Very few immigrants

[Angela Chong]

Near the end of Saori Katada's session I found it interesting how Japan deals with immigrants. Due to declining population I would think that at some point they will become more open to immigration. Katada mentioned that ELD programs like we have and supports for non English speaking school aged children doesn't exist like we have here in the United States. She mentioned that children of immigrants who are born in Japan have an easier time, but since Japanese is very difficult for people to learn it's difficult for children who come later. The discussion of trash and that Japanese people don't think foreigners can learn the system, and don't do very well when they try. While Japan has done very well since WWII, it seems that they are needing to make another change and shift which may very well mean being more open to immigration. This would mean several things need to adjust though. Not only the education system but attitudes of the Japanese people towards people coming and making Japan their home.