Paradoxical Factors Characterizing the Acceptance and Social Exclusion of Refugees

A Consideration of the Co-presence Paradigm

Abstract

  This paper discusses the paradigm shift from acceptance of refugees to “co-presence” with them by analyzing the social inclusion and exclusion of refugees in Japan. The Japanese practice of accepting refugees began at the end of the 1970s. However, Japan has simultaneously excluded refugees, as only a few asylum seekers have successfully attained refugee status. The states’ agenda is given much more priority than the refugees’ crisis. Ironically, refugees have been excluded by various policies set out to include them. This paper focuses on the“unintentional exclusion” of refugees by the Japanese government. Considering the entanglement of social inclusion and exclusion, this paper discusses the paradigm shift toward “co-presence” with refugees rather than acceptance of refugees. An attitude of acceptance does not always lead to tolerance. It promotes essentialist view towards refugees. The idea of “co-presence” would be a key test of societal inclusivity in the era of globalization.