The Limits of Immigration Policies

Abstract

Despite its open and lenient policies for highly skilled migration, Japan has not been successful in attracting many professionals from overseas. Japanese corporations have also found it difficult to retain migrant professionals. This article, based on qualitative interviews with migrant professionals and corporate managers in the Tokyo metropolitan area, examines why the world’s third largest economy still remains a considerably small magnet for global talent. It also analyzes what kind of individual and institutional factors prevent migrant professionals’ long-term settlement in Japan. The article addresses the limits of immigration policies and emphasizes the importance of reforms in corporate structures, business practices, and overall integration policies in Japan.