The Possibilities and Limitations of Japanese Multicultural Coexistence: An Analysis of Contemporary Approaches to Diversity Through the Prism of Multiculturalism

Presenter: Stephen R. Nagy, PhD
Assistant Professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong's Japanese Studies Department

Discussant: Gracia Liu-Farrer, PhD
Associate Professor at GSAPS, Waseda University

Date: Wednesday, November 11th, 2009
Time: 18:00~20:00
Venue: Waseda University, Sodai- Nishiwaseda Bldg. No.19, Room 309

Abstract: As a non-traditional country of immigration, Japan faces particular challenges in terms of integrating immigrants into society because of her history of being reticent to immigration, sense of cultural and ethnic homogeneity, and group-oriented society. This paper will examine how Japan, as a non-traditional country of immigration is redefining multiculturalism to meet its societal vision, aspirations and needs. Using J.W. Berry's model of Canadian multiculturalism, this paper will comparatively examine the key components of Japanese multicultural coexistence policy to Canadian multiculturalism, in an attempt to highlight the possibilities and limitations of currently conceived multicultural coexistence policy in Japan.