Foreign workers in the atomic disaster: A type of exclusion in Japan

     The unprecedented gigantic earthquake on March 11, 2011 happened in Tohoku, Japan, which caused indescribable disaster including the breakdown of the Fukushima atomic power plant. Focusing on the situation of foreign workers faced with the accident of the Fukushima power plant, this paper clarifies a type of exclusion in Japan.

     First of all, this paper reviews the characteristics of the immigration system and the current situation of foreign workers in Japan, and examines training system for foreign workers and its drawbacks in Japan. Secondly, this paper overlooks various sufferings primarily in Tohoku region, especially for those of foreign workers, stemming from the Fukushima accident: returning home, unemployment, and so on.

     Thirdly, this paper asserts that the Fukushima accident made explicit a type of social exclusion in Japan. In the Fukushima accident many foreign workers including dispatched trainers were forced to return home and lose their jobs. On the other hand, their returning home also caused various industries such as agriculture and the restaurant industry to lose their valuable labor forces and decrease their productions or commercial activities in Japan. This means that foreign workers are not only required in Japan but socially excluded. Foreign workers are not at all included in Japanese society because they are so precarious in employment and welfare. The serious disaster can expose the hidden role of foreign workers in Japan.

     How has the labor movement been caring for foreign workers after the disaster? Fourthly, this paper confirms that labor unions in Japan have not necessarily executed required activities for foreign workers except small unions with personal membership. However, it also asserts that various labor NGOs and voluntary organizations have supported foreign workers after the disaster. Lastly, this paper addresses the current situation and difficulties of such supporting activities.