[Sangetsu]

Since this started out as a thread about immigrants, and this is the Japan Forum, perhaps it would be interesting to discuss Japan's view on immigration.

As many of you ate probably aware, few nations in the world are as monocultural as Japan. Immigrants make up less than 1% of Japan's population. Japan has more or less maintained a distinct culture, and this culture is highly valued by the Japanese. It is also admired by most of those who visit this forum.

Japan's views on immigration are harsh. Immigration standards are high, and immigration laws are mercilessly enforced. Any Japanese can call a phone number to report a suspected illegal immigrant, and the police will investigate. Any foreign visitor can be questioned by the police at any time, and "probable cause" is not a requirement. Racial profiling is the norm.

Japanese believe foreigners to be the major culprits when it comes to crime. This is partially true, as in America, foreigners in Japan commit a disproportionate amount of crime relative to their population, despite the strict laws which exist here.

Race is not the issue, religion is not the issue, but culture is an issue. Japanese see their culture as a unique and valuable thing, and they do believe that increased or loosely regulated immigration will increase crime.

In regards to religion, all people are animals, and religion is one of the world's main means to elevate people above their animal states. But like other things managed by man, the perfection aspired to by religion is corrupted by animal-like human behavior and instincts. There is no substantial difference between the main religions, nor their vulnerability to man's corruption. Even the Shinto priests here in Japan are not immune. Their shrines are often simply money-making machines which profits are often used to fund gold Rolex watches or pay for prostitutes.

As for cultures, some are similar to others, some are strong, some are weak, some are good, and some are bad. To be successful in life (and success is the goal of life, right?), one should emulate the things which are successful, and abandon those which are not, and this should include culture.

If you are immigrating to another country, then that new country becomes your country. It is not your right to ask that the country change to suit you, it is your responsibility to adopt the language, customs, and culture of the country which has adopted you.

As for myself, I continue to study Japanese, including national history and politics. I participate in cultural events, even wearing traditional clothes. I pull my own weight here, working hard, paying my taxes, and improving the country by improving myself.

A core principle of Japanese culture is the way of successive generations, by which each generation works hard to improve the life of the generation which follows. This same principle is followed by all other successful nations and cultures, but it is lacking cultures which have not been successful. It is important that immigrants from these cultures learn this basic virtue and take it to heart when they immigrate to a place like America, Japan, or elsewhere.