Japan refugees

In its response to recent events in Afghanistan, Myanmar, and Ukraine, Japan has demonstrated greater flexibility in admitting those needing refuge.

The experience of Oleksii Yashchyrynskyi reflects Tokyo's surprising willingness to open its arms to refugees from the Russia-Ukraine war.

Despite growing calls to improve human rights in Japanese detention facilities, the latest bill falls short of fundamental reform. 

The case of the Ukrainian refugees, who do not fall into the traditional definition of refugees, could add momentum to efforts to overhaul Japan’s refugee and immigration policies.

Japan’s willingness to embrace Ukrainian refugees stems from its hierarchical view of the world and its economic-first view of migrants.

Japan has an extremely strict refugee policy and has been reluctant to fully accept migrant workers, making its offer to accept Ukrainians unusual. 

A young Afghan woman who emigrated to Japan became ensnared in a nightmare, caught between an abusive partner and a rigid bureaucracy.

A look back at the wave of hunger strikes among detained asylum seekers in Japan last year.

Pope Francis brought recognition to Japan’s “hidden” Christians while bearing pro-refugee and anti-nuclear messages of peace.

In the event of an invasion, Taiwanese with the financial resources to do so would likely flee to Japan. Is Tokyo ready?

Anger at long-term detention is fueling a hunger strike at the East Japan Immigration Center.

As asylum seeker applications in Japan skyrocket, the government is tightening its notoriously tough refugee policy.