Why has Japan’s immigration policy remained so restrictive, especially in light of economic, demographic, and international political forces that are pushing Japan to admit more immigrants? Michael Strausz will answer this question by drawing on insights from nearly two years of intensive field research in Japan. In addition to answering this question by outlining the central argument of his 2019 book, Help (Not) Wanted: Immigration Politics in Japan, this presentation provide context to recent developments in Japanese immigration policy – particularly the December 2018 decision to admit more than 300,000 low skilled foreign laborers.

Michael Strausz is an Associate Professor of Political Science and the Director of Asian Studies at Texas Christian University. He earned his BA from Michigan State University and his MA and PhD from the University of Washington. His book, Help (Not) Wanted: Immigration Politics in Japan was recently published with SUNY Press.

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