In 2000, the United Nations reported that an average of 609,000 immigrants per year from 1995 to 2050 would be needed for Japan to maintain its workforce at the level of 1995 (UN Population Policy Division 53). The news surprised many people in Japan, who were forced to face the immigration issue honestly. This controversial issue has been discussed for the last 150 years. Faced with today's low birth rate and aging population, Japan should now accept more immigrants and become a multi-ethnic country in the future. On the other hand, there is strong opposition against accepting immigrants for economic and cultural reasons. To clarify the points, first the issue of foreign workers from an economic point of view in a short period is examined. The current situation and the historical context of foreign labor help explain both reasons why Japan should or should not accept more foreign workers. Second, immigration to Japan is examined from a cultural perspective over the long term. In conclusion, it is very important for Japan to become multicultural and international to be more creative and competitive in the world. Japan will inevitably accept more foreign workers to meet the huge demand for workforce in various industrial sectors such as nursing. and thoughtful. The current situation of foreign labor is critical. The low birth rate and the aging process have caused a lack of labor force, especially in dirty, dangerous and difficult jobs. A few decades ago, foreigners gradually began to accept those unskilled jobs. The number of foreign workers in Japan has increased by 50% in the last ten years (Koseirodosho Shokugyo Anteikyoku 6). The Japanese government is trying to get things back on track. Its immigration policy is very si...... middle of paper ......anbou Tokeijouhoubu. "Heisei 18 nendo Konin ni kansuru Tokei no Gaikyou." Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. nd Web. June 8, 2010Lynch, James P. and Simon, Rita J. Immigration Around the World: Statutes, Policies, and Practices. Maryland: Rowman and Littlefield, 2003. Print.Miyazaki, Sonoko “Muchu no Kaikoku: EPA no Genba kara.” Asahi Shinbun June 5, 2010, print. "Relationship of foreign workers by resident status". Annual report on health, work and welfare 2008 – 2009. The Ministry of Health, Work and Welfare. Network. May 16, 2010“Shinjuku-ku no Jinko.” nd Shinjuku Ward Office. Network. 16 May 2010United Nations Population Division. “Replacement migration: is it a solution to population decline and aging?” United Nations. March 20, 2000. Web. June 6, 2010. "The World's Best Universities: The Top 400." US news and world reports. February 25, 2010. Web. June 8. 2010