Why PewDiePie moving to Japan is a big deal
After 2 years cut off from the world; Japan needs to make some big changes
Felix Kjellberg, known as PewDiePie, is a YouTube phenomenon with over 111 million subscribers. His move to Japan is 2 years in the making.
On May 1st of this year the 32 year old finally made the move he has been looking forward to since last visiting with partner Marzia for their second honeymoon. He first hinted that he might be moving to Japan after buying a house there in 2019.
PewDiePie has spoken about the issues involved in the move on a number of occasions, including having his vacant house robbed.
Today he released a video on his YT channel titled, 'It finally happened', which documents the final push in having his visa approved for Japan.
This documented move by PewDiePie highlights Japan's complex and somewhat outdated immigration laws. But what is being done to fix this?
Population in crisis
Japan has experienced dramatic demographic changes in the past few decades.
The number of people over the age of 65 has almost doubled in 25 years, jumping to 28.7% in 2020. While low fertility has led to the overall population falling by around 1.7 million between 2010 and 2018.
Japan's declining birthrate is not some well kept secret. With adult diapers now outselling baby diapers by 2.5 times, the shrinking country needs to address their stance on immigration.
An ageing population will have dramatic social and economic impacts. Not only will people of working age have to support retirees, the demand for specialised geriatric nursing and other healthcare staff and technology will need to be increased.
Elon Musk has brought attention to the issue with a recent tweet.
Nobody ever goes in. Nobody ever comes out.
It was announced last week that foreign travellers are expected to return to Japan in June of 2022. This marks the first time since the start of the pandemic that Japan is relaxing movements of foreigners to and from the country.
The travel ban in Japan, which included international students enrolled to study locally, has turned many people off this once popular nation. While Japanese citizens and businesspeople have had near free rein to move in and out of the country. Apparently they are immune to infection?
Politician Taro Kono voiced his concerns to Reuters.
“Why should we discriminate against foreigners? Omicron doesn’t know if (a person) is Japanese or American or Iranian. “It doesn’t make any sense – economically, scientifically or whatever.” - Taro Kono, February 3 2022
Previously dubbed ‘Cool Japan’, a new slogan ‘Cruel Japan’ is being uttered in response to Japans continual push against foreigners.
Immigration won’t make Japan less Japanese, but it might save it
As of 2020, Japan’s foreign worker count sat at 1.7 million, a mere 2.5% of the total population. With a shrinking population, it is predicted the demand for blue collar foreign workers could fall short by almost 420,000 by 2040.
Immigration has long been taboo in Japan, as many believe the preservation of homogeneity to be more important than long term survival.
Why PewDiePie’s move could spark change
Highlighting issues is one thing. Influencing change is another beast entirely.
Who better to do this than the most popular YouTuber of all time? To quote Uncle Ben, “With great power, comes great responsibility”. PewDiePie’s move to Japan brings 111 million subscribers with him, and millions more who watch his content.
If the government is smart, they will work closely with Felix and other content creators to promote ‘Cool Japan’ and repair the image that has been slightly tarnished in the past 2 years. Reassuring foreigners that Japan is a wonderful and welcoming country, with many opportunities for workers needs to be a priority.
The government has already begun initiatives to train blue collar workers from Vietnam, Cambodia and other neighbouring countries. But these initiatives have come to a near stand still during the pandemic.
An ageing population will have dramatic social and economic impacts. Not only will people of working age have increased pressure to support retirees; the demand for specialised geriatric nursing and other specialised healthcare staff and technology will need to be increased.