Jason’s Random Thoughts

The use of foreign workers in any nation is often a touchy subject, eliciting a population’s fear of losing jobs to people who will often work for much less money than a regular citizen. However, using foreign workers to the nation’s best interests is an important task and should be handled properly by any government who is seeking to sustain growth and vitality amid declining birth-rates, a shrinking labour force, and ageing society.

Prime Minister Fukuda established yet another panel last month in an effort to study how Japan can accept more foreign workers with specialized skills and knowledge. Reporting to the chief cabinet secretary, these experts are expected to find ways the country can make itself more appealing to the better educated. Whether this exercise will bear any fruit, however, is yet to be seen.

For the moment, Japan does not technically allow the entry of unskilled foreign labourers, but has a very streamlined (a.k.a. Requiring less than 8 kanji-heavy documents to complete) process for accepting highly skilled people. That said, despite this paperwork concession, it’s often difficult to draw the world’s best and brightest to a nation that is known to treat its foreign workers very differently than the citizenry.

As of January 2008, there were 2,152,973 foreigners registered in Japan. While many seem to be here on a spousal or educational visa, about 158,000 were given resident status as researchers, engineers, teachers (language instructors not included) and other professionals. However, only half of these people are employed with 30 or more hours per week, and a piddly 5% are employed at one of Japan’s major organizations.

Non-Japanese people tend to have difficulties in getting promoted at Japanese corporations and research institutes. This isn’t due to language barriers, either. Many people who have invested years studying proper use of Japanese often find themselves looked over when it comes time to move up a rank. This glass ceiling is often a huge problem for highly motivated and driven individuals with great educations and ambition. It’s no wonder that after a few years of working in Japan, many transfer or move to Europe and North America to earn more respect and responsibility.

To solidify the country’s international competitiveness, the government panel must establish a functional, two-way, collaborative relationship with both industry and academia to attract people to the nation. On top of this, implementation of measures to help foreign students find work in this nation should be made a priority. For these reasons, Tokyo should consider expanding the list of conditions where foreigners can be granted residence in the country.

Paper vs. Sweat

I’ve discussed some of the reasons Japan should accept more skilled workers to the nation, but it’s also important to examine some of the problems with accepting too many unskilled workers. Contrary to popular belief (and government policy), a large number of non-Japanese are working in the agricultural, manufacturing and construction industries. These are often foreign nationals with Japanese ancestry and trainees who come under the guise of the “foreign trainee system,” which was created to foster international co-operation.

The foreign trainee system has been little more than a loophole for many employers who wish to bring in lots of labourers who will work ridiculous hours for illegally-low wages. Naturally, this needs to be stopped and should be followed up with measures to reform the system.

Marketing Meets Muddled Mindsets

Very few highly skilled foreign nationals will come to Japan if companies continue to follow the status quo. They will never consider Japan to be an option if their perceived careers entail working on a minimal salary like a pyramid-building slave, only to be discarded at will.

Japan imports thousands of care workers from Indonesia and the Philippines under bilateral economic partnership agreements. And, considering the aging population, these people should be nurtured carefully as they will be the ones to provide the vital medical and welfare services this nation needs.

That said, there are some people who are pushing to establish a system to accept unskilled foreign workers in an effort to ramp up production at factories and processing plants. Hidenao Nakagawa, the former Secretary General, is just one example.

Of course, like we see in other nations with high immigration numbers, the population is expressing some concerns with the number of foreigners coming in to the nation. They argue this measure will reduce the employment opportunities for Japanese citizens, which could instill some “social discontent.”

Suffice to say, the topic is only lightly discussed in the halls of power. The Prime Minister should aim to encourage deeper discussion on the matter and provide a clear direction on how the country should handle its worker shortage, as well as how Japan should attract intelligent foreign workers.

What’s your take on the foreign situation in this country? Should Japan just follow the same route until there aren’t enough Japanese people left to do the work? Is it a good idea to change the corporate culture to help reduce or eliminate the glass ceiling?

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We wouldn’t know it by his name, but Michihiro Matsumoto has a problem with katakana, a Japanese character set that is mainly used when spelling words originating from a foreign language. An English education specialist, Matsumoto has been on a mission to combat something called “Katakana English,” words that originate from English but are difficult for native English speakers to understand.

In 2001 he wrote a book on the subject and later help a symposium in Fukuoka. His main argument is that if Japanese people would learn real English from childhood rather than Katakana English, it would improve communication between Japan and the rest of the English-speaking world. Case-in-point would be a word like “furonto garasu” (front glass - フロントガラス) which, in English, is “windshield.”

But is this really a problem?

Having lived and worked in this country for less than a year, I can’t pretend to be an expert on all the crazy English that a native English speaker can find in this country, but I can tell you that working with Katakana English words can be just as foreign as words we find in the ubiquitously eloquent Japanese language.

I had thought that reading technical papers in Japanese would be relatively easy, as most of the papers seem to be replete with katakana. Unfortunately, this is not the case as standard computer terms like “hard drive” (haado disku doraibu - ハードディスクドライブ) and “wireless encryption algorithm” (無線暗号化アルゴリズム) become obtusely unreadable.

I look forward to the day I can actually read and speak in Japanese like a semi-literate adult. Saying I’m illiterate while my 29th birthday approaches is embarrassing.

Do We Need Katakana?

So if the incorporation of foreign words into the Japanese lexicon is rendered moot after the requisite adaptation to fit the requirements of katakana, why are the Japanese still using katakana? Everyone here can read romaji (the English alphabet), so wouldn’t it make more sense just to use those characters and keep the original spelling of the word intact?

It’s a question I’ve asked a few times, but never really heard an answer that makes any long-term sense.

Of course, there isn’t much chance of katakana being phased out anytime soon. The character set is found everywhere in this country, and it would be far too costly to change over all the documents, signs, posters and everything else containing katakana to the more Western-friendly romaji character system. It’s the same type of argument we hear when America is asked about their reluctance to use the metric system.

So if katakana is here to stay, at least for the time being, and Katakana English remains a standard for the next half-century or so, what can the Japanese education system do to give students a leg-up when learning the language?

Here’s a novel idea: how about schools actually make their students actively use the language in classes?

English, for the most part, is not really spoken during most English classes in Japan. Students instead focus more on reading, vocabulary and grammar. Without any time to actively use the language they’re investing so much effort into, how can educators seriously expect anyone to get around the problems introduced by Katakana English?

Foreigners Shouldn’t Be The Reason For This Argument

People learning the Japanese language know there will be a steep learning curve, and our occasional confusion or frustration with Katakana English (don’t get me started on the pronunciation of McDonald’s - マクドナルド) shouldn’t be used as part of the reason behind elimination of Katakana English. Instead, more focus could be placed on improving a system that has long been considered incomplete: English language education.

In Japan, students are expected to have six years of English language education by the time they finish high school. Considering how 98% of all post-secondary schools in this country tests a person’s English ability as part of the entrance examination, one would expect that most students would have a functional knowledge of the language. Sadly, this is not the case.

Instead, students receive six years of passive English education, where the language is essentially lectured at them as though the subject were no different than physics or calculus. While this often creates a student that has a solid understanding of basic grammar and a decent vocabulary, it does nothing for being able to communicate with an English speaker. It’s this reason that so many Japanese people later join English conversation schools where natives then focus primarily on speech rather than the other areas of language usage.

I’m not complaining about this last point, though, as both Reiko and I work at companies that offer English conversation. That said, one of the most common observations about customers of these language centers is the surprising level of English, or lack thereof, in recent post-secondary graduates.

A Different Caliber of Language Instruction

Learning another language is often a compulsory part of most educations around the world, and the practice certainly has its advantages. However, how many of us have been forced to take up a language that we don’t particularly care to learn because we don’t see the need in our future?

I’m sure that many of us can safely say that after a year or two of not using our alternative language skills, what little knowledge we had acquired is effectively gone, but it usually doesn’t take much to bring back the very basics.

For this reason, the Japanese education system should really look at re-vamping their language instruction methods. Katakana English is fine, and it works well here because the Japanese people just don’t use sounds the same way as their European counterparts. However, by offering some better language instruction and giving students the opportunity to actively speak the language in and around schools, the future generation of men and women will have a much better chance of communicating with any foreigners they may encounter.

English doesn’t need to be hammered into the kids attending school, as that would just make them dislike the language more. However, by offering students the opportunity to speak and make pronunciation errors in the classroom rather than the real world, educators could do themselves a service while also taking a chunk out of the poorer quality English language schools that are operating in every corner of this country.

What do you think of Katakana English and it’s pervasiveness in society? Is this really a problem like Michihiro Matsumoto believes?

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I hadn’t planned on writing this post today, as there’s a pretty long article (my longest, actually) currently in the queue, but the current economic situation is leaving me to wonder if I picked the wrong time to move to Japan.

Today the Japanese stock market has fallen to levels not seen in years, and the other Asian markets aren’t doing too well, either. The US Federal Reserve has slashed interest on overnight loan rates by 0.75% in an effort to stave off a severe economic depression. With all this going on, I can’t help but wonder if people will still want to learn English in the next few years. Considering how I just started the profession a few months back, I’d be one of the first on the chopping block if my employer decided to cut back on native speakers.

I’ve been looking for some better work in this country since before moving, and I’ve been unable to find anything outside of Tokyo for a man of my skills. Does this mean that I’d move to Tokyo just to stay in Japan and earn money for my family? Well … if I had to. But if the analysts are even half right about the current state of the market, then I might not have any work in any profession outside of appliance repair. Since people wouldn’t want to buy a new dishwasher or gas stove whenever the old ones break, I could certainly put my skills to use repairing such things again. Heck, I do have eight years experience with the trade, after all.

But would I be able to do that in Japan? Probably not.

Unfortunately, without a healthy economy, there are very few opportunities in this country for foreigners with minimal language skills. Sure, I can speak English and French, but that doesn’t mean anything where the target language is Japanese.

My wife and I both work at English schools (different ones, though), and I’m quite concerned about our future. Nothing in this country is cheap. We’ve already paid for most of our upcoming wedding ceremony, and we have people coming from all over the world to attend. While I doubt the world economy will collapse into a fetal position before May, should Reiko and I consider revising some of our plans for the coming spring?

It’s a difficult decision, and not one I can make without more data. That said, I’ll be watching the markets a bit more over the next few months to determine which direction we should go. Both Reiko and I could find work in Canada doing something … anything. But in Japan, I’m afraid that only Reiko could earn a respectable wage.

That said, there is some good to come out of this economic downturn. The John Chows of the world will lose all meaning because they’ll no longer have revenue streams. People will not make as much money online as in the past, which means that internet users will need to either adapt to the situation and find new international markets to sell themselves to, or they’ll need to sit back and wait for someone with a little more ingenuity to determine the next best way to earn a living online.

None of the market’s work will affect most of us immediately, and any layoffs or work contract cancellations will likely not start being doled out until the coming fall. But if it happens to come my way, I want to be prepared enough to either get by for a few months in this country, or fly back to Canada (anywhere in that country) and try to get in somewhere with one of the base skill sets I have to offer.

How could this economic shift affect you? Will your work be affected by a market slowdown? What will you do if the company lays you off or shuts down outright?

It’s times like this I wish I had a few million dollars and a nice sailboat. I’d just stock up on some food and find a nice Pacific island to inhabit for a little while

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Language teachers in Japan have been watching the decline of Nova for several months, and many have jumped ship as soon as another company offered a position.  The gradual collapse of this language school leaves thousands of people without work and, to add insult to injury, without any chance of recovering payment due.

Chris Salzberg at GlobalVoicesOnline gives a pretty good rundown of the problems many employees have faced in recent weeks, with administrative staff not receiving their September 27th and (now) October 27th paychecks, and language instructors not receiving their October 15th pay.

I really feel bad for these stranded employees.  Not just the teachers, but the administrative staff, too.  They’ve all given quite a bit of their time and effort, but will get nothing in return.  Bills don’t stop coming just because we have no income
Earlier today the Canadian Embassy in Tokyo had sent an email out to let us know what our options were, and there aren’t many.  Here’s an exerpt:

As you may have already heard in the news today (October 26), NOVA English school has filed for bankruptcy.  In this message, the Embassy endeavours to communicate as much information as possible to assist you in planning your next steps.

The Canadian Embassy is monitoring the situation and remains ready to receive enquiries and provide the best advice we can.

Employees with concerns should consider contacting one of the two regional Nova offices which have been tasked with responding to employee queries, the workers’ union representing Nova employees, and their local labour advisory office.  Contact details are:

- West Japan: Osaka Office (06) 7688-0404
- East Japan: Tokyo Office (03) 6688-4441

Nova has advised that it is in the process of putting related information for employees including questions and answers up on its website at www.nova.ne.jp.

General Union - Nova Branch: (06) 6352-9619
http://www.generalunion.org/nova/main.htm

The Osaka Labor Bureau, a local branch of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, has launched a consulting counter with five interpreters for foreign Nova instructors. Its phone number is 06-6344-1135

The assistance that the Embassy of Canada is able to provide you is limited to that which is stipulated in the Consular Service Standards page, http://www.voyage.gc.ca/main/about/service_standards-en.asp.

The Embassy is neither legal expert nor labour law specialist; we do not possess the expertise to be able to advise you on these topics thus we have been, and continue in, encouraging individuals to seek out subject-expert advice from local providers.  The following is a list of contacts for services and official Japanese advisory organisations that may be of assistance.  Many are Tokyo-based but they should be able to direct you to resources in your vicinity.

If you did wish to look into the option of hiring a private lawyer, the Embassy can provide a list of lawyers, some with English speaking services.

They go on to say some more, including this little bit about financial struggles:

We understand that many of you have major concerns about this.  The Embassy is available to assist you to contact your family or friends in Canada and facilitate private funds transfers between you and them should the need arise; however, we cannot provide financial funding for Canadians to remain overseas.

Money transfer methods include wire deposits into a personal Japanese bank account (or a Canadian bank account accessible from Japan e.g. by ATM card), credit card account, or instant transfers via Western Union - Please note that the Japanese agent of which is Suruga Bank with branches located in the Tokyo, Kanagawa, Shizuoka and Aichi areas.  Alternatively, your family member can contact the Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada in Ottawa to obtain information on how to transfer funds through the department.

If you are seeking alternative work in order to stay in Japan, you may wish to discuss your situation with your family and friends to ensure you have arrangements in place should the necessity for emergency funds arise.  Also, please ensure to contact your nearest Immigration Bureau Office to obtain more information about changing jobs.

If you are planning to go home to Canada anytime between now and the holiday season, we strongly encourage you to start making travel arrangements immediately.  Mid-December marks the beginning of the holiday/Christmas high season; consequently, airfares will rise significantly, and ticket availability will become scarce.

If I were a recently unemployed language instructor who just lost employment as well as a month’s wages, I’d be pretty upset, scared, and frantic to get out of Japan and back to a country where I know I could be employed in a short period of time.   That said, I’d probably be out of luck due to some serious financial constraints myself.

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In most of Japan, public transit is king.  Trains can take you almost anywhere you need to be.  Subways are plentiful and dependable.  And, if all else fails, busses are around to ferry you the rest of the way (though the bus system does leave a little to be desired).  In many cases, the public transit system is so effective that many people don’t even need to buy a car.

At the moment, I’m quite dependant on the transit system here in Japan.  I live in Kakamigahara and commute to Nagoya at least five times a week.  All in all, I enjoy the 40 minute ride because it gives me a very clear disconnect between work and home, as well as providing a little time to study Japanese, read a book, or catch up on other blogs (thank you, Egress).  The only thing I don’t like about the trip is the cost:  1820 yen a day (about $15 CDN).

Luckily, there are options available.

Almost every transit system in the world has some sort of discount pass.  These often come in the form of weekly or monthly systems.  In Vancouver, I could purchase my 2-zone monthly pass for $95.  The benefit of this was the average $40 savings every four weeks, and the convenience of not carrying exact change everywhere.  In Japan, the pass systems are pretty much the same, but the discounts are much greater.

Last week, Reiko helped me obtain a monthly commuter pass between my two primary stations for a piddly 20,600 yen; almost a third of what I would pay in cash every motnh.  The cost is calculated based on your starting poin, as well as the destination.  This means that you are not over-charged for living close to work.

So if you plan on commuting with any kind of regularity in Japan, it might be worth investing in a commuter pass (sometimes called a season pass).  Many transit companies offer monthly, 3-month and 6-month passes with very attractive prices.  While the initial outlay can be a bit hefty, you can’t deny the long-term savings.  When I can afford it, and when my pass expires, I’m going to seriously consider one of those 6-month passes.  It will be the same price as five monthly passes and would pay for itself in less than twelve weeks.

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