The Contemporary Japan Group at the Institute of Social Science (ISS, or Shaken),
University of Tokyo, welcomes you to a lecture by

Michael Strausz
(Texas Christian University)

Help Wanted:
Labor Shortages, an Aging Society, and Japan’s Restrictive Immigration Policy

DATE AND PLACE
Tuesday, November 29, 2016 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Akamon Sōgō Kenkyūtō Room 549, Institute of Social
Science, University of Tokyo, Hongo Campus, University of Tokyo

ABSTRACT
Japan's population is composed of an extremely small percentage of foreign residents when compared
with other advanced industrialized countries. This is particularly puzzling when considering that
Japan's population is rapidly declining and aging, and that Japan is facing some of the most intense
labor shortages in the world. This presentation will put Japan's restrictive immigration policy in
comparative perspective. Ultimately, I will explain Japan's restrictive immigration policy with
reference to two key factors: the outcome of domestic political disputes between business and the
government, and the nature of elite debates and disputes about the appropriate role for foreign
residents in Japan.

SPEAKER
Michael Strausz is an associate professor of political science at Texas Christian University. His
research is about the relationship between foreign residents and the Japanese state and the
relationship between Japan and international norms. He has published articles in outlets including
Foreign Policy Analysis, the Journal of Women, Politics, and Policy, and the Japanese Journal of
Political Science. He is currently working on a book about Japanese immigration policy.

CONTEMPORARY JAPAN GROUP
The ISS Contemporary Japan Group provides English-speaking residents of the Tokyo area with an
opportunity to hear cutting-edge research in social science and related policy issues, as well as a
venue for researchers and professionals in or visiting Tokyo to present and receive knowledgeable
feedback on their latest research projects. Admission is free and advance registration is not
required. Everyone is welcome.

For more information, including maps and a list of past lectures, please visit our website:
http://web.iss.u-tokyo.ac.jp/cjg/
or contact
Gregory W. NOBLE (noble@iss.u-tokyo.ac.jp)