Japan is seen as an ethno-national country in which “Japanese” is synonymous with Japanese nationality, race, ethnicity, language, and customs. How solid is the boundary between the Japanese mainstream and those with immigrant backgrounds? In evaluating the Japanese native side of the international boundary, we found a great deal of variation about what criteria foreigners must meet to be considered Japanese. This evidence suggests that a significant percentage of the population is willing to welcome immigrants and their children into their society as full citizens who will also, most importantly, be considered fully Japanese.

Faculty host: Tristan Ivory (ILR, Cornell)