Japanese Immigration

Stephanie Buff

Japanese Immigration Policy

             My studies apart from AS150 have prompted focus on the United States immigration policy. Furthermore, motives, and circumstances of immigrants have become. Appropriately, I became interested in Japan’s regulatory policies. The Japan Times released an article on March 6 2012, focusing on Japan’s reformed immigration system. The visa regime incorporates a “points system”, designed to attract 2,000 non-Japanese immigrants.

            The objectives of the system include the attraction of a specific demographic of immigrants. This demographic includes individuals with “high salaries, impeccable educational and vocational pedigrees, specialized technical knowledge and excellent managerial/administrative skills.” (Arudou). Preferential visas are given to those considered prestigious. The articles describe these people as “lucky foreign millionaire Ph.Ds” (Ardou). The preferential visa includes “five- year visas, fast-tracking to permanent residency, work status for spouses, and even visas to bring their parents and “hired housekeepers” along.” (Arudou).

            Those preferred individuals are determined with the “Justice Ministry’s qualifying scale”. One must score seventy points on the qualifying scale. The scale is tough and even includes a sliding element according to the individuals’ circumstance. Interestingly, Japanese language ability has a low weight on the qualifying scale.

            The system outlined by Ardou in the article “Japan’s revolving-door immigration policy hard-wired to fail”, contrasts the American system greatly. Contrastingly ideas like those of Japan should bring topic for discussion in the U.S system.

Discussion Questions:

1.     Do you feel that this system of immigration has more benefits than the US policy?

Do you feel that the immigration system is unjust in Japan

Becoming a Geisha

Stephanie Buff

Becoming a Geisha: BBC documentary

Reaction Paper

November 13, 2012

Becoming a Geisha is a captivating documentary that follows Yukina, a fifteen year-old Japanese girl, through the process of becoming a geisha. The concept of geisha entertainment and training is interesting and provides insight into the priorities and values of Japanese culture. It is evident from the documentary that a geisha is a revered figure of Japanese society. This honor is not given lightly, and the dedication of those pursuing a career as a geisha is admirable.

The documentary depicts Yukina’s progression through the process of becoming a geisha. During the documentary, Yukina is a “Maiko”, which is essentially an apprentice. The apprenticeship begins in the early teenage years. Specifically, Yukina is fifteen years old. Because of the commitment required to be a Maiko, Yukina is not enrolled in school. One scene that especially expresses the commitment required to become a geisha was when Yukina stayed awake until two in the morning waiting for her geisha sister to return from work. Yukina described the lack of sleep required for the job, and the hours of training that are required to complete Maiko training. This level of dedication even eliminates the possibility of dating for those intending to become a geisha professionally. Furthermore, the profession intrudes deeper into personal life by removing young girls from their families for training. The documentary specified that Yukina had not seen her family in sixth months since beginning her training.

A few more aspects of geisha culture that surprised me were the frequency of haircuts, which was specified as five to seven times per week. Another staggering quantitative value was relating to the number of kimonos in a geisha’s wardrobe. Apparently, the average number of kimonos’ in a wardrobe is forty. Additionally, I was unaware of the sexual connotation that accompanies the geisha’s job. Becoming a Geisha was a very enlightening documentary.

Departures Reaction

Departures Film Reaction

Stephanie Buff

November 5

Departures was a tastefully made film that captures many sentiments of death. The nature of the film paired with Daigo’s acquired profession of preparing the dead forces viewers to consider the process of death. Culturally, Japanese mourning and departure practices are revealed, which is the most relevant point of the film. It was particularly interesting to note the similarities between Japanese and American funeral customs, including the popularity of cremation, and the mutual concept of an observatory wake. However, the most interesting aspect of the film from a personal standpoint was not a result of the cultural aspect of Departures.

            Personally, considering Daigo’s job had an enormous effect on the way I consider death and mourning. After having attended open casket wakes, it is almost disturbing to consider that a person makes a living preparing the deceased for viewing. The scene where Daigo realizes that he is holding a scent of death on the bus is somewhat disturbing in my opinion. I have an increased respect for those who work to make wakes a pleasing mourning experience. As emotionally effective as wakes can be, the proper presentation is important for the concept of closure. Daigo’s love of music and the breathtaking scenery in the film helped to highlight the beauty in life in death, even when emotions are often dark.

            Relating more to the relevant aspect of the cultural elements of departures, it was interesting to see the funeral practices in the film. The dress was black to symbolize morning much like American mourning practices. Furthermore, the different scenes where dinner was taking place, showcased Japanese food traditions that we have been learning about.