2025-06-28 The Critic’s article, Emigration, not immigration built the modern world, is summarized below.
This article critiques Keir Starmer’s claim that the Windrush generation “laid the foundations for modern Britain.” The author argues that while the Windrush generation made important contributions to postwar British society, asserting they were foundational overlooks the country’s long-established institutions, such as Parliament, the NHS, and global financial systems, which predated their arrival in 1948.
The piece contrasts the symbolic elevation of the Windrush story with the largely forgotten history of British emigration. From the 17th to the 20th century, millions of Britons emigrated and built infrastructure, cities, and institutions across the Anglosphere — shaping countries like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. These emigrants established British-style legal, political, and economic systems abroad, yet their efforts are rarely acknowledged in modern British discourse.
The article argues that this historical imbalance stems from a desire to present a simplified, redemptive narrative — one that emphasizes immigration as the moral rebirth of Britain while avoiding the complexities of empire and expansion. It concludes by urging a more balanced view of Britain’s migration history: recognizing both immigration and emigration as vital parts of the national story.
Understanding the Difference Between Emigration and Immigration
In today’s increasingly globalized world, international human movement is more active than ever. Among these movements, the term “immigration” often provokes public debate — especially when the number of foreign residents rises in a given country. In Japan, too, some express concern that an increase in immigration could disrupt social cohesion, strain public services, or even erode the nation’s cultural identity.
While such concerns should not be dismissed outright, it is equally important to take a broader and more balanced view of migration. To do that, we must first clearly understand the difference between emigration and immigration.
- Emigration refers to people leaving their home country to live in another.
- Immigration refers to people entering a new country to live.
So, if someone moves from Japan to the U.S., they are an emigrant from the perspective of Japan and an immigrant from the perspective of the U.S. It’s the same movement, just seen from two different angles.
Japanese People Were Also Immigrants
Looking back on our own history, we see that Japan has a long and significant tradition of emigration. From the late 19th century through the mid-20th century, large numbers of Japanese emigrated to countries such as Brazil, Peru, the United States, Canada, and Hawaii.
In Brazil alone, Japanese immigrants made major contributions to agriculture, helping to develop vast farmland and becoming an integral part of the nation’s economic and social fabric. Today, the Japanese-Brazilian population numbers nearly two million. These emigrants preserved their cultural roots while also integrating into their new societies — earning respect as contributors rather than outsiders.
Post-World War II, Japanese professionals — engineers, doctors, businesspeople, and researchers — continued this tradition by helping to develop industries and infrastructure around the world.
In short, the Japanese were also once immigrants, and they built reputations abroad through effort, resilience, and social contribution.
Why Coexistence Matters
If we acknowledge our own history of emigration, we can better appreciate the value of coexistence in modern society.
Whether immigrants become a burden or a benefit depends largely on how a society receives and integrates them. In Japan today, foreign workers play indispensable roles in sectors like elderly care, construction, agriculture, and IT. Some industries would struggle to function without them.
Of course, linguistic and cultural differences can lead to misunderstandings or tension. That’s precisely why a conscious effort toward coexistence is needed — not just allowing immigrants to live in Japan, but actively working to build a society where locals and newcomers learn from one another, work together, and share responsibility.
This mutual effort requires not just adaptation from immigrants, but also empathy and openness from the receiving society.
Coexistence Benefits Everyone
A multicultural society does not just benefit immigrants — it strengthens society as a whole. When people of different backgrounds live and work together, they bring new ideas, perspectives, and innovations. Diversity is not a threat; it’s a source of creativity and resilience.
In fact, Japanese society already embraces the results of cultural exchange: ramen, curry rice, bread, tacos — many of these beloved foods were introduced from abroad and localized over time. Cultures evolve through interaction, and so do nations.
Moreover, in a country like Japan that faces a rapidly aging population and declining birthrate, immigrants are not just supplementary labor. They can be future taxpayers, community members, and family builders. Their stable integration strengthens regional economies and revitalizes local communities.
Let’s Tell Both Sides of the Migration Story
People who oppose immigration often fear that their cultural identity is under threat. But culture is not something that can only be preserved in isolation. It thrives when it grows, adapts, and interacts with others.
Just as Japanese emigrants helped build the foundations of prosperity abroad, today’s immigrants can help shape a better future for Japan — if we let them.
To foster a healthy coexistence, we must remember both sides of the migration story: the emigrants who left, and the immigrants who now arrive.
In Conclusion
If Japan wants to remain a respected and dynamic member of the global community, it must embrace not only its traditions but also its openness. This doesn’t mean uncontrolled immigration — it means building systems for sustainable, respectful, and mutual integration.
Let us remember the legacy of Japanese people who emigrated and contributed abroad. And let us welcome those who come here with the same hopes and dreams. Together, we can create a society where everyone has a role, a voice, and a future.