Regarding the Oct. 21 editorial "Firms hiring more foreign students": It really is auspicious that Japanese companies are hiring more foreign students, particularly from Asian countries including our neighboring countries South Korea and China.
In addition to employing mainly students who have studied in Japan, what if companies were to add more students who major in Japanese language and culture in Asian countries? Some of them dream of working in Japan. Potentially they are able to work as well as the students who have studied here in Japan.
Doing business in Asian countries — or any country for that matter — has risks if it is conducted from merely the economic viewpoint. Economic activities should not get carried away with the money animal mindset; companies should take into account the coexistence of minds. If they fail in this mission, they are in danger of creating enemies. Any company employing foreign workers in Japan is expected to have this philosophy.
The recognition of Japan's place in the world is said to be so important, because Japan cannot exist alone. But, nowadays, doesn't the world exist in Japan?
A large number of people come to Japan to work, study or sightsee; each visitor is an important ambassador for Japan when he or she returns home. Foreigners are creating Japan's future now! All of us must coexist with them and contribute to creating a peaceful future with them.
The opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are the writer's own and do not necessarily reflect the policies of The Japan Times.