This thesis examines Japan-Russia relations through a critical discourse analysis of speeches and statements by Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzō Abe and articles and editorials in the Japanese monthly...Show moreThis thesis examines Japan-Russia relations through a critical discourse analysis of speeches and statements by Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzō Abe and articles and editorials in the Japanese monthly general-interest magazine Chūō Kōron published in the period of January 2014 to December 2015.Show less
From the early 1990's onwards, increasing number of immigrants have settled in South Korea. As a result, the South Korean state transitioned from defining South Korea as an ethnically and...Show moreFrom the early 1990's onwards, increasing number of immigrants have settled in South Korea. As a result, the South Korean state transitioned from defining South Korea as an ethnically and culturally homogeneous nation-state towards defining South Korea as a 'multicultural society'. This raises the question what the South Korean government means by 'multiculturalism' and how its 'multicultural' laws and policies redefine South Korea's prevailing notion of ethnic national identity in order to allow for the full incorporation of immigrants into South Korean society. In order to answer these questions, this thesis analyzes South Korea’s laws and policies on immigration, integration and multicultural education.Show less
The Japanese population and its healthcare system is under pressure. The population is declining drastically; the amount of elderly is increasing heavily and with the costs to take care of them...Show moreThe Japanese population and its healthcare system is under pressure. The population is declining drastically; the amount of elderly is increasing heavily and with the costs to take care of them will be heavy. Their increasingly chasing population structure is a major concern for politicians and companies alike. Too often Japanese politicians keep this status quo alive, on one hand they agree that Japan needs to introduce pro-immigration policies but on the other hand, when it comes to implement real and viable policies they ignore it. Japanese politicians are hesitant to call for increased immigration, due to fear from the public. These fears often stem from some underbelly feeling, which also fueled by the Media. The introduction of the Foreign nurses and caretakers was a first step into the right direction. Sadly, the outcome was insignificant and had practically no influence. This program shows the weakness of the Japanese immigration policies. It lacks flexibility, practicality and long-term vision.Show less
This thesis tries to give the reader an insight into the female side of the story through analyzing pieces written in the women's script: How did the women in Jiangyong experience the society they...Show moreThis thesis tries to give the reader an insight into the female side of the story through analyzing pieces written in the women's script: How did the women in Jiangyong experience the society they lived in? What dilemmas did they face and how did they feel about these dilemmas? And finally, with what intent did they express their feelings into their writings?Show less
There is a significant number of young people residing with their parents as well as young couples choosing to continue the co-residence even after their marriage in Japan. The aim of this...Show moreThere is a significant number of young people residing with their parents as well as young couples choosing to continue the co-residence even after their marriage in Japan. The aim of this dissertation is to show that in many cohabitating households parents depend on their children rather than children on their parents. Since 1960 all industrialized countries have undergone various changes during the process of the so-called demographic transitions. These phenomena have been described by R. Lesthaeghe, who was the first one to argue that all industrialized countries have undergone two distinctive transitions (the First Demographic Transition and the Second Demographic Transition), which brought about contemporary social transformations. I discuss whether this contention is applicable to Asia and can explain current changes in living arrangements in Japan. Not long after researchers have become interested in explaining the new phenomenon a book by Masahiro Yamada entitled: “Parasaito shinguru no jidai” (“The age of the parasite single”), has been published. From this time young adults who continue living with their parents have become stigmatized and blamed for Japan’s problems. In order to point out the gap in the theoretical framework it is paramount to look at the problem from different point of views. Thus, I describe the parasite single theory as well as present the critique around the issue. The analysis of statistic data on living arrangements provided by European Commission (Eurostat) as well as Statistics Bureau of Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, Japan provides an insight into the changes in living arrangements in Japan since 1980s, especially pointing at the prevalence of family and cohabitation. Furthermore, my own empirical research (interview results) are presented. The case studies supplement the statistical data and provide the scope of the reality in which people have to operate and make choices. What I want to achieve is draw attention to the fact that the phenomenon of intergenerational households exists and ought to be looked upon from different perspective than it has been thought up until now.Show less
