O impacto do nacionalismo nas políticas de imigração do Japão

Abstract

This study examines the impact of nationalism on Japan’s immigration policies, considering the historical formation of Japanese national identity and its influence on state political actions in the post-World War II period. Research approaches nationalism as a modern phenomenon constructed through symbols, narratives, and institutions. In the Japanese case, this process was fundamentally shaped by the Meiji Restoration, the centrality of the Imperial figure, State Shinto, and discourses of cultural homogeneity. Within this framework, the study investigates how conservative sectors—like the Liberal Democratic Party, Nippon Kaigi, and Jinja Honcho—have contributed to maintaining a restrictive stance toward immigration. Despite persistent labor shortages, an aging population, and falling birth rates, migration policies remain characterized by ambiguity, institutional limitations, and indirect entry mechanisms for foreign workers. The study concludes that Japanese nationalism acts as a decisive factor in migration policy formulation, limiting the adoption of broader and permanent measures while forcing the state toward pragmatic, temporary solutions to address the country's economic and demographic demands.