mytest

Tomorrow,  Tuesday April 7, sees my next Japan Times column:  1500 words on the GOJ’s latest wheeze to reduce unemployment figures and welfare costs by reexporting imported NJ labor. 

As of April 1, Nikkei Brazilians etc. are being offered 300,000 yen to go back to their home countries.  That’s right:  Only Nikkeis.  It’s the ultimate bellwether of a failed policy of bringing people in, leaching them of their best years of their lives as work units, then bribing them to leave before they can claim their investments in taxes and social services.  Ersatz Golden Parachutes. 

And it’s only for Nikkeis, not the Chinese etc. “trainees” who have likewise been fired, despite working longer hours for lower pay and no social benefits.  They stand to lose, according to SOUR STRAWBERRIES, their very livelihoods even back in China as they default on their travel loans.  But as far as the GOJ goes, they have the wrong blood.  Sorry. 

Anyway, do get a copy of the JT tomorrow (Weds in the provinces).  Arudou Debito in Sapporo