In principle or in practice? Investigation of Japanese university students’ perceptions and attitudes toward multiculturalism in Japan

ABSTRACT This study aims to understand the perceptions and attitudes of Japanese young people toward multiculturalism and immigrants in Japan. Different variables such as the perceived threat from the influx of immigrants and the degree of national identity and pride were measured and analyzed. How these variables affect perceptions of and attitudes toward multiculturalism and immigrants were also explored. The study was conducted in three universities in Tokyo and the main sample comprised 332 Japanese students who had no migration background. According to the results, Japanese students showed very divergent attitudes toward cultural diversity, equality, and equal opportunity in multiculturalism.