Latest news with #foreignresidents
Japan Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Japan Times
Foreign residents closely follow Japan's election and party pledges
As Japan's foreign population continues to rise both in terms of quantity and diversity, one of the talking points during Sunday's election was how the country should deal with the increase of international residents. While foreign nationals do not have the right to vote unless they naturalize, as residents they contribute to the economy, pay taxes and raise families in Japan. As electoral results could impact their lives, The Japan Times asked several foreign residents to weigh in. Interviews have been edited for brevity and clarity. Mark Williams (55) United States, resident of Japan since 2006 If I could vote myself, I'd want to see stronger enforcement of labor laws. I've been lucky, but I know people in other companies who are stuck in that culture where you can't leave until your boss does. That needs to change — for both Japanese people and foreigners alike. The cost of living is another big one. There are so many middlemen in the distribution process here that it drives up prices unnecessarily. Streamlining that could make a real difference. I have definitely noticed a shift in attitude (regarding foreigners), especially online. However, if I'm being honest, I've experienced far worse back home in the U.S. than I ever have here. There are people who've always held discriminatory views — now they just feel more free to voice them. It's not that there are more people who think this way, just more who are willing to say it out loud. When people say negative things about foreigners online, my wife or daughter will sometimes point it out to me. I might not have noticed otherwise, because I'm not glued to the TV or reading comments all the time. Day-to-day, I've only ever had positive experiences with people in Japan. My coworkers have always treated me well. I've never felt unwelcome in my workplace. I judge people based on how they treat me directly — not based on what's said online or in anonymous comments. Alexander Howell-Jackson (27) United Kingdom, resident of Japan for three years Anti-foreigner sentiment has definitely been rising. You can see it with parties like Sanseito. But it mirrors what's happening in the rest of the world. When the economy's stagnant and prices go up, people look for someone to blame and often that ends up being foreigners. Most Japanese people have never had a meaningful interaction with a foreigner. That leaves a vacuum for media narratives to shape their views. It's funny to see the 'foreigners are taking our jobs' narrative appear here too. Japan has a labor shortage and a shrinking population — there are so many unfilled jobs. There's no way to tell a tourist apart from a foreign resident, so we all get lumped together. Even if I've lived here for years, I get judged by what a tourist did last week. It's frustrating — when tourists don't know the rules, we all pay the price. It's not like we have 'foreign resident' stamped on our forehead with a visa type. That's not to say everyone is falling victim to this rhetoric. Online, the most racist people are the most vocal. Just because you see those kinds of comments doesn't mean everyone thinks like that. Simon Henderson (40) Australia, resident of Japan for three years I've been following the election very closely. It feels like a pivotal moment for Japan. There's a very real possibility of a political shift, which makes this election particularly significant. Foreign nationals contribute substantially to Japan's wellbeing, including through taxes. Yet we're still excluded from voting and often from political discourse entirely. Many of us have deep roots here. We work, we pay taxes, we raise families. But without the right to vote, we remain politically invisible. It's disappointing to see major parties, including the Liberal Democratic Party, echo xenophobic rhetoric rather than challenging it. Instead of framing foreign nationals as threats, Japan's political leaders should recognize the benefits of a more diverse society. Japan isn't alone in this shift. We're seeing nationalism rise worldwide — but that's no excuse for inaction here. Japan has internationalized a lot over the past decade, but its political institutions haven't kept pace with that change. If I could vote, I'd want to back candidates that understand Japan's future depends on inclusion — not fear. Climate change is also a top concern for me. I'd also support parties pushing for human rights reforms and more generous refugee policies. Additionally, it's contradictory that 18-year-olds can vote but can't run for the Upper House until they're 30 (unlike Australia, where the minimum age to run for office is 18). That sends a clear message: young people don't belong in politics. If Japan wants to improve voter turnout and engagement, especially among youth, it needs to reform its outdated candidacy laws. Maximo Arozarena (39) Mexico, resident of Japan for seven years On the surface, (the rhetoric regarding foreign nationals) doesn't always sound that bad — but for people who understand the context, it's a little bit worrying. I'm not super alarmed personally, because I've seen this kind of thing everywhere — in the U.S., even back in Mexico. But that doesn't mean it's harmless. It's part of a global trend that worries me. I think the election last October, where the LDP took a big hit, felt more significant. But this one matters too, especially because of Sanseito gaining ground and how that will shift the tone going forward. There's a lot of stress around the economy — the yen being weak, interest rates, even the ripple effects from tariffs and the U.S. elections. It's all adding to this general anxiety, and you can feel that in the conversations people are having. If I could vote, I'd back (a candidate advocating for) more progressive social policies — equal rights, gay marriage — but also economic strategies that go beyond short-term fixes. I know it's idealistic, but that's what I'd hope for. For example, tourism is critical for Japan's economy now, but the way it's handled isn't sustainable. Locals are frustrated with overtourism, and as someone working in the industry, I feel that frustration too. We need better planning — something that supports the economy without overwhelming communities. Right now, it just feels like we're improvising. One good thing I've seen in recent elections is that Japanese people seem more and more politically engaged. Hopefully, that leads to something positive, and not just empty rhetoric.
Bloomberg
7 days ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
UK Non-Dom Population Fell 0.5% in 2024 Tax Year Amid Reforms
The number of wealthy foreign residents in the UK claiming preferential tax treatment on their overseas income and gains fell 0.5% last year as policy makers moved to scrap the regime. Britain had an estimated 73,700 non-domiciled residents in the tax year ended April 5, 2024, down from about 74,100 in the previous 12 months, according to provisional figures published Thursday by the nation's tax authority.
Japan Times
7 days ago
- Politics
- Japan Times
CDP leader criticizes ‘Japanese First' policy and calls for inclusive society
The leader of Japan's largest opposition party has criticized the concept of 'Japanese First' policy — advocated by small, right-wing party Sanseito — saying foreign residents are critical to maintaining Japan's economy and calling for a multicultural society that respects minorities. Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan leader Yoshihiko Noda made the remarks while campaigning in Sendai and in Ibaraki Prefecture earlier this week ahead of Sunday's Upper House election. Noda warned that division and conflict were growing around the world, sowing the seeds of war. 'Unfortunately, in Japan as well, political forces have emerged that are stoking division and conflict through their rhetoric. If there are political forces seeking to gain political points by excluding foreigners, I will firmly oppose them,' Noda said during his Sunday appearance in Sendai. The issue of foreign residents in Japan, rarely a topic in election campaigning, has now become a hot topic of debate as Japan's foreign population continues to grow. Sanseito has adopted 'Japanese First' as its main slogan and the party's Upper House election platform. The platform includes a promise to implement immigration restrictions limiting the number of foreign residents to 5% of the population in each municipality. As of the end of 2024, the number of foreign residents in Japan stood at a record 3.77 million — up 10.5% from the year before, but still only about 3% of the total population. It was obvious, Noda added, that Japanese society could not function without the help of foreign workers in manufacturing, health care, construction and public transportation. 'For example, in the field of nursing care, it's estimated that 2.7 million workers will be needed by 2040. That's 15 years from now. Currently, there are about 2.1 million workers. But due to harsh working conditions, new people are not entering the field, and some are leaving. Closing this gap of 600,000 workers will be extremely difficult,' Noda said. While Noda did not specifically name Sanseito in his speeches, he criticized the concept of placing restrictions on foreign residents just to prioritize Japanese people, especially at a time when such residents are already contributing to Japanese society. 'Japanese first. Japan first. If that's the case, isn't (accepting foreign residents) for the greater good of our country?' he said during a separate rally in the city of Kamisu, Ibaraki Prefecture, on Wednesday. 'When you go to a convenience store, isn't the person selling you rice balls a foreign employee? Aren't there a lot of foreign workers in manufacturing plants? Aren't there a lot of foreign workers in construction sites and public transportation right now? Aren't we relying on foreign workers because of the shortage of caregivers?' Noda said. The CDP leader suggested that the idea foreign residents receive preferential treatment is a misconception that may be rooted in the fact that many Japanese are feeling hardship in their daily lives, rather than an indication of such residents actually being treated favorably. If the reason for their discontent is because wages aren't increasing as much as price hikes, resolving those issues is what needs to be done, he said. 'That's why we, the opposition parties, including the CDP, need to unite and overthrow the LDP-led administration.'
Japan Times
11-07-2025
- Japan Times
Tobias Bieker: ‘A good interviewer helps the guest shine'
Tobias Bieker, 31, has always loved telling stories, whether through his podcast, "Unpacking Japan," or in his own fiction. European by birth but a proud Osakan by choice, he works to promote cultural understanding by platforming the voices of foreign residents in Japan. 1. Where did you grow up? I was born in France to German parents. At 18, I moved to Asia, starting in Shanghai. After moving around for a few years, I eventually settled in Osaka in 2018. 2. Where did your interest in Japan come from? It began with a general fascination with Asia sparked during my time in China. But Japan drew me in more deeply, especially through its literature, music and art. I found myself reading Japanese novels and dreaming of understanding them in their original versions. 3. Why did you choose Osaka as your base in Japan? It was a bit of a lucky pick. I had done some research for my master's in Tokyo but was looking for something different. I briefly considered Sapporo since I like colder weather, but wasn't sure about the job market there. Osaka felt like the right balance. I ended up falling in love with it. 4. What's your favorite thing about Osaka? It's simply a great place to live. The people are warm, the city is easy to navigate and you're never far from nature. It really offers the best of both worlds. I don't have one standout favorite thing — it's more about the overall quality of life here. 5. Would you like to live anywhere else in Japan? Not really, though I am curious about rural life. I'd love to spend a year in the countryside just to experience the contrast. Somewhere cooler in summer would be nice. But Osaka has everything I need. 6. What kind of jobs have you've had here? I started out in hospitality, and for the past five years I've been with ZenGroup, first in marketing, and now in media production with our creative team at ZenStudio. 7. Why did you start a podcast? "Unpacking Japan" began as a small side project with a colleague, supported by our CEO. We wanted to explore life in Japan through the voices and stories of the people living here, trying to show a more nuanced, in-depth perspective. Over time, it evolved into a full-scale production led by the ZenStudio team. Nowadays, each episode takes around 16 hours of combined team effort: guest outreach, planning, prep, recording, editing and social media. 8. What do you think makes a great interviewer? First and foremost, listening, really listening. Then knowing when to gently steer the conversation and when to simply let it unfold. A good interviewer helps the guest shine, draws out unexpected stories and keeps the conversation engaging for listeners. It's also about empathy and curiosity. Particularly when interviewing people from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds, it helps to be patient, flexible and fully present. 9. How does it feel to have the tables turned on you and be the interviewee? It's definitely a shift. I'm used to being on the other side — asking the questions, guiding the flow and helping others tell their story. Being interviewed makes me reflect more intentionally on what I do and how to improve it. It's a useful reminder of how it feels to be in the guest's seat. 10. How do you choose your interviewees? It's a collaborative process. I suggest some and the rest of the ZenStudio team brings in ideas, too. Occasionally, people reach out to us directly. We look for interesting stories, depth of experience and guests who can connect with an audience. 11. What have you learned from the people you talk to? So much. A recurring theme I've noticed is that when people fully commit to their passion or path, it often leads to surprising insights and doors opening in unexpected ways. It's a reminder that consistency, patience and belief in your work really do matter. 12. Who would you like to have as a guest (that you haven't had yet)? Outside the usual scope of the podcast, I'd love to interview people who've been through intense or high-stakes experiences: war correspondents, diplomats, CEOs, athletes or political leaders. I'm also drawn to speaking with writers about their process and what drives their work. 13. What can Japanese listeners take away from your podcast? Many Japanese listeners enjoy hearing their culture reflected through the experiences of people from abroad. It offers a fresh angle, and can even help them rediscover aspects of their everyday life. From what we see in the comments, some also use it as a fun way to practice English. 14. You're also a novelist. What made you want to write fiction? It started when I was living in a small village in Cambodia. I had an idea for a story inspired by the kids in my host family, which became the seed for my first novel. The others came afterward. The stories were there, and I felt the need to write them. It was also a way to reflect on life during that period. 15. What kind of fiction do you write? It's fairly diverse. After my first novel, I wrote three others that explore different aspects of mental health, each through a unique character lens. For the last one I finished, I tried a fantasy project inspired by Japanese folklore, especially the forests and shrines of Wakayama where I walked the Kumano Kodo. I grew up reading fantasy and wanted to create a world that re-creates that same wonder I had as a child. 16. Where can we read your fiction? Nowhere at the moment, they're not published. But if a publisher or editor is interested, I'd absolutely be open to collaborating on that. 17. Do you have a favorite novel? I love classics like 'Kokoro' by Natsume Soseki, and more recent works like 'Days at the Morisaki Bookshop' by Satoshi Yagisawa. I also just finished 'The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair' by Joel Dicker in French, which was a fantastic read. 18. Are you working on anything now? Nothing at the moment. Between work and a newborn, time is tight! But I'm hoping to start shaping a new story soon. 19. What other Japanese media do you consume? In terms of music, I listen to a lot of Japanese jazz such as Ryo Fukui, Takuya Kuroda and, of course, classics like Ryuichi Sakamoto. I also enjoy city pop and the atmosphere it evokes: nostalgic, but somehow timeless. Visually, I'm very drawn to photography. I collect and revisit photo books by Japanese photographers like Masahisa Fukase, Daido Moriyama and Rinko Kawauchi. 20. What are your future plans for the podcast? I'd love to see it keep growing. I think "Unpacking Japan" has real potential to become a meaningful platform connecting people across Japan, not just online but in person, perhaps through events, like live panel discussions with a reception afterwards. I'm also interested in expanding it into new formats or content series that dive deeper into life here.
Arab News
06-07-2025
- Health
- Arab News
Foreign medical residents fill critical positions at US hospitals, but are running into visa issues
Some hospitals in the US are without essential staff because international doctors who were set to start their medical training this week were delayed by the Trump administration's travel and visa restrictions. It's unclear exactly how many foreign medical residents were unable to start their assignments, but six medical residents interviewed by The Associated Press say they've undergone years of training and work only to be stopped at the finish line by what is usually a procedural step. 'I don't want to give up,' said a permanent Canadian resident who matched to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Harrisburg but had her visa denied because she is a citizen of Afghanistan. She requested to remain anonymous for fear of reprisal. 'But the situation also seems so helpless.' Initially, the medical community was worried that hundreds of positions — many in hospitals in low-income or rural areas of the US — could be affected. The pause on interviews for J-1 visas for approved work or study-related programs was lifted in mid-June. The national nonprofit that facilitates the residency match process said the visa situation is resolving, but it will take weeks to know with confidence how many medical residents have had the start of their careers derailed because they got their visa too late or were blocked by President Donald Trump's travel ban on 12 countries, according to people who coordinate the residents' training. Four foreign medical residents told the AP that US embassies have been slow to open up interview slots — and some have not opened any. 'You lose out on the time you could have used to treat patients,' said one resident from Pakistan, who matched to an internal medicine program in Massachusetts and requested to remain anonymous for fear of reprisal. Thousands of foreign medical residents fill gaps in US hospitals The US is projected to face a physician shortage in the next 11 years, per the Association of American Medical Colleges, and foreign medical residents fill critical gaps in the health care system. More than 6,600 foreign-born international medical residents matched into US programs in 2025 — the highest on record — and another 300 filled positions that were vacant after the match process was complete. Not all of those residents were affected by visa issues or the travel ban on foreign nationals from countries including Afghanistan, Haiti and Sudan. International medical graduates often take jobs in places where US medical trainees tend not to go, said Donna Lamb, president of the National Resident Matching Program. 'It's not just that they're coming in and they want to work in big, flashy centers on the coast,' Lamb said. 'They're truly providing health care for all of America.' Foreign medical residents work in specialties that US applicants aren't as eager to apply to. For example, international candidates make up almost 40 percent of residents in internal medicine, which specializes in the prevention and treatment of chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease. 'The residents are the backbone of the entire hospital,' said Dr. Zaid Alrashid from Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center in New York, which has medical residents from almost every continent. Most received their visas prior to the pause but a few were caught up in delays. Two residents from India who spoke on condition of anonymity have not been able to get an appointment at any US embassies there despite the J-1 visa pause being lifted. Another resident from Egypt just secured a visa appointment for mid-August but is worried her program may not be willing to wait for her. She's already paid her security deposit for an apartment in Texas to live during her residency. 'I don't know when this situation will be resolved,' said the resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, adding she hasn't been eating or sleeping well. Hospitals waiting for residents to arrive In California, leaders at two graduate medical education programs said they have a small number of residents caught up in J-1 visa delays. Both spoke on condition of anonymity due to concerns for the doctors who are still trying to get visas. A residency leader at one large health care system said two doctors in its 150-resident program are delayed, adding they could start late or defer to next year. A 135-person program at a California public health system told the AP that one resident has yet to arrive, though he was finally scheduled for a visa interview. 'We are not going to breathe easy until he's here in our hospital,' the second leader said. As of Wednesday, Lamb's matching program had received fewer than 20 requests to defer or cancel residency contracts. Worried about losing their spots if they defer, many foreign medical residents may keep trying to get to the US and start their residencies late, said Dr. Sabesan Karuppiah, a past member of the American Medical Association's International Medical Graduates Governing Council and former director of a large residency program. Some hospitals may struggle at this point to replace the residents who don't make it, leaving fewer people to care for the same number of patients, said Kimberly Pierce Burke, executive director of the Alliance of Independent Academic Medical Centers. Foreign medical trainees who've made it into the US remain on edge about their situations, Karuppiah said. 'I can tell you the word on the street is: 'Do not leave the country,'' he said, adding that people are missing out on important events, seeing sick parents or even getting married. 'Everybody's scared to just leave, not knowing what's going to happen.'
