Japan takes a reasonable position on immigration

The Japan Forum on International Relations, a Tokyo-based think tank, urged the government Wednesday to accept more foreign workers and tourists while being selective in accepting long-term residents. In a report submitted to Prime Minister Naoto Kan, the forum argued that Japan should focus in particular on accepting highly skilled professionals. The report urges the government to be cautious about granting local-level voting rights to permanent foreign residents, saying it is “probably unconstitutional” and could lead to “grave political consequences.” The paper was signed by 87 policy committee members of the forum, including prominent politicians, scholars, business leaders and former diplomats. (Japan Times)

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