregon / 2024

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Co-authors:

Seira Kitagawa