Mobile Japanese Migrants to the Pacific West and East: Self-searching, Work, and Identification

This book explores "self-searching migrants," a new group of globally mobile people who seek the true self and the work they love, using Japanese trans-Pacific sojourners as a case study. It argues that their practices are ubiquitous and unique, shaped by global and local contexts. It will be of interest to students and scholars of Japanese culture, society, cultural anthropology, and migration.

Format: Hardback
Length: 194 pages
Publication date: 01 December 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the fascinating world of "self-searching migrants," a unique cohort of globally mobile individuals whose primary motivation for residing abroad is to embark on a profound journey of self-discovery and pursue their true passions. As the focal point of its study, the book employs the captivating narratives of Japanese trans-Pacific sojourners, providing a rich and insightful perspective. Through a series of in-depth interviews conducted with Japanese migrants in their twenties to forties who ventured into the job market between the early 1990s and 2010, the book unravels the intricate tapestry of their experiences. What emerges is a profound exploration of their practices, which are both ubiquitous and distinctly unique, shaped by the interplay of global and local contexts specific to a particular time.

As semi-skilled migrants hailing from an extra-Western, post-industrial country, these individuals offer a distinctive perspective on the Western-centric world power system, diverging from the experiences of migrant workers from the Global South. The book's extensive qualitative research, spanning a remarkable 20-year period, encompasses a wealth of interview material, providing a deep and immersive understanding of the lives and experiences of these self-searching migrants.

This captivating work will captivate students and scholars alike, with a particular appeal to those interested in Japanese culture and society, cultural anthropology, and migration. It serves as a valuable resource, shedding light on the complexities and nuances of global mobility and offering valuable insights into the human quest for self-fulfillment.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032539645