Fon Fon Christopher was an activist in Cameroon who fought for workers’ rights. He was the leader of the trade union which eventually led him to be the target of persecution by the Cameroonian government. He experienced the torture and murder of his colleague who was also in the union. Due to continuous threats and unfair treatment by the government, he had no choice but to flee Cameroon. Although he knew very little about Japan, he was hopeful to start his new safe and secure life.
Despite his hopes and dreams, he faced various difficulties in his nine-year journey in Japan. This story will explore the struggle and difficulties that he encountered in the immigration procedure. His story not only illustrates his own struggles but also the challenges that most asylum seekers in Japan face in the process of receiving refugee status.
Life in Cameroon
Learn more about Christopher’s life in Cameroon, and the root cause of his eventual decision to flee his country and his beloved family. Cameroon has a history of political division between the Anglophones and Francophones. Follow his chronological journey of working in Cameroon for the government, to the events leading up to his departure including the death of his close colleague.
Japanese Immigration
“Japan to me has always been a dream…immediately when I came to Japan, the image was destroyed.” Christopher’s relationship with Japanese immigration has been aggravating, especially as a refugee applicant. He ventures into the issues of the minuscule refugee acceptance rate, his dire process of proving his persecution, the inevitable and heart-breaking rejection, and more. Although tragic, Christopher’s case is not rare when it comes to refugees and asylum seekers in Japan.
Detention Center
Christopher spent eight months detained at the Tokyo Regional Immigration Bureau in Shinagawa. During this time, he witnessed many issues with the detention system. These included the detainment of foreigners who had already served sentences in Japanese prisons and the systematic intimidation of those facing deportation. His experiences with the Detention Centre staff were also often negative since they constantly attempted to unnerve detainees. Read more about Christopher’s perseverance throughout it all in this section.
Work in Japan
“God came to Japan, and asked the Japanese people,
“I love you very much. What should I give you?”
The Japanese say “Please God, just give me small work.”
Then God says, “I give you work, but I (also) give you with the second (wish), what should I add?
He said, “Yes God, add another (more) work.”
God says, “Yes, I added. With the third chance, what do you want?”
They said, “God…you don’t understand. Give me work!” [laughs]”
Look into Christopher’s perspectives on working in Japan, with his extensive work career and experiences.
Christopher’s Hope for the Future
Christopher has the ambition to bring changes to foreign workers’ working situations in Japan. He already has his vision for what kind of organization he wants to establish to create better conditions for both foreigners and Japanese society. His desire to accomplish something good for others, for society as a whole, is greater than anyone else’s. He believes that by realizing this dream, he will be able to change the status quo of the socially vulnerable foreign workers and bring about change.
Team
An introduction to the team members who worked with Christopher.
