Perceived Consequences of Immigration in Japan Depend upon Frequency of Contact with Foreigners

Using individual survey data from Japan, this study investigates how frequency of contact with foreigners is associated with perceptions of the effects of increased immigration. The results show that frequency of contact with foreigners has a measurable effect on perceptions and that its influence varies according to household income level. More frequent contact with foreigners inclines respondents with low income to agree that if the number of foreigners increased in their community, job opportunities for Japanese will decrease. It inclines high-income respondents to agree that if the number of foreigners increased, the foreigners would be a needed labor force.