This book explores the impact of foreign migrant workers on elements of sovereign power in Japan and examines how the country's immigration control has been reshaped by the existence of these workers. It traces the changing situation of foreign migrant workers in Japan from the mid 1980s to the present day. A particular focus is the transition of these workers from 'temporary workers' to 'long-term stayers' or 'social beings'.

"...offers the best overview of foreign workers in Japan among the books published in English this far." - Takeyuki Tsuda, Journal of Japanese Studies

This well-written and researched work shows how the Japanese government is adjusting to the changing situation...highly recommended... Choice

Autorentext
YOKO SELLEK is Lecturer in Sociology at the School of East Asian Studies, University of Sheffield. She was previously Assistant Director of the International Division, Japanese Group of the International Association for the Protection of Industrial Property in Tokyo. She has contributed articles in several books and journals.

Inhalt
Acknowledgements Note on the Text Glossary of Abbreviations Introduction Historical Context and Evolution of Foreign Migrant Workers in Contemporary Japan Arrival of Foreign Workers Through Various Informal Mechanisms Foreign Workers in the Context of Economic Recession The Increasing Presence of Foreign Residents in Japan in the 1990s Infrastructural Problems: Issues Relating to Female Foreign Workers in Japan Marriages between Japanese Nationals and Foreigners Infrastructural Problems: Provision of Education for Foreign Children Japanese Society and Foreign Residents: Anti-immigration Extremism and Human Rights Conclusion Bibliography Index