Gregory Clark's article is interesting, especially as it focuses on discrimination against foreigners. I believe The Japan Times publishes too many articles on discrimination issues and on the acceptance of immigration.
Why does the world — especially the Western world — want to change Japan by having it accept immigrants and reduce discrimination directed toward foreigners? Why are we so adamant on making the world truly global with no borders? I think it would make for a boring world.
If a country decides to treat foreigners differently, then it should have the right. The articles that I've been reading are mostly from Westerners complaining about discrimination and arguing for an acceptance of more refugees, etc. If foreigners have complaints, they should try to settle in another country, do business elsewhere, or visit another destination.
Let's keep Japan unique. Let's stop trying to interfere with its politics by forcing our own opinions and experiences on it.