This article examines the punishments faced by Japanese migrants returning home after living abroad during the Meiji period (1868-1912). Initially, they were met with harsh punishments such as fines and imprisonment due to fears of "westernization" or corruption by foreign influences. During World War II, some individuals were even sent to internment camps upon their return. However, attitudes towards returning overseas Japanese shifted after the war ended in 1945 and today most are welcomed back without any form of punishment due to recognition that they possess valuable skills which can help rebuild post-war Japan. Recent reforms have been made to immigration laws in order to make them more accommodating towards returning overseas Japanese.