The 4th meeting of the Diet Women’s Study Group focused on the complex issues of migration and refugees. Members met with Eri Ishikawa, chair of the board of the Japan Association for Refugees (JAR), who shared some of the insights she has gained through her many years working in the nonprofit sector on this important topic.

The meeting was followed up with a site visit to the Tokyo Regional Immigration Bureau’s detention facility for foreigners. The experience led Rep. Seiko Noda to start a Diet study group on “creating a more open and inclusive Japan,” looking at immigration and refugee issues.  (Related article in Japanese)