Amidst the recent intensification of debates surrounding immigration, Associate Professor Debnár points out that “there are many cases where the fundamental question of ‘Who exactly are (im)migrants?' is ambiguous and the actual circumstances of the people included in that category are not properly understood. According to the United Nations definition, a migrant is “a person who has lived in a country other than their own for approximately one year or more.” This consists of diverse individuals with varied values and backgrounds, including international students studying at universities and highly skilled professionals possessing specialized expertise. Furthermore, this definition does not address the intended length of stay or any residency period restrictions under immigration status. While the term “(im)migrant” is often used to refer only to those intending to settle permanently or holding visas permitting indefinite stay, the actual duration of stay varies significantly. This simplification of the diverse circumstances of (im)migrants leads to many stereotypes arising from viewing them through a uniform lens. One such misconception is that “(im)migrants destroy culture.” On the contrary, he states there are cases where (im)migrants become the inheritors of Japanese culture and industries.

”For example, there is a German Buddhist priest serving as a head monk, and in Kyoto there was a native of Finland pulling rickshaws. Some (im)migrants work crafting swords or researching ceramics. Or they become the successors to industries struggling to survive due to labor shortages.”

Swiss author Max Frisch famously remarked about the (im)migrants accepted by postwar West Germany: “We asked for workers. We got people instead.” We must perceive (im)migrants as individuals with needs and desires, just like ourselves, and recognize their diverse circumstances. That is the first step toward a society of coexistence.

As countries worldwide compete to attract talented individuals from abroad, we must seriously consider what makes Japan appealing to different kinds of workers. For those from developed nations like Europe and America, Japan—long without inflation or wage growth—currently appears as a “cheap country.” "Until now, the assumption was that opening the door would bring people in. But we should recognize that this is becoming an era where that no longer holds true,” warns Associate Professor Debnár.

So what motivates people to come to Japan despite this? While motivations vary greatly and are unique to each individual, one frequently cited reason is “cultural appeal.” According to research by Associate Professor Debnár targeting Europeans living in Japan, pop culture can be a trigger too, but the more commonly cited reasons for settling are the appeal of traditional cultures unique to the region, such as martial arts, Buddhism, and ceramics. Furthermore, “a less intense competitive environment compared to other countries and the image of being a ‘safe country’ are also reasons Japan is chosen,” states Associate Professor Debnár.

”My position as a university professor is another example. Compared to the harsh environment in Western universities, often described as ‘publish or perish,’ there's the advantage of being able to engage in research at a more steady pace.”

These (im)migrants find value in Japan that cannot be measured solely by economic rationality. However, even that value is not secure. To remain a “country of choice,” it is essential that we ourselves recognize these positives and strive to build a more inclusive society.

Friction is, in a sense, natural when people from different backgrounds live together. Precisely because of this, it is necessary to create rules for building relationships, rather than using friction as a reason for exclusion. However, significant challenges lie within the foundational systems of Japanese society.

”Japan lacks antidiscrimination laws,” says Associate Professor Debnár. “This point has been pointed out by UN bodies for a long time.”

The absence of these laws also hinders the development of a shared societal understanding of what constitutes discrimination. Associate Professor Debnár cites an example of questions an Australian researcher faced during an interview. Because his name was common in the Middle East, the interviewer persistently asked, “Where are you really from?”

”When I tell students this story, they sometimes respond, ‘The interviewer must have been just curious, what's wrong with that?’ “But the crucial point isn't whether the interviewer had malicious intent. “Asking questions unrelated to the job can allow unconscious biases to influence judgment. “The problem is the lack of a system to prevent this.”

Relying solely on the goodwill or efforts of individuals will not eliminate discrimination. Establishing effective legal systems as the minimum rules to ensure everyone stands on an equal footing is a prerequisite for a society of coexistence.

If laws and systems form the skeleton of society, then education plays a vital role in breathing life into them. American psychologist Gordon Allport proposed the “contact hypothesis,” a theory suggesting that “meaningful contact”—where people from different backgrounds collaborate on equal footing—reduces prejudice.

Professor Shiobara of Keio University argues that to engage in dialogue that transcends social divisions, we need imagination that leads to understanding others.”What's crucial here is empathy toward the other person. This is different from sympathy. It's the imagination needed to accurately grasp their actual situation,” says Associate Professor Debnár.

The first type of ‘imagination’ mentioned here is “critical imagination”—questioning whether information on social media is truly accurate rather than accepting it uncritically. The second is “historical imagination”—understanding the historical background of why that person (or oneself) is here now. And the third is “social imagination”—concretely imagining the daily lives and difficulties of others.

”For example, imagining (and understanding) what time they wake up in the morning, what kind of work they do to make a living, or how they explain their symptoms at the hospital if they get sick,” says Associate Professor Debnár. “It’s the ability to imagine such things.”

Associate Professor Debnár expressed his desire to increase places, including universities, where people from diverse backgrounds gather and cultivate imagination through dialogue. That is the first step toward overcoming division.