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Japan’s migrant children: The hidden challenges of belonging

Japan’s migrant children: The hidden challenges of belonging

japantimes.co.jp 19.08.2026 04:56 10 views
As Japan continues to debate migration, belonging is often framed as something migrants must eventually earn through adaptation and contribution.

Migration is often discussed in terms of economics, demographics and border policy. Far less attention is paid to the children who arrive alongside their families and quietly navigate new classrooms, friendships and identities. Their experiences offer a different perspective on what integration — and belonging — truly mean.

Japan’s migration debate has become increasingly visible in recent years. Public discussions often revolve around labor shortages, social cohesion, demographic decline and the question of who should be allowed to remain. Migrants are frequently discussed in terms of economic contribution, integration and long-term impact.

Yet amid these conversations, one group remains largely absent: children. They do not apply for visas. They do not decide where their families move.

They do not participate in policy discussions or television debates. Yet they live with the consequences of these decisions every day.

Extract — continue reading at the source.

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