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Public preferences on immigration in Japan

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  • Okubo, Toshihiro

Abstract

This paper examines the factors affecting Japanese attitudes toward immigration. Using individual-level survey data, we investigate the impact of both economic/socioeconomic (cognitive) and noneconomic (or noncognitive) factors, the latter including behavioral bias, communication skills, social stance and subjective well-being. The results indicate that individuals that are male, richer, more educated, younger and from smaller families tend to agree with immigration. More importantly, noneconomic factors also matter, with those that have lower time preference, better English language skills and overseas experience tending to be more positive to the perception of immigration. In addition, individuals trusting neighborhoods rather than the government, that make donations to society and that keep in good health tend to be more positive toward immigration.

Suggested Citation

  • Okubo, Toshihiro, 2021. "Public preferences on immigration in Japan," Japan and the World Economy, Elsevier, vol. 58(C).
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:japwor:v:58:y:2021:i:c:s0922142521000207
    DOI: 10.1016/j.japwor.2021.101073
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    Cited by:

    1. Gabriel Felbermayr & Toshihiro Okubo, 2022. "Individual preferences on trade liberalization: evidence from a Japanese household survey," Review of World Economics (Weltwirtschaftliches Archiv), Springer;Institut für Weltwirtschaft (Kiel Institute for the World Economy), vol. 158(1), pages 305-330, February.
    2. Akira Sasahara & Yumin Sui & Emily Taguchi, 2023. "Immigration, imports, and (im)mutable Japanese labor markets," Keio-IES Discussion Paper Series 2023-002, Institute for Economics Studies, Keio University.
    3. Okamoto, Akira, 2021. "Immigration policy and demographic dynamics: Welfare analysis of an aging Japan," Journal of the Japanese and International Economies, Elsevier, vol. 62(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Immigration; Non-cognitive factors; Individual survey; Japan;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F16 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Trade and Labor Market Interactions
    • F22 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - International Migration

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