Visible Minorities: “Overtourism” As Racism
Some Japanese need to stop blaming the tourists for doing what they asked them to do—come here and enjoy themselves.
Tag Archives: Osaka Prefecture
Bread & Roses: Employers Who Ban Workplace Romance
On October 19, 2020, the Osaka District Court ruled against a cabaret owner suing a bar hostess for ¥2 million (US$15,200) for dating a coworker. The plaintiff had made male and female employees sign a contract prohibiting any romance between employees, stipulating that they pay that amount if they failed to observe the ban.
Suruga Bank Allegedly Targeted Foreigners for Dodgy Loans
Suruga Bank is facing allegations of fraudulent lending practices that disproportionately targeted Japan’s foreign residents, wiping out personal savings, and placing the safety of tenants at risk.
No Progress for Japan’s Working Poor
Due to rising inflation, the recent decision to hike the average minimum wage appears set to offer little or no advance to the real quality of life for low-income Japanese. This comes in spite of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s economic policy theme of “New Capitalism,” which is supposed to create a fairer society by enhancing the living standards of ordinary citizens.
Reversal of Fortune for Oppressed Labor Union
An Osaka-based labor union is beginning to turn the tables on police repression after years of unlawful harassment.
Mercury Contamination in Japan’s Dolphin and Whale Meat
Police have opened investigations into dolphin and whale meat being sold in Wakayama Prefecture after accepting a criminal complaint regarding illegal levels of dangerous toxins.
Bread & Roses: Same Work, Same Pay, Same Scam
The Supreme Court ruled in three separate cases that Japan Post illegally discriminated against its contingent employees in comparison with its regular staff. At first glance, this seems a victory for workers that will raise all boats, but a closer look suggests it’s part of a design to sink all boats.
Visible Minorities: Human Rights Top Ten for 2021
Since 2008, I have always devoted my end-year columns to counting down the Top Ten human rights issues as they pertain to Non-Japanese residents of Japan. This year I’m moving this feature to the Shingetsu News Agency.
Dim Prospects for Japan Immigration Rights Improvement
Although there have been calls for immigration reform following the death of Sri Lankan national Wishma Sandamali in a detention center, the actual prospects for improvement in Japan’s controversial refugee and immigration system are not particularly bright.
Working Timeline of the Casino Bribery Scandal
The 500 Dot Com casino bribery scandal was yet another instance of major corruption that first emerged in the Shinzo Abe era.
