1. Introduction
Japan is a country that is known for its cultural homogeneity and its strong sense of national identity. However, there are actually a number of minority groups living in Japan, many of which have been present in the country for centuries. In this article, we will be looking at who these minorities are and what their role is in Japanese society.
2. Overview of Minorities in Japan
According to the Japanese government, there are approximately 2.3 million people living in Japan who identify as belonging to a minority group. This figure represents around 1.8% of the total population and includes members from various ethnic backgrounds, such as the Ainu people, Ryukyuan people, Burakumin people, Korean people in Japan, Chinese residents in Japan and Filipino residents in Japan.
3. Japanese Ainu People
The Ainu are an indigenous group that has lived on the northern island of Hokkaido for centuries. They were traditionally hunter-gatherers and fishermen and their culture was distinct from that of mainland Japan until they were assimilated into mainstream society during the Meiji period (1868–1912). There are currently around 25,000 Ainu living in Japan today and they have their own language, religion and customs which have been recognized by the Japanese government since 1997.
4. Ryukyuan People
The Ryukyuan people are an ethnic group native to Okinawa Prefecture and other islands of the Ryukyu archipelago located between Kyushu and Taiwan. They have their own distinct culture, language and traditions which have been influenced by both Chinese and Japanese cultures over time. There are currently around 1 million Ryukyuan people living in Okinawa Prefecture today.
5. Burakumin People
The Burakumin are an outcaste group who were historically discriminated against due to their occupation as butchers or leather workers during feudal times when such occupations were considered “unclean” according to Buddhist beliefs. Although discrimination against them is now illegal in Japan, there is still prejudice against them within some parts of society today with estimates suggesting that there are currently around 3 million Burakumin living across Japan today.
6. Korean People in Japan
Korean people have been living in Japan since before World War II when many Koreans were brought over as forced labor or conscripted soldiers during the war effort by Imperial Japan’s military regime at the time. Following World War II many Koreans chose to stay on as permanent residents or citizens while others returned to Korea after it was liberated from Japanese rule at the end of 1945 or repatriated back later on during subsequent repatriation programs run by both governments over time up until 1964 when diplomatic relations between South Korea and Japan were normalized once again following decades of hostility between them previously due to unresolved issues stemming from Imperial Japanese rule over Korea prior to 1945.There are now around 800 thousand permanent resident Korean citizens living across Japan according to official figures released by both governments with most concentrated within Tokyo’s metropolitan area although smaller communities exist throughout other regions too such as Osaka’s Kansai region where a significant number also reside as well.
7 Chinese Residents in Japan
Chinese immigrants began arriving into what is now modern day Tokyo since at least 1603 when Chinese merchants first set up trading posts along Edo Bay (now Tokyo Bay) during Tokugawa Ieyasu’s reign as shogun at the time.Since then waves of Chinese immigrants continued arriving into Tokyo through various periods including during World War II when many Chinese traders sought refuge from war torn China within Tokyo’s then neutral port city status granted by Imperial Japanese rule at the time.Today there is an estimated population of around 300 thousand permanent resident Chinese nationals living across all regions throughout modern day Tokyo with most concentrated within Tokyo’s metropolitan area although smaller communities exist throughout other regions too such as Osaka’s Kansai region where a significant number also reside as well.
8 Filipino Residents in Japan
Filipino immigrants began arriving into what is now modern day Tokyo since at least 1965 when Filipino nurses first came over under exchange programs run by both governments up until 1975 when diplomatic relations between Philippines and Japan were normalized following decades of hostility between them previously due to unresolved issues stemming from Spanish colonial rule over Philippines prior to 1898.Since then waves of Filipino immigrants continued arriving into Tokyo through various periods including during World War II when many Filipino traders sought refuge from war torn Philippines within Tokyo’s then neutral port city status granted by Imperial Japanese rule at the time.Today there is an estimated population of around 100 thousand permanent resident Filipino nationals living across all regions throughout modern day Tokyo with most concentrated within Tokyo’s metropolitan area although smaller communities exist throughout other regions too such as Osaka’s Kansai region where a significant number also reside as well.
9 Conclusion
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In conclusion, while it may appear that everyone who lives in Japan conforms to one homogenous culture this isn’t actually true – there are actually a number of minority groups present who each bring something unique to contribute towards making up what it means to be ‘Japanese’. From ancient indigenous groups like Ainu & Ryukyuan peoples,to more recent arrivals like Koreans & Filipinos,each one plays an important role within contemporary society & helps shape modern day life here & enriching it with their own distinct culture & traditions.
Who is considered a minor in Japan?
Japans Penal Code provides that acts committed by persons under the age of 14 are not punishable. According to the Japanese Juvenile Law a minor refers to someone below the age of majority.
Is 16 a minor in Japan?
Although the legal age of consent under Japans Penal Code is 13 there are several other laws that impose penalties for committing indecent acts with minors. The Child Welfare Act defines a child under the age of 18 as a child and provides criminal penalties for indecency with a child.
Are 17 year olds minors in Japan?
On April 1 2022 the age of majority in Japan will drop from 20 to 18. April 1 2022
What is the illegal age in Japan?
Age of Consent in Japan In Japan individuals 12 years of age and older cannot legally consent to sexual activity that could constitute statutory rape or applicable local laws.
What age can a girl get married in Japan?
16 years for
Under the Japanese Civil Code the minimum legal age of marriage is 18 years for boys and 16 years for girls. A person who is under 20 years of age cannot get married in Japan without parental approval. From 2022, the legal age of marriage for girls and boys will be years.
Is age of consent 13 in Japan?
Japan is preparing to raise the age of consent from 13 years by changing the law on sex crimes. Japan is set to raise the age of consent from 13 to 16 in a legal change amid criticism that existing laws do not protect children from rape and other sexual crimes.
