Refugee-averse Japan opens its doors to Ukrainians

On Mar 21, 2022

Japan has accepted dozens of people fleeing Ukraine — a remarkable move by a country that historically has been unwelcoming to refugees and a decision that reflects Tokyo’s increasingly assertive response to the Russian invasion.

From the central government to city agencies, Japan is working to accommodate Ukrainian “evacuees,” a term the government is using because of its restrictive laws that narrowly define refugees. Japanese companies, non-governmental organizations and schools are stepping up, as well.

Japan has accepted at least 73 Ukrainians since March 2, when its prime minister formally announced the change. After initially opening up to Ukrainians who have relatives or acquaintances in Japan, the country on Friday began accepting anyone fleeing the Russian invasion.

“The people who evacuated Ukraine and would like to come to Japan, starting from today, we will be ready to accept them anytime. With the understanding of the general public, the ministries concerned will offer necessary support,” Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said in a news briefing Friday.

Russia’s invasion prompts more assertive foreign policy from Japan

The dramatic shift underscores Japan’s efforts to show a strong response to Russia alongside the Group of Seven major economies, amid concerns that Russia’s invasion could embolden China’s growing assertiveness, an ominous development for the self-ruled island of Taiwan that Beijing considers a breakaway province.

Japan, one of the world’s richest countries, has some of the most restrictive policies toward refugees and asylum seekers. Since 1982, when Japan enacted its laws to accept refugees, 85,479 people have applied for refugee status and 841 have been accepted. Japan accepted 47 refugees in 2020.

Foreigners who have been granted refugee status face difficulties integrating into Japan, with few resources to help them find jobs or learn the language. Those who apply for status and get denied risk being sent to migrant detention centers, where they face poor living conditions, discrimination and violence.

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