An estimated 60 million people have been forced from their homes in 2015, a worrying statistic which the United Nations is trying desperately to address.
The Syrian refugee crisis alone involved about 4 million people fleeing the violence of their war-torn homeland.
Refugees from other countries have even reached out to island nations in their plight for a better life.
The recent decision by the Fiji government to grant asylum to four people has been met with much appreciation and one individual has been personally “inspired” by the turn of events involving the lucky four.
Volunteer, Yuma Nagasaki 38, who has worked at the Free Bird Institute (language school) in Nadi and Lautoka since 2007 and who was moved by the decision to grant four refugees asylum, praised The Fiji Times for highlighting the case.
“The Fiji Times has always inspired me to contribute to Fiji’s society and the world,”said Mr Nagasaki.
“I read The Fiji Times on Saturday and was impressed to know that Fiji had decided to accept four asylum seekers. It is wonderful.
“I visited 100 countries and decided to stay in Fiji because of this kind of generosity.”
Mr Nagasaki has decided to dedicate profit from his book on Fiji which is nearing its publication date.
“It is confirmed that I will publish my book about “Theory of happiness in FIJI” in Japan on November 20 to boost Fiji’s tourism and contribute the profit to Fiji,” he said.
“I was wondering where to give the royalty and The Fiji Times article has made me decide where to contribute to.
“I am willing to support the Fiji immigration that contributes to gobal issues (asylum seekers).
“Japan is a developed country. But their acceptance of refugees is very, very rare — this is a shame..”
Mr Nagasaki has been so taken by Fiji that he named his firstborn son Lau after being impressed with the people of Lau during a visit to the maritime province recently.
Mr Nagasaki said he was “very moved” by The Fiji Times article and that “Fiji is a super fantastic country to save the world.
“I will go back to Japan from October to January and encourage Japanese people to come to Fiji.
“I will organise a lot of events to let them know how attractive Fiji is as a goodwill ambassador between Fiji and Japan.
“I really would like to thank Fiji’s people for giving me big courage all the time,” he said.
