The Second Afrasian International Symposium 2012

Ryukoku University Afrasian Research Centre

Panel II LANGUAGE EDUCATION POLICY IN JAPAN: CRITICAL

ISSUES AND CHALLENGES

Multiculturalism or “Ulterior-Culturalism” in Japan

Julian CHAPPLE
Faculty of Intercultural Communication
Ryukoku University

Multiculturalism takes many forms, yet unless we tease out exactly in what social and
cultural context we are discussing the term becomes meaningless and risks becoming
another topical catch-phrase, used —and more seriously— abused, by politicians and
leaders. The majority of the debates into multiculturalism today are Western-centric. Is there
an Asian —and more specifically— Japanese version? If so, what is it, what form does it
take, what is its goal, how does it differ and why? This presentation examines the policy and
potential of multiculturalism in Japan today from the perspective of the education system. It
argues that while nascent forms of multiculturalism are rapidly emerging in Japan, those
ostensibly supported by the government, especially pertaining to education, generally have
ulterior motives. A key feature of multicultural societies is their approach to, and policies
towards, linguistic pluralism. Examining Japan's stance reveals that debates pertaining to
such issues are framed in a predominantly ethno-centric context; the antithesis to their
supposed goals. Further, the approach taken towards linguistic minorities, linguistic diversity
and non-Japanese language policies reveals a lack of commitment to, and understanding of,
the benefits that can be achieved from ‘real’ multiculturalism suggesting again that this is not
the real goal. Finally, it concludes by suggesting some modest benefits that could be
accrued from a policy of multiculturalism in line with those in more open societies.