The Grass is Always Greener?: Unpacking Uzbek Migration to Japan

This edited book explores the nature of Central Asian migration to East Asia, focusing on Uzbekistan and Japan's foreign policy engagements. It aims to understand the social factors that influence foreign policy decisions and make them accessible to the public.

Format: Hardback
Length: 209 pages
Publication date: 15 April 2022
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

This edited book delves into the intricate nature of Central Asian migration to East Asia, offering a comprehensive exploration of the phenomenon. By examining the case of Uzbekistan, the most populous country in Central Asia, the book showcases the diverse migration channels and adaptation strategies employed by migrants as they navigate the realities of life in Japan.

In order to address the central questions of this book, namely, the foreign policy engagements of Japan in Central Asia and their relationship to the increasing educational mobility and labor migration from Central Asia, particularly Uzbekistan, to Japan, it is essential to delve into the social factors that play a pivotal role in localizing these engagements and narrating them in a manner that is accessible and understandable to the general public.

The migration of Central Asians to East Asia has been a significant trend in recent years, driven by a range of factors including economic opportunities, political instability, and cultural exchange. Uzbekistan, in particular, has experienced a significant influx of migrants, with thousands of its citizens seeking to escape poverty and improve their economic prospects in Japan.

The foreign policy engagements of Japan in Central Asia are multifaceted and complex, reflecting the country's interests in the region. Japan has been a longstanding supporter of economic development and stability in Central Asia, providing aid and investment to promote economic growth and reduce poverty. Additionally, Japan has been involved in regional security issues, particularly in countering terrorism and promoting peace and stability in the region.

The relationship between Japan's foreign policy engagements and the intensifying educational mobility and labor migration from Central Asia to Japan is multifaceted and complex. On the one hand, the migration of Central Asians to Japan has provided a source of skilled labor and contributed to the growth of the Japanese economy. On the other hand, it has also raised concerns about cultural integration, social tensions, and the potential impact on the local labor market.

To address these challenges, Japan has implemented a range of policies and initiatives aimed at promoting cultural exchange and integration. These include language training programs, scholarships for Central Asian students, and initiatives to promote entrepreneurship and job creation in the region. Japan has also worked closely with Central Asian governments to address issues related to migration, such as border control and human rights protection.

However, there are still challenges to be addressed in the relationship between Japan's foreign policy engagements and the migration of Central Asians to Japan. One of the key challenges is the need for greater cultural understanding and sensitivity between Japan and Central Asians. There are also concerns about the potential impact of migration on the local labor market, particularly in industries such as agriculture and hospitality.

In conclusion, this edited book provides a valuable insight into the nature of Central Asian migration to East Asia, highlighting the diverse migration channels and adaptation strategies employed by migrants as they navigate the realities of life in Japan. By examining the foreign policy engagements of Japan in Central Asia and their relationship to the intensifying educational mobility and labor migration from Central Asia, particularly Uzbekistan, to Japan, the book aims to detail the social factors that play important roles in localizing foreign policy engagements and narrating them in terms easily understood by the public.

Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811625695
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022