Geylang Methodist Sec 3E SS EOY 2023

GMS(S)/SS/EOY2023/3E 1 SECTION A (Source-Based Case Study) Answer all questions. Living In a Diverse Society Study the Background Information and the sources carefully, and then answer all the questions. You may use any of the sources to help you answer the questions, in addition to those sources which you are told to use. In answering the questions , you should use your knowledge of the issue to help you interpret and evaluate the sources. 1 Study Source A. What can you tell from this source about the impact of Japan’s immigration policy on foreign nationals in Japan? Explain your answer. [6] 2 Study Source B. Why was this infographic published? Explain your answer using details from the source. [7] 3 Study Sources C and D. How far does Source C agree with Source D? Explain your answer. [7] 4 Study Source E. How useful is this source as evidence about the Japanese attitude towards foreign nationals? Explain your answer. [7] 5 ‘Japan is welcoming towards foreign nationals.’ Using sources in this case study, explain how far you would agree with this statement. [8]

GMS(S)/SS/EOY2023/3E 2 What are the experiences of foreign nationals in Japan? BACKGROUND INFORMATION Read this carefully. It may help you to answer some of the questions. Japan is a largely homogenous* society. According to the 2018 population statistics, 97.8% of Japan’s population are Japanese, with the remainder being foreign nationals residing in the country. However, the number of foreigners in Japan has increased rapidly in recent years, due to Japan’s ageing population and a shrinking labour force. These have prompted Japan to bring in foreigners to boost Japan’s economy. Despite this, Japan lacks any law which prohibits racial, ethnic or religious discrimination. As such, non-Japanese individuals in Japan are often victims of human rights violations. There ha ve been several reports on discriminatory treatment of the Japanese towards foreign workers and immigrants. For example, there was a sharp increase in hate crimes during the COVID-19 period. In 2021, a Korean woman was forced to sue her colleagues when they started harassing her by distributing leaflets with offensive information about Koreans. As a result, there has been international calls to improve Japan’s policies so as to better protect foreign nationals in Japan. *Homogenous society refers to a society whereby locals share the same traits/identity. Study the following sources to learn more about the experiences of foreign nationals in Japan. Source A: Adapted from an independent news site on immigration policies in Japan, June 2020. In the bustling neighborhood of central Tokyo, various types of Arabic and Turkish cuisines are easily spotted. A storefront advertises financial services in more than 20 languages, and the shops sell Korean novelty snacks and Indian curries. Very soon, similar neighborhoods will mushroom across Japan. In April 2019, Tokyo implemented historic immigration reform to allow more than 345,000 new workers to immigrate to Japan over the subsequent five years. Low-skilled workers will be able to reside in Japan for five years, while foreign workers with specialised skills will be allowed to stay indefinitely, with their family members – suggesting that many of these workers might stay for good. This is a huge milestone for Japan, where foreigners have been treated badly in Japan for decades. According to government data, many have been victims of discrimination where they have been beaten, insulted and mocked due to the country they come from.

GMS(S)/SS/EOY2023/3E 3 Source B: An infographic published by Japan’s Ministry of Justice Human Rights Bureau *, 2022. *Bureau refers to a specialised unit that operates under Japan’s Ministry of Justice. Nearly a third of foreigners living in Japan sa id that they have experienced offensive remarks because of their background, according to a survey. These comments were most likely made by strangers and even colleagues at work. The survey also found significant unease among foreign nationals about nationalist campaigners * who frequently drive around major streets with loudspeakers expressing their sentiments. Officials are conscious of the need to improve Japan’s acceptance of foreigners, given the increase in the number of people visiting for leisure, work or study. The government has pledged to increase education for the Japanese about human rights, while providing foreigners support services that they could access if they face discrimination. *Nationalist campaigners refer to individuals who are strong supporters of their country, and feel that their country should be independent of any external help or support. Source C: Adapted from a British news site, March 2017. Post office School Office House

GMS(S)/SS/EOY2023/3E 4 Source D: From a Japanese news article that examined the issue of racial profiling, September 2022. Abel Nakao, who has Nigerian roots, said he has been questioned by the police “well over 10 times” over the last decade. He recall ed once having his bag turned inside out, receiving a full body search including his underwear, in front of passers -by. Police have stopped him multiple times for his dreadlocked* hair. The issue of racial profiling was spotlighted last December, when the US Embassy in Tokyo tweeted that it had received reports of “suspected racial profiling incidents” of foreigners by Japanese police. Japan’s government at that time had waved away concerns at a news conference, saying that Japanese police questioning was not conducted based on race or nationality. Japan’s Human Rights Bureau, which operates under the Ministry of Justice, does not take any explicit steps to combat racial profiling, but may consider acting if the issue becomes problematic, according to an official. *Dreadlocked hair refers to a hairstyle, in which the hair is braided to resemble ropes. Source E: From a comic book published by an American cartoonist who lived in Japan for 14 years, June 2014. His comic book presents how the Japanese view foreigners. Gaijin refers to “outsider” or “alien” and is usually associated with foreigners.

GMS(S)/SS/EOY2023/3E 5 Source F: Adapted from a Japanese newsletter about volunteering in the community, 2021. Matsumaya Sakanoue Japanese Language School, a non -profit group in Japan, has created a booklet on how to better support foreign residents at evacuation shelters in times of disasters, when they tend to find it hard to get information due to language barriers. The booklet is a collaborative effort from both the Japanese and foreigners in Japan on evacuation shelter management and how to prepare for major disasters in Japan. A Japanese second-year university student who is a member of the non -profit group, commented, “Once a disaster strikes, people will n