The End of Japan's Closure
In 1603, Japan closed itself off to the outside world fearing unwanted influence would disturb existing norms. That lasted roughly 250 years. This time, Japan shut its borders to protect itself from an invisible disease from overseas. It seems that will begin to end next month with the partial return of targeted tourists. In both cases, Japan has learned many lessons.
Today, if you ask the people of Kyoto if they want to return to 88 million tourists a year in their city, a resounding "NO!" will surely be heard. At the same time, Kyoto and many cities dependent on tourism miss the revenue brought in from the outside world. In addition, the Japanese yen sits at a 50-year low with a declining population. Only 10 of Japan's 47 prefectures claim population growth. Can beggars be choosers?
Japan's 2020 closure was completely different from 1603. For one thing, non-Japanese now make up about 3% of Japan's total population. Those who have Japanese citizenship or are married to Japanese or carry permanent resident status understand how Japan works. Many speak excellent Japanese, have lived in Japan for many years and willingly abide by the cultural norms that make Japan work. They are, in short, people who appreciate and respect the rules.
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With the return a Japan open to tourists, many kind and sensitive non-Japanese will visit Japan. But we can also expect a return to people who either do not know the rules or could care less about learning them. And one might ask, "How is that different from anywhere else in the world?" The answer is simple; it is not.
Even so, over the past two years Japan has been much like the Japan of 1982 when I first arrived here. It was "the real Japan" and non-Japanese were largely welcomed. I wonder if this time around those same open arms will be extended.
The world is a more dangerous and unpredictable place than two years ago. A continuing pandemic, a war in Europe and enhanced concerns about the future of Taiwan are vibrant realities. That is why even though many Japanese would love to see Japan stay closed, it must open back up. Japan needs the outside world more than ever. Allies and markets link to Japan's future prosperity.
Chief Executive Officer at American Geo Power
2 年I’m a permanent resident but I’m still worried that if I leave Japan ???? on vacation or business that they might suddenly change the rules again and not let me back in. Tourists aren’t really important to the “good old boys club” of Japan Inc., gaijin’s neither.
Project Management | Problem Solver | Engineering | Sustainability
2 年I wish more people would obey the law about stopping at red lights... That aside, I do hope given the FX right now, a few more tourists can bring some more money in and prop up some of the businesses which are either in desperate need, or hibernating, otherwise a few generations are going to be suffering for the viewpoint of a powerful minority.
Former Director, JCM Global, Retired Government of Canada
2 年Excellent observations. The first time I came to Japan was in the 1960s and the country and its people have undergone many changes since then. I must admit that it has been refreshing going to tourist spots and not feeling overwhelmed by foreign tourists. I can understand therefore the reluctance of some to open up gradually. However, Japan cannot cut itself off forever. There are also many foreigners who have links to Japan or an interest in Japan who have been unable to visit for the past 2 1/2 years. Even more than the casual tourist, many of these people have felt cut off and are eager to return. I wish that the Japanese authorities would give them priority when reopening rather than focusing on tourist groups in a bubble.
British-born Japanese resident and business manager in Nozawa Onsen, Nagano Prefecture
2 年Timely piece, thank you. I also wonder if this pandemic closure might trigger the (almost inevitable) reaction to the quiet rise of immigration over the last 10 years.
Journalist working at the UN in Geneva and in Switzerland
2 年Surely it is not going to last forever or 250 years?