Apartment/house hunting/discrimination

[bryanc]

Yamagata bank this was 2002.
When i first arrived they had to be persuaded to give me a credit card which they were reluctant to do.

[goodandbadjapan]

Yamagata bank this was 2002.
When i first arrived they had to be persuaded to give me a credit card which they were reluctant to do.

Did you try other banks? I was refused by a few but that was because I didn't have PR and had a very new business so I was a bit of a risky prospect. I did manage it though, albeit with a less favourable rate that was renegotiated once the PR came through. With PR and a stable job wondering why you went with that bank anyway knowing they were reluctant even to give you a credit card. From what I've seen, discrimination on nationality alone seems far more prevalent in renting than in getting a loan, although I'm sure the latter certainly exists!

[beanhead]

I have dealt with different banks for loans (re-financed once). Never had any hint of discrimination. I think it depends on the bank, and maybe things are better now than they were 20 or more years ago?

[Gulliver]

Japan is a constitutional democracy. Article 98. Of the Japanese constitution reads “This Constitution shall be the supreme law of the nation.” Therefore, just because the law doesn’t exist on the books doesn’t mean an action is not illegal. For example, segregation in the United States was the norm for many years even though it was, in fact, illegal under the constitution.

Any dullard Reading Article 14. of the Japanese constitution can discern that denying housing due to race is illegal. That is why there have been successful lawsuits in regards to this sort of problem. see: The Chosun Ilbo (English Edition): Daily News from Korea – Korean Woman Wins Discrimination Damages in Japan"

Again, the problem lies in finding a judge that is not tainted by the current fascist regime. That, and a certain apathy people of non-Japanese race have since most are here on a short term basis or have their housing pre-arranged by their employers. Also, many people tend to blithely believe the lies spread online by certain nationalists and landlords/real estate interests who say that contesting the injustice would be futile.

To reiterate, housing discrimination in Japan is illegal and you can sue your landlord successfully.

[KCLenny]

Oh that’s interesting to hear.
However to be clear my landlord is not discriminating (that I’m aware of). But when apartment hunting, I’ve experienced some places being contacted by the real estate agents and them being told “no foreigners”.

[adamu]

Japan is a constitutional democracy.

the current fascist regime

These statements cannot both be true. Calling the government of Japan a fascist regime is a bit far-fetched.

dullard apathy blithely believe lies nationalists injustice futile.

I think such inflammatory language doesn't contribute to a productive discussion. How about focussing on pragmatic steps people can take, rather than ranting?

[Gulliver]

These statements cannot both be true. Calling the government of Japan a fascist regime is a bit far-fetched.

I think such inflammatory language doesn't contribute to a productive discussion. How about focussing on pragmatic steps people can take, rather than ranting?

Actually, they can both be true. The political system in place now it is a constitutional democracy but it is currently (and note I use the word “currently” here and in my previous posts) run by a fascist political party who’s Prime Minister is a member of Nippon Kaigi (an organization that openly seeks to return Japan to a prewar like fascist monarchy). Thankfully, they have not achieved their goal because opposition parties have been able to keep the fascist regime in check..so far.

So yes, it is true here as it was in the German Weimar Republic when the fascists were voted into parliament under a constitutional democracy.

I’m sorry if you find words like “injustice” inflammatory, but the victims of the blatant human rights violations being discussed here (who can not find housing) are surely suffering more than your delicate sensibilities. I think some frank language is in order here, wouldn’t you say?

If you have something “productive” to add to the conversation I have not heard it yet.

Also, I cannot think of anything more “pragmatic” when it comes to solving this problem then taking the offending parties to court and holding them to account.

Please, and I’m being serious here, take a moment find some empathy for the victims and to think about the validity of what you’re saying before posting a knee-jerk reaction.

Oh and by the way accusing somebody of a “rant” it’s not actually an argument for anything and probably the least “productive” thing I’ve read on this thread.

[EmaxisSlim Cultist]

Can we put these two in a breakout room together at tomorrow`s conference?

Seriously though, I do not think any of this talk is helping OP.

Focusing on solutions to the immediate problem is more within the scope of this community. Not, analyzing politics, or conversely, the possible weaknesses of said political arguments.

[RetireJapan]

Ugh. Right, this thread has gone way off topic.

I don't know if anyone needs to reread the foum rules, but they are here if so: viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1175

I don't really want political discussion on this forum, or moaning about Japan (warranted or otherwise) because it generally ends up like this.

Good answers are specific, positive, and actionable.

Also being snarky is not in the spirit of the forum either.

I am a little busy trying to organise tomorrow's conference at the moment, so if everyone could maybe not blow up the forum right now that would be great.

[Gulliver]

Thanks for the cool down. I get passionate about some topics. But the Office Space reference definitely made my day .