Diversity (多様性, tayōsei - tayosei)

 

1. Today's Japanese words

Here's some basic Japanese vocabulary about Diversity with romaji:

* **Diversity (多様性, tayōsei - tayosei)**

* **Multiculturalism (複数文化主義, fukukぶんかしゅぎ - fukubunka shugi)**

* **Foreigner (外国人, gaikokujin - gaijin)**

* **Integration (溶け込む, tokec込む - tokekomu)**

* **Harmony (調和, chōwa -chowa)**

* **Conformity (同調性, dōchōsei - dochosei)**

* **Immigrant (移民, imin - imin)**

* **Ethnic group (民族, minzoku - minzoku)**

* **Culture (文化, bunka - bunka)**

* **Customs (習慣, shūkan - shukan)**

* **Tradition (伝統, dentō - dentou)**

* **Acceptance (受け入れ, ukekire - ukekire)**

* **Exchange (交流, koryū - koryu)**

* **Coexistence (共存, kyōson - kyouson)  

* **Homogeneous (単一民族, tan'itsu minzoku - tanitsu minzoku)**: literally means "single ethnic group"

* **Harmony (同質性, dōshitsu-sei - doushitsusei)**: refers to uniformity or shared characteristics

* **Collectivism (集団主義, shūdan shugi - shudanshugi)**: prioritizes the needs of the group over the individual

2. Today's topic

Multiculturalism in Japan is a complex and evolving topic. Japan has traditionally been a homogenous society, but with an aging population and a growing need for foreign labor, the country is slowly embracing diversity.

There are challenges, however. Japan's emphasis on social harmony and conformity can make it difficult for immigrants to integrate. There are also bureaucratic hurdles to obtaining citizenship.

Despite these challenges, there are signs that Japan is becoming more multicultural. The government is taking steps to support foreign residents, and there is a growing awareness of the benefits of diversity.

* **Traditional Homogeneity:** Japan has a long history of ethnic and cultural uniformity. This is reflected in its language, social norms, and emphasis on collectivism.

* **Shifting Demographics:** A declining birth rate and aging population have led Japan to seek foreign workers to fill labor shortages. This is driving a gradual acceptance of multiculturalism. 

* **Challenges to Integration:** Social harmony and conformity are highly valued in Japan. This can make it difficult for immigrants to assimilate, as they may face social or cultural barriers. Bureaucratic hurdles to citizenship further complicate integration.

* **Signs of Progress:** The government is implementing initiatives to support foreign residents, such as language classes and cultural orientation programs. There's also a growing recognition of the potential economic and social benefits of a more diverse society.

3- Today’s news

Visitors invited to enjoy Imperial Palace sakura from March 23

https://www.asahi.com/sp/ajw/articles/15197051

Shinjuku survey finds Japanese more receptive of foreign residents

https://www.asahi.com/sp/ajw/articles/15195820

Shinjuku Ward has one of the highest concentrations of foreign residents in Japan with more than 43,000, accounting for about 12.6 percent of the ward’s total population.

“It has become commonplace in Shinjuku to have foreigners living nearby, and I feel that multiculturalism is gradually progressing,” said a representative of the ward’s multiculturalism promotion division.