Recently I learned that Japan hosts a Soren Kierkegaard Research Center. While the Danish philosopher may have known little of Japan, his existential writings appear to be popular here. He once said "life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced." This resonates with me, as for many years, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has been saying that migration is not a problem to be solved, but an opportunity to be managed.
Kierkegaard also said "life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards." As Japan comes to terms with the reality that its population is aging and shrinking, many commentators jump to immediately conclude that inward migration is the cure-all. It won't be. In part because Japan's demographic trend can't be cured quickly but has to be managed creatively.
Instead of forcing the issue that migration should be a solution to Japan's aging and shrinking population, it should rather be taken as an opportunity where Japan could enhance economic growth, spur productivity and strengthen competitiveness in the global market economy.