A Myanmar man who hoped to work in Japan for his family endured violence and verbal abuse before fleeing to Tokyo. Meanwhile, reports have raised suspicions about a “shell company” said to have been involved in accepting foreign workers by town council members who had previously experienced human rights violations. Experts have questioned flaws in the support system for foreign workers and the effectiveness of companies’ obligations, and have pointed to the need for government involvement.
This report details how a Myanmar man who had experienced violence and verbal abuse fled to Tokyo in search of work in Japan for his family.
In Kyogoku, Hokkaido, suspicions have emerged that town council members previously associated with human rights violations may have accepted foreign workers through a “shell company,” highlighting labor issues involving foreign workers.
Under the system supporting foreign workers, companies are required to fulfill 10 obligations, including providing opportunities to learn Japanese and handling consultations. Experts, however, have pointed out flaws in the system itself and said that government involvement is necessary.
Experts’ views suggest the limits of dealing with problematic companies, drawing attention to how the system should be improved and how the government should intervene.