Refugees in Japan are acutely underutilized and the nation should stop turning a blind eye to their skills and potential if it wants to generate economic growth, according to freelance journalist Kaoru Nemoto, who describes them as "professionals of survival."

In a recently released book, Nemoto, who used to work at the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, argues that Japan must change its traditionally insular mindset and unwillingness to accept asylum seekers.

"People who have ever communicated with refugees are always surprised to see how educated and motivated they are to contribute to Japanese society," Nemoto said in a recent interview with The Japan Times. "So think how much more help they could be to the country if their capabilities were combined with their gratitude for being granted asylum."