within this context that the Office of UNHCR in Japan commissioned the independent study “Overview of Statelessness: International and Japanese Context” by Kohki Abe, Professor of International Law Kanagawa University Law School Professor. The study starts by outlining the existing issues with respect to statelessness in the international legal context, before analyzing and identifying statelessness issues in Japan. Apparent from the study is the absence of detailed information about who stateless people are. Among the key recommendations suggested in this study is that Japan accedes to one or both Conventions relating to Statelessness so as to meet international standards. Linked to this is the setting up of a proper statelessness determination procedure. This study is an important contribution toward a greater understanding and awareness among policy makers and the public at large about statelessness and the difficulties that stateless people face in Japan. Nevertheless, it is only the beginning: the issues have been identified, but they also need to be resolved if we want to address the plight of stateless people in Japan. Johan Cels Representative UNHCR Tokyo 5