Multicultural Education In Japan

In view of the coronation of Ariana Miyamoto -a dual U.S. and Japanese national- as Miss Universe Japan , the conversation on multiculturalism has once again stimulated conflict concerning the ever-sensitive issue. Whereas homogeneity is held in high esteem among the Japanese, it appears that its totality is illusory and that ethnic minorities are in the process of voicing aspirations for a multi-cultural society . In recognition of the controversy over homogeneity and the aggression it engenders as a global diversity challenge, this paper will endeavour to recapitulate some key characteristics of the anti-multicultural sentiment in modern Japan; and proceed to argue in favour of inclusive multi-cultural education as a measure against prejudice

In fact, the Japanese adhere to Baycroft’s notion of ethnicity. Baycroft presents ethnicity as an “inflexible concept.” The existence of a nation is supposed to precede any consciousness of it and, inclusion or exclusion to the nation are automatically d ascertained and are independent of the convictions of the individual. Ethnicity to the Japanese is inextricably connected to the perception of perennial racial purity, in the sense that the ethnic background of the exemplary Japanese man is founded on the honourable succession of Japanese nationals. Thus, it is not so strange, that Japan is home to a number of incidents of aggression towards those who are perceived as foreign. In 2005, Taro Aso’s “one culture, one civilization, one race” pronouncement of homogeneity and racial purity within Japan, spurred some controversy among the Japanese but, perhaps a surprise from a democratic point of view, it also received substantial acclaim. A recently published article in the Economist recounts “a sharp rise in hate-filled rallies” and points out that the Japanese Prime Minister, Mr Abe, and his allies have been very conservative in their efforts to repress xenophobic vitriol. Xenophobia is not a unique characteristic of the Japanese people. It is a recurrent phenomenon resulting from the false dichotomy segregating societal groups on the principle of race or ethnicity. Furthermore, remembering the case of the hāfu, we must underline that the Japanese are hesitant to accept an inclusive, multi-cultural society on any terms. However, the basis of this refutation is affective, underlying prejudice and schemas impede progress and rather, want the society to remain stagnant under a superficial façade of multi-culturalism. From a more rational point of view, there is