tokyo japan accept three refugees first half 2017 despite receive record 8,561 fresh asylum applications government say tuesday highlight nation reluctance accept foreigners four refugees accept first half 2016 fresh asylum applications total 5,011 justice ministry say human right watch january describe japan record asylum seekers abysmal unlike industrialize nations accept even encourage immigration refresh labor force japan remain unwelcoming even though shrink age population key reason behind economy slow growth supporters japan tough asylum process argue small number accept consequence surge bogus applications due change make rule 2010 allow applicants work six months decision make claim appear increase number people abuse refugee status process say yasuhiro hishida official review applications justice ministry japan accept refugees first half 2017 despite record asylum seekers