Section 4. The International Community and Japan
1. In Harmony with the International Community
1-1. Internationalization of the Japanese Society
If Japan is to continue enjoying today's prosperity and contribute to world peace and prosperity, it is indispensable for Japanese society to maintain harmonious relationship with the international community. Toward this goal, it is necessary to open up to the outside world the country's social systems, as well as the mentality of the Japanese people. In short, further internationalization of the country is essential.
In order to see to it that the Japanese can objectively evaluate their inherent traditions and culture and to prevent their way of thinking from becoming exclusive or self-complacent, their mentality ought to be made more magnanimous toward different cultures and values. They must deepen their understanding of and concern with various problems which the international community faces today, such as destruction of the global environment, poverty, drugs and racial discrimination, so that they can see these issues as those of their own. In this regard, it is no exaggeration to say that each Japanese person's way of thinking and action are watched closely in the international community. In particular, it is essential to enlighten the youth who are responsible for the future society.
Moreover, there is a need to make domestic social systems and practices harmonious to the international community. From the standpoint of individual citizens who seek "better living standards and lifestyle" commensurate with the economic strength of the country, it is essential to make closed or nontransparent systems and practices more universal and open to the international community.
Thus, the task of making the Japanese society more open to the international community should not be proceeded passively and involuntarily under external pressure, but should be promoted with its people's initiative so as to maintain the stability and prosperity of the country.
In order to promote internationalization of Japan, the Government established in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the "Internationalization Consultation Center" to provide counseling services on promotion of international exchanges and internationalization of municipal bodies and private organizations. In addition, the Government holds various events throughout the country, including "One-day Foreign Ministry," "Mini-Foreign Ministry," "International Forum," "Internationalization Advisory Caravan," "Internationalization Symposiums," etc., with a view to positively support internationalization moves at various regional levels.
1-2. Public Opinion and Foreign Policy
Public understanding of and support for international contribution are indispensable for Japan to assume its responsibility in the international community commensurate with its strength and to positively contribute to the peace and stability of the international community.
Indeed, public concern with general international issues have been increasing in recent years, and through a series of debates triggered by the Gulf Crisis, recognition has spread among the Japanese people that Japan ought not only to contribute funds and materials, but also to dispatch human resources for the interest of the international community.
According to the public opinion poll conducted by the Government in October 1990, to the question of how to respond to the criticism that Japan is not fulfilling its responsibility commensurate with its strength in maintaining international peace and stability, more than half of the respondents replied in favor of dispatching human resources. In contrast, less than 30 percent said that financial and material contribution to the international community was sufficient. Moreover, more than 60 percent felt that Japan should place emphasis on cooperation through the United Nations, of which more than 50 percent said that Japan should dispatch personnel even to places where conflict is taking place. Various opinion polls conducted with the transition of the Gulf Crisis show that there is recognition among the Japanese people that Japan should make positive contributions as a major member of the international community toward maintaining the peace and prosperity of the world.
Source : "Public Opinion on Foreign Policy" conducted by the Prime Minister's Office in October 1990.
On the other hand, expectations out of Japan, a major member of the international community, to assume more responsibility commensurate with its strength are mounting. There is a need, therefore, to give specific direction to the rising recognition of the Japanese people on the role of Japan in the international community and to strengthen the groundwork for positive development of Japan's foreign policy.
From this standpoint, the Government of Japan is making efforts to provide easily understandable, necessary and accurate information on foreign affairs to the public on various occasions. It distributes various publications, such as "The Gaiko Forum," a monthly opinion journal on foreign affairs; various pamphlets on foreign affairs and diplomatic issues; and gives lectures throughout the country about 700 times a year.
1-3. Overseas Understanding of Japan and Domestic Public Opinion
In accordance with Japan's increasing international influence, while expectations abroad over the positive role that Japan should play in the international community is mounting, critical opinion and arguments against Japan are also rising. During the Gulf Crisis, strong criticisms were raised in the U.S. Congress and by some of the mass media arguing that Japan's contribution was insufficient and that its decision-making process was slow. This symbolizes the expectation toward Japan, and the mounting criticism as the other side of the coin. Also, there exist against the background of economic frictions in some industrialized countries like the United States, latent sentiments over Japan's economic power and advanced technology.
In response to the mounting expectations and criticisms, it becomes necessary to take the following steps to foster an international environment favorable to Japan, eliminating the mistrust against Japan held by some. Firstly, Japan should further contribute to the peace and prosperity of the world through utilizing its economic and technological strength. At the same time, Japan needs to take every opportunity to exhibit clearly to the international community the content of each policy measure and the basic thinking behind its foreign policy as the foundation of those measures.
For this purpose, the Government of Japan is striving to improve its institutions so that they swiftly convey full details about Japan's various policies so as to deepen the understanding of other nations on the substance of these policies and Japan's thinking on which they are founded. As part of these efforts, Japan is ensuring the rapid relaying of policy-related information to foreign governments and the mass media through the on-line system linking its Embassies and Consulates-General abroad.
However, the image of Japan as a nation cannot be formulated solely by the government in today's world, in which domestic debates become immediately known globally through the highly developed information networks of the mass media. No overseas assurances by the Government of Japan to contribute to the peace and prosperity of the world can be expected to gain full credence in other nations, if they are not backed by proof of serious domestic debate on what should be Japan's contribution to the world. In this context, the importance of domestic public opinion is increasing in achieving a better international understanding of Japan.
2. Promoting International Cultural Exchange and Cooperation
2-1. Basic Perception
Japan has come to hold an important position in the international community where interdependence between countries is growing and overseas interest in Japan is being heightened. However, understanding toward Japan and the Japanese people is yet far from satisfactory. As opportunities of exposure to other countries increase rapidly, it is necessary for each and every Japanese to learn to appreciate and to deepen his/her understanding of different cultures in order to make the Japanese community more accessible and open to the world. Nowadays, the role of international cultural exchange has become increasingly significant in promoting such mutual understanding and trust.
To correct the general image of Japan by foreigners which is inclined to be distorted to its economic aspects into a more balanced one, it is essential to expand Japan's international contribution through cultural cooperation. To this end, Japan is actively supporting promotion of native cultural heritages, preservation of cultural assets valuable to all mankind and cooperation for the promotion of culture and education in developing countries. In the socialist countries of Asia and Central and Eastern Europe, Japan provides assistance to promote study programs on contemporary Japan, as well as inviting students and youths to Japan in order to support their efforts in reforming and opening up their societies.
Thus, the promotion of international cultural exchange forms one of the three pillars of the "International Cooperation Initiative," of which specific guidelines are delineated in the "Action Program for International Cultural Exchange" drawn up in September 1989, which is based on the final report of the Advisory Group on International Cultural Exchange (headed by Chairman Gaishi Hiraiwa) in May 1989.
2-2. Major Policies to Strengthen International Cultural Exchange
(1) Establishment of the Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership
The Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership (CGP) was established in April 1991, to help achieve closer relationship between Japan and the United States and to contribute to a better world through the cooperative efforts of both countries.
The idea for the CGP originated with the late Mr. Shintaro Abe, former Minister for Foreign Affairs. Mr. Abe first proposed the creation of a Global Partnership Fund in June 1990, while visiting the United Sates as a special envoy of the Japanese Government. The idea was welcomed by President George Bush. The creation of this fund is also in keeping with the thinking of Prime Minister Toshiki Kaifu, as he noted in a speech he delivered in Atlanta in July 1990. In that speech, he stressed the importance of the promotion of mutual understanding and communication between the peoples of Japan and the United States.
The primary objective of the CGP is to enhance dialogue and interchange between Japanese and American citizens with the goal of fulfilling shared global responsibilities and contributing to improvements in the world's welfare. To realize this primary objective, the CGP will promote intellectual exchange and mutual understanding at the regional and grass-roots level to encourage global partnership among Japan, the United States and other countries of the world.
The operation of the CGP is financed with the interest from a \50 billion endowment created within the Japan Foundation.
(2) Active Response to Foreign Interest in Japan and a Both-way Cultural Exchange
Foreign interest in Japan has grown remarkably as has been evidenced by a rapid increase in the number of overseas students learning Japanese language and the step-up in Japanese studies. The Government of Japan has been actively taking various measures to respond to such trends.
Specifically, in response to heightened interest in the Japanese language, actual measures taken include the dispatching abroad of specialists in Japanese language education, training in Japan of Japanese language instructors abroad and donations of teaching materials. In fiscal 1991, an Overseas Japanese Language Center is to be created in Los Angeles.
As for Japanese studies, the focus of interests and objectives has diversified to include economics and other areas of social sciences covering contemporary Japan, as well as the traditional areas of cultural sciences. The Government cooperates in this field by dispatching visiting professors and instructors, offering of scholarships and donations to libraries. A special program called "Support Program for Core Organization in Japanese Studies" offered by the Japan Foundation to eight overseas designated institutions serving as centers of Japanese studies in North America, Central and South America and Asia is to expand in fiscal 1991 to include the Soviet Science Academy and Fudan University in Shanghai.
Additional activities include organizing various cultural events to introduce Japanese culture and to take part in assisting such cultural events organized around the world. A comprehensive introduction of the Japanese culture and society (library exhibitions, film festivals, photograph exhibitions, theatrical performances, etc.) was held in fiscal 1990 in Frankfurt, Moscow, and Kuala Lumpur and in fiscal 1991 in Ulan Bator. Diverse cultural activities, on a somewhat smaller scale, were held by Japanese diplomatic and consular establishments abroad, as well as lectures, exhibitions and audiovisual events by the Japan Foundation.
The blueprint for the Japan Culture House in Paris was actually designed in fiscal 1990, based on the architectural design selected at the Franco-Japanese design competition held earlier.
On the other hand, convinced that cultural exchange should be held both-ways, efforts have been made to introduce various foreign cultures to Japan. In view of this standpoint, such events as Tokyo International Theater Festival '90 were held in fiscal 1990. The Japan Foundation ASEAN Culture Center established in Tokyo in January 1990 invited specialists from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and held, for example, art exhibitions, a conference of the performing art specialists and exhibition of comic writers, introducing enriched facets of ASEAN cultures.
(3) Exchange of Persons
Exchange of persons is one of the most effective methods to promote mutual understanding between countries. Thus, Japan is carefully pursuing effective planning of exchange activities, giving due consideration to the degree of knowledge and understanding of Japan as perceived at the various levels of different countries.
Activities presently pursued include exchange of students, the JET program (Note), invitation program of youths, opinion leaders and press personnel in addition to exchange activities through the Japan Foundation.
The number of registered foreign students in institutions of higher education in Japan totaled 41,347 (as of May 1990), recording nearly a sevenfold growth in the past decade. However, this figure is still very low compared with other major industrialized countries. One reason for this lies in the historical and cultural background of the Japanese language not being used outside Japan. More importantly, however, Japan needs to become an attractive country in culture matching the economic weight it bears in the world. Becoming a country which can attract foreign students by its own force of gravity is the key to winning long-term security and prosperity for Japan. Such increase in the inflow of foreign students to Japan is particularly effective in advancing mutual understanding and trust between Japan and other countries. Students having studied in Japan can be expected to play an important role upon returning to their country in bridging the gap between Japan and their home countries as sympathetic go-betweens. Therefore, it is becoming all the more necessary that foreign students be accepted into Japanese society and the understanding for them among the general public be expanded, as well as their minimum living conditions be secured so that they may concentrate on their studies. The bare minimum includes improved housing facilities, living conditions covering medical needs and study environments. Other areas of high priority are providing information on study opportunities and student life in Japan, recruitment and selection of foreign students on government scholarships, and extending services to the students after returning to their home countries.
In 1991, 2,874 persons were invited to Japan from eight countries under the JET program. These foreign youths are contributing to the improvement of foreign language education in Japan, promotion of international exchange at local levels and advancement of mutual understanding between Japan and other countries. Former participants of this program, numbering over 3,000, are expected to take part in various forms of intensification of friendship between Japan and their home countries. The task for the Government of Japan is to support their activities.
2-3. Promotion of International Cultural Cooperation
Cultural properties scattered all over the world are invaluable common heritages for all mankind. However, not a few of them risk being on a verge of destruction due to lack of sufficient preservation and restoration work. Diverse forms of art, artisanship, sports and traditional culture unique to given regions and ethnic groups are also facing difficulties of being passed on with development and rapid social changes. It is imperative to protect these tangible and intangible cultural assets and traditions and transmit them to the next generation as they cannot be retrieved once lost. The Government of Japan extends the following forms of cultural cooperation in its efforts to contribute actively to world cultures taking into account its own experiences in this field.
(1) UNESCO "Japanese Trust Fund for Preservation of the World Cultural Heritage"
The Government of Japan has for a long time been cooperating in the international campaigns of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to safeguard cultural heritages from destruction and in fiscal 1989, established the "Japanese Trust Fund for Preservation of the World Cultural Heritage" within UNESCO. Already, $5 million was donated by the end of fiscal 1990, which is used to fund restoration programs of the ruins of Angkor Wat in Cambodia, Moenjodaro in Pakistan, Bagerhat in Bangladesh and others. Japan is to contribute another $3 million to the Trust Fund in fiscal 1991.
(2) Cultural Grant Aid
The Government of Japan has also been extending Cultural Grant Aid to help developing countries promote their culture and education since fiscal 1975. In fiscal 1990, such grants were extended to 60 projects, such as supplying audiovisual equipment to the Sangeet Natak Academy in India. Activities under this aid program need to be further expanded in the future, taking into account experiences up to this time and the specific needs of the developing countries.
(3) Preservation and Promotion of Traditional Sports in Developing Countries
The Government of Japan has been cooperating in the efforts to preserve and promote traditional sports in developing countries, along with the promotion of international exchange in sports in general. In March 1991, Japan invited groups of traditional martial arts from five Asian countries (China, Mongolia, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia). At the same time, the Government also invited experts on cultural aspects of sports from four industrialized countries for an exchange of opinions.
(4) Survey of Intangible Cultural Properties in Asia
In order to survey the present state of intangible cultural properties such as the traditional arts and crafts in Asia and to cooperate in their preservation, the Government of Japan plans to dispatch a survey team in fiscal 1991 to Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and Myanmar.
(5) Dispatch and Invitation of Specialists on the Preservation of Cultural Properties
In an effort to extend cooperation in preserving cultural properties by making use of Japan's human resources, the Government of Japan initiated the invitation and dispatch of specialists on the preservation of cultural properties in fiscal 1990 under the activities of the Japan Foundation. In fiscal 1990, a total of five specialists were dispatched to countries in Asia and 10 young specialists were invited to Japan from the Asian countries, Australia and the United States.
(6) Cooperation in Human Resource Development in Culture
In fiscal 1990, the Government of Japan initiated a cooperative program to foster human resources for cultural activities (managing cultural facilities, planning cultural events, etc.) in the developing countries under the activities of the Japan Foundation. A total of 11 specialists were dispatched to Asian and Central and South American countries in its first year while one person each from India and Nigeria were invited to Japan.
(7) Support of International Cultural Exchange between Third Party Countries
Also under the activities of the Japan Foundation, the Government of Japan started to offer support of international cultural exchange between third party countries in fiscal 1990. During the first year, cooperation was offered to the "ASEAN Non-Governmental Meeting on Architectural Heritage" in Indonesia and the "ASEAN Cartoonist Exhibition" held in the Philippines.
(8) Support of Reform and Openness Policies
Socialist countries in Asia and Central and Eastern Europe have increased their interest in and expectation of Japan in recent years, induced by their change of policy direction to pursue economic reform and openness policies. Japan is cooperating in nurturing the personnel needed to advance reforms and openness policies by accepting students and youths of promising future from these countries. Studies on contemporary Japan in these countries help them pursue their policy directions by deepening understanding and thus learning from the experiences of Japanese economic development and process of policy-making. From such viewpoints, the Government of Japan is cooperating in these countries' promotion of studies on contemporary Japan.
2-4. Strengthening of Institution for Promoting Cultural Exchange
Japan has cultural agreements with 25 countries and cultural arrangements with seven countries to promote cultural exchange. Between August 1990 and July 1991, cultural consultations or meetings of mixed commissions on cultural exchange were held with the six countries of France, the Soviet Union, Germany, Australia, Canada and Spain and the 15th Japan-U.S. Conference on Cultural and Educational Interchange (CULCON) was also held. At these meetings, discussions were held on ways of further promoting international cultural exchange in the future.
The Government of Japan established the Japan Foundation in 1972 as the central organization to carry out international cultural exchange activities and through the Foundation, the Government has been promoting wide ranging international cultural exchange and cooperation as mentioned above. Since the scale of the Foundation is still far more limited compared to similar organizations in other major countries, efforts should be made to expand its budget, enhance its activities and train necessary personnel, in compliance with the "Action Program for International Cultural Exchange."
In recent years, interest in international cultural exchange is remarkably increasing also among the private sector in Japan. In response to such heightened interest, the Government of Japan has set up tax incentives (the so-called "tax deduction for international exchange activities") for non-profit organizations, whose primary objectives are international exchange and who fulfill certain conditions, in order to further promote international cultural exchange in the private sector.
Comparison of Japan Foundation and Cultural Exchange Organziations of the United Kingdom and Germany
2-5. Cooperation in Holding the Olympic Winter Games in Nagano
The 1998 Olympic Winter Games were decided to be held in Nagano City at the June 1991 meeting of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) held in Birmingham, the United Kingdom. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs gathered and provided information in support of the activities of Nagano City and sought support from members of the IOC through its diplomatic establishments following the Cabinet approval in June 1989 and the resolution of both the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors in June 1990, approving Nagano's candidacy as the city to host the 1998 Olympic Winter Games.
3-1. Rapid Increase of Japanese Abroad and Japan's Internationalization
Japanese tourists abroad exceeded the 10 million level in 1990. Given the fact that the number of overseas tourists exceeded the 1 million level in 1971 and 5 million level in 1986, this is certainly a sharp growth in the recent few years. Accordingly, ordinary passports issued numbered 1 million in 1972, 2 million in 1983, 3 million in 1987, eventually exceeding 4 million in 1989 and continue to rise further. Moreover, the number of Japanese residing abroad for more than three months has reached nearly 400,000 and it is no exaggeration to say that we have entered into a new age in terms of international travels of persons.
The sharp increase in the number of Japanese going overseas, as seen in the rising number of Japanese tourists abroad, is dramatically expanding contacts of individual Japanese with the outside world, contributing greatly to boosting Japanese awareness of the international community. The Government of Japan, by responding to the rising demand for administrative services as a result of its people's advancement abroad, continues to make efforts so that overseas travels and activities abroad can smoothly proceed. As part of such efforts, the passport law was revised in April 1989, enabling a more simplified passport issuance procedure, such as exemption of personal appearance to apply for the passport and omission of submitting some of the application papers.
On the other hand, there are increasing cases where Japanese tourists and Japanese corporate activities abroad are exposed to criticism, thereby adversely affecting the Japanese image overseas. Because local communities abroad are different in many ways from the Japanese society, some behavior of Japanese individuals may not be acceptable value-wise or practice-wise to the local community, thereby mistaken as defiance on the part of the Japanese without such intentions. These can result in friction with the local society. In order to avoid such cases, it is hoped that each individual Japanese will make conscious efforts to understand the values and practices of their travel destinations.
3-2. Problems Arising from Overseas Travel
(1) Problems concerning the Security of Japanese Abroad
The Japanese advancement abroad is on a rising trend, creating a situation where Japanese are now seen nearly in all parts of the world, which is increasing their exposure to various dangers of getting involved in emergency situations including regional strifes, civil wars and coup d'etats. Moreover, along with the stepped-up national strength, it is now an international responsibility for Japan to make clear its positions on international controversial issues.
There are also increasing opportunities where the international community takes great interest in observing the Japanese reaction. As Japan begins to take definite positions vis-a-vis international issues commensurate with its national strength, it is only inevitable that there is a strong likelihood for Japan to be criticized or attacked by one of the parties involved in disputes. Under such circumstances, there are cases where Japanese are set as targets of terrorism.
Moreover, through the Gulf Crisis, the need to further fortify a security system to protect the Japanese have become apparent. The Government of Japan is making efforts to provide information to the Japanese, as well as strengthening the staff, facility, capability and telecommunications system of diplomatic establishments abroad which are indispensable as a means of communication.
(2) Harmonizing with the Local Communities
Recently, the number of cases in which the establishment of Japanese schools and corporations abroad is opposed by the local communities, or the behavior of Japanese tourists criticized by the local press have increased.
In order to avoid various frictions between the Japanese abroad and the local communities, individual awareness which include understanding the values and practices of the local communities is necessary. It is important for the Japanese living abroad and the corporations operating abroad to become good neighbors and good corporate citizens in the local communities by making donations to charitable activities, taking part in volunteer activities and various local activities, such as Parents-Teachers Association (PTA), to work hand in hand with the local people. As part of these efforts, the overseas Japanese schools have invited in recent years teachers of the local communities to visit Japan, in addition to opening Japanese language classes and Japanese libraries to promote exchanges with the local communities. There is a need to further expand such activities.
The Government of Japan, to support such activities, is holding Communication and Culture Conference in various parts of the world in addition to holding the Joint Conference on International Communications in Tokyo.
With the growth of Japan's national strength in the background, internationalization of its economic activity, and the growing interest in Japan among foreign countries, the number of non-Japanese long-term residents in Japan is increasing, with 1,075,317 registered foreigners as of the end of fiscal 1990 (a 9.2 percent increase over the previous year). On the other hand, short-term visitors for tourism and others reached about 2.7 million in fiscal 1990 (new total entries in the same year reached about 2.9 million or a 19.2 percent increase over the previous year). These non-Japanese residents face various problems such as education, medical care or housing because of being non-Japanese. Adoption of thoughtful measures from the standpoint of the non-Japanese is urgently needed, and this is required also from the respect of promoting Japan's internationalization.
On the other hand, the number of the so-called illegal workers, the foreigners who work in Japan infringing on the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Law, is rapidly increasing. The number is estimated to be at least 100,000. The extreme wage gap between their home countries and Japan, serious manpower shortage in some specific regions and sectors in Japan, as well as the insufficient domestic control system, are the reasons behind this rapid growth.
Cases are seen where these illegal workers are exploited by unscrupulous job brokers, forced to work under poor conditions, put in a situation virtually without the protection of social security or not being properly treated by hospitals even in case where they need emergency care.
If this unsatisfactory situation from the humanitarian viewpoint is allowed to continue, it is of no small concern that frustration against Japan in the Asian and other countries from which these workers come should mount and criticism against Japan from the international community might emerge. Moreover, these foreigners would go home with relentless anti-Japan sentiments, while there is a danger that an unjustifiable superiority complex might emerge among Japanese people against these foreigners who are in a weaker position. Such would be a worrying situation that could impede the development of friendly relations between Japan and the countries in Asia and other parts of the world and could also have a negative impact on Japan's internationalization.
Therefore, it is problematic in respect of Japan's foreign policy to leave these illegal workers in an unfavorable condition, in light of respecting human rights, due to their infringing on the Immigration Control Law. There is an urgent need to examine the establishment of concrete measures (such as a social security system) for the protection of these foreign workers' human rights, aside from prosecuting these workers for the illegality of working.
With the amendment in June 1990 of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Law, it was decided that a special visa would be issued to the foreigners of the Japanese-origin for the purpose of visiting relatives. Since this visa does not restrict activities while staying in Japan, it resulted in a surge in the number of Japanese-origin workers from Latin American countries after June, their number currently being estimated at more than 150,000. Accordingly, job-related problems have been witnessed (cases of exploitation by job brokers are observed, although still comparatively small in number) and such problems concerning education of children and social welfare have emerged. The Government of Japan is now considering establishing a system to rectify their working situation.