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This article talks about the recent "bribe" by the Japanese government in essentially and permanently kicking out Latin immigrants guest workers.  Many of these are Japanese descendants it seems that will be flown home with some money, but never allowed to come back on a work visa.  The important section of the article states:

Under the emergency program, introduced this month, the country’s Brazilian and other Latin American guest workers are offered $3,000 toward air fare, plus $2,000 for each dependent — attractive lump sums for many immigrants here. Workers who leave have been told they can pocket any amount left over.

Not only would this apply for the worker leaving the country, but for their children as well.  The kicker of this article comes from Jiro Kawasaki's statement:

“We should stop letting unskilled laborers into Japan. We should make sure that even the three-K jobs are paid well, and that they are filled by Japanese,” he said. “I do not think that Japan should ever become a multiethnic society.”

I think the sentiment here reflects how I felt many of the politicians in Japan inwardly feel about the world.  Despite having the 2nd largest economy, the older generations of Japan, in my view, are still locked in the "island mentality."  This isolation/aloof attitude has made the Japanese government probably one of the most hated within Asia.

What I dislike about all this nonsense is that this doesn't often apply to many younger Japanese folk.  In fact, I find the younger Japanese folk to be completely the opposite.  They're more open minded and willing to try new things and accept people.

In many regards, this is like how George W. Bush didn't represent ALL Americans during his term in office.  Unfortunately as a result, Americans were pegged as a whole since his rhetoric and actions became the face of America during that period.

Still as I mentioned before, Japan truly needs to boot all these old foggies out of office.  The young people of Japan need to dismantle the old boys networks that have erected numerous and useless bureaucracies and start a cultural growth by themselves.  They do not have to forgo or forget their culture either in this process, but simply get rid of the parasites clinging to their nostalgic ways that are preventing Japan from becoming an even bigger player in the global market.  The young need to take responsibility for themselves, think independently and critically as well as not deferring judgment to seniors and be more creative.

I think this whole situation is an extremely shaming thing on behalf of the Japanese government.  They have demonstrated disdain once again for their own kind, despite the fact that these people had immigrated and somehow contributed to their country.

What's even more laughable is that this Kawasaki guy (no, NOT Guy Kawasaki; he's actually smart) states that these jobs (which are basically low rung, high risk jobs that most people wouldn't want) should be given to the Japanese with HIGHER wages.  Well, if the government is saying that these jobs no longer exist because there is no money, HOW CAN YOU PAY PEOPLE HIGHER??????

I believe the global economy and globalization are inevitable aspects in our intertwined lives.  However, those who blindly choose to ignore this simply halt the progress of this impending thing.  With the declining birth rate, the slow recoveries to the past recessions and the unwillingness to embrace change, I feel that Japan won't be able to catch up to the rest of the market in the next decade.  The only hope they have is not in the politicians and bureaucrats that run that country, but young people who are willing, able, independent and courageous enough to step up to the plate, confront these old bastards and take Japan into the next level.