Volume 9, 2000

Issue N. 3: Asian Migration and Settlement: Focus on Japan

Kenichiro Hirano, Stephen Castles, and Patrick Brownlee
"Towards a Sociology of Asian Migration and Settlement: Focus on Japan," Vol. 9 (3), p. 243-253, 2000.

Asis, Maruja M. B.
"Imagining the Future of Migration and Families in Asia," vol 9 (3), p. 255-272, 2000.

This paper attempts to outline observed changes in Asian families (particularly in East and Southeast Asia) in the past thirty years, reviews research-based findings on the links between international migration and the family, and identifies emerging family-related issues vis-à-vis emerging trends in international migration. Among the notable changes in Asian families during this period are the shift towards smaller families, the shift to longer family life course, and the emerging transnational configuration of families. The last one has been brought about by increasing population mobility. Despite the policy to keep migration temporary, some limited form of settlement is taking place in the region. Among others, this raises questions and policy dilemmas concerning the nature of migration in the future, the treatment of foreigners in receiving societies, and human rights issues affecting women and children.

Shiramizu, Shigehiko
"Global Migration, Ethnic Media and Ethnic Identity," vol 9 (3), p. 273-285, 2000.

Although ethnic media have a long history, the nature and characteristics of contemporary ethnic media have been transformed by globalization. This article explores the association between ethnic media and ethnic identity by looking at various examples: the Nikkei and Okinawans in the United States, the Brazilians currently residing in Japan, the Koreans in Japan, and the specific case of cross-cultural families in Japan. Given the different nature of mobility and the ethnic media, the role of the ethnic media in maintaining or transforming ethnic identity needs to be re-examined.

Chung, Kiseon and Hyunho Seok
"Culture and Social Adjustment: Migrant Workers in Korea and Local workers in Overseas Korean Firms," Vol. 9 (3), p. 287-309, 2000.

This study offers a comparative perspective of the social adjustment of migrant workers in Korea and local workers employed in Korean firms in four Asian countries. Data for the study came from surveys conducted in Korea (n=742 migrant workers from China, Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam) and Korean firms overseas (n=1,078 local workers in the same countries where migrants come from). In addition, interviews were also conducted for supervisors, managers and top managers of firms in Korea and overseas. The study found differences in perceptions of cultural gap and work conditions and levels of social adjustment by ethnic group and migration status. The persistence of ethnic differences in workers’ social adjustment suggests the possible influence of cultural factors.

Komai, Hiroshi
"Immigrants in Japan," vol. 9 (3), p. 311-326, 2000.

This paper discusses the history of immigration in Japan, the situation of immigrants, and the factors that shape immigrants’ rights. The last issue is particularly relevant because of observable tendencies towards settlement and the formation of ethnic communities in some areas. It will take time before Japanese and immigrants can co-exist on equal terms, but there are some indications that the presence and settlement of newcomers in Japan could lead to changes in Japanese society. Immigrants, thus, are turning into more than just a source of labor for Japanese society.

Tsuzuki, Kurumi
"Nikkei Brazilians and Local Residents: A Study of the H Housing Complex in Toyota City," Vol. 9 (3), p. 327-342, 2000.

This article provides some insights on the relationship between Nikkei Brazilians and local residents in Toyota City, the center of Japan’s automobile industry. Tensions in the H housing complex surfaced from the time the Nikkeijin started residing in the complex in the late 1980s, and these escalated with the arrival of more Nikkeijin. The residents’ associations had been instrumental in resolving the problems between the Nikkeijin and local residents. More active involvement by the local government, contract agencies, and the Housing Corporation and Prefectural Housing is needed to identify lasting solutions, as was the case in other cities, which also host a large number of Nikkeijin.

Okuda, Michihiro
"Asian Newcomers in Shinjuku and Ikebukuro Areas, 1988-1998: Reflections on a Decade of Research," Vol. 9 (3), p. 343-348, 2000.

Tokyo’s inner city areas, the home of migrants from Japan’s countryside until the 1960s, started to accept Asian immigrants, mainly from East Asia, in the late 1980s. The arrival and settlement of these newcomers have transformed these rundown areas into multiethnic communities. Based on 10 years of research in these communities, the author argues that the inner city areas have generated "hybrid communities," characterized by "subtle distancing and territoriality." Among others, this reality challenges the validity of such categories as "Asian immigrants," and "foreigners" and "Japanese."

Tajima, Junko
"A Study of Asian Immigrants in Global City Tokyo," Vol. 9 (3), p. 349-364, 2000.

Based on a ten-year research project, this paper examines the process of Asian immigration in Tokyo’s inner city areas. Between 1988 and 1998, Asian immigrants have changed from sojourners to settlers. Three distinct stages of Asian immigration had been observed. The first stage was marked by the growing concentration of Asian immigrants in the inner city, the majority of whom were young, unmarried Chinese. During the second stage, those already in Japan started to send for other family members and friends to join them. In the process, ethnic communities spilled over to the adjoining suburbs; social services and support systems also developed to meet the needs of the growing communities. Some of the processes observed during the third stage are increasing diversification of the inner city and the acquisition of Japanese citizenship for some groups such as the Chinese and Taiwanese. New phases of Asian immigration are likely to emerge which may imply further changes for Japanese urban society.

Ohara-Hirano, Yuko
"Cognitive Life Strains and Family Relationships of Filipino Migrant Workers in Japan," Vol. 9 (3), p. 365=374, 2000.

The mental health of foreign workers has attracted some research interest in Japan, but most studies have looked into the association between mental health and working and living conditions. This study focuses on the association between mental health and family relationships based on interviews with 265 Filipino migrant workers in Japan. Eighteen life strains were derived from previous research, and these were divided into four domains: working conditions, family problems in the Philippines, life conditions abroad, and anticipated problems in the future. The study found that migrants more frequently experience family-based life strains compared with life strains resulting from working and living conditions. However, the study also found that emotional support from the family is associated with higher levels of satisfaction in working and living conditions in Japan.

Igarashi, Yasumasa
"Strategies for Global Migration Among Pakistani Workers in Japan," Vol. 9 (3), p. 375-385, 2000.

The debate concerning the entry of unskilled foreign workers in Japan assumes that foreign workers are temporary guestworkers who are economically motivated, or that foreign workers will bring their families and reside in Japan permanently. This study attempted to critique these assumptions by focusing on the individual life histories of five Pakistanis who had worked in Japan. Interviews were conducted in Japan and in Pakistan, after they were deported for overstaying in Japan. Findings from the study revealed that they had complex reasons for coming to Japan and these varied according to their family situation. Furthermore, the family of these former migrant workers was a more extensive and broader network than the nuclear family. A more thoughtful examination of assumptions about migrant workers is necessary to arrive at a better understanding of migration.