Roughly 120 million people—nearly the same as the total population of Japan—have been forced to leave their homes due to conflict and persecution. Some flee to Japan seeking safety. In recent years, we have over 10,000 arrivals in a single year.
The refugee recognition in Japan is overwhelmingly limited compared to other developed nations. Most refugees, namely protection seekers, are forced to live in Japan in a state where they are stripped of nearly all their freedoms. In the deprived conditions, they struggle with the difficulties of integrating into Japanese local communities, where the culture is vastly different from that of their home countries.
Extremely Low Refugee Recognition Rates
Although Japan is a signatory to the Refugee Convention, the number of individuals recognized as refugees remained limited to just a few dozen per year for a long time. While this number finally surpassed 100 in 2022, the recognition rate remains a mere 1% to 2%. The vast majority who do not receive recognition face a harsh reality: without legal protection or public support, even their basic right to survival is under threat.
The Long and Rigorous Screening Process
In Japan, simply fleeing a conflict zone is not enough to be recognized as a refugee. Applicants are required to provide evidence that they were personally targeted and persecuted—a standard so high it is often described as unrealistic.The screening process takes an average of 2 to 3 years, and including legal appeals, it can stretch to over 10 years. During this long wait, many have their residence status revoked, forcing them into a harsh existence where they are denied resident registration, the right to work, and access to public services, including healthcare. After years of waiting, many are in the end denied asylum, leading to potential detention and deportation.
Barriers of Language and Culture, Discrimination and Isolation
Whether waiting for a decision or having finally been recognized, refugees often face obstacles of language, culture, religion and so on. Basic needs—like going to the doctor, sending children to school, or applying for social support—all require Japanese skills. Adapting to local customs is another daunting hurdle. For asylum seekers whose legal status is uncertain, these challenges often lead to deep isolation. Many could be subjected to prejudice and discrimination due to their appearance or beliefs. Faced with hate speech and social stigma, they are left to struggle in the shadows of a society they hoped for protection.
