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: Paperback / softback
Length: 209 pages
Publication date: 04 April 2023
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 people 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 promoting stability, economic development, and cultural exchange in the region. Japan has been a major donor of aid and development assistance to Central Asia, particularly to Uzbekistan, through programs such as the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC).

These programs have aimed to support infrastructure development, education, and healthcare in Uzbekistan, as well as to promote cultural exchange and understanding between Japan and Central Asia. Japan has also played a role in regional security issues, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan.

Through its involvement in the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and other peacekeeping missions, Japan has worked to promote stability and security in the region and to support the efforts of the Afghan government to rebuild and develop the country.

However, the foreign policy engagements of Japan in Central Asia are not without their challenges. One of the key challenges is the issue of human rights and labor rights in Uzbekistan, particularly in the context of the country's large migrant population.

Migrants from Central Asia, including Uzbekistan, often face discrimination and exploitation in Japan, including low wages, poor working conditions, and limited access to healthcare and social services.

To address these issues, Japan has implemented a range of measures to promote human rights and labor rights in Uzbekistan, including through the promotion of legal reforms and the provision of assistance to human rights organizations and migrant workers.

Another challenge is the issue of regional stability and security, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan and the potential for terrorist groups to exploit the region's instability. Japan has worked to promote regional stability and security through its involvement in international peacekeeping missions and through its efforts to promote dialogue and cooperation between different countries in the region.

In conclusion, the migration of Central Asians to East Asia, particularly Uzbekistan, has had a significant impact on the foreign policy engagements of Japan in the region. Japan's foreign policy engagements in Central Asia are driven by a range of interests, including economic development, cultural exchange, and regional security.

However, the challenges posed by human rights and labor rights, as well as the issue of regional stability and security, require careful consideration and attention from Japan in order to ensure that its policies and actions in the region are effective and sustainable.

Weight: 298g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811625725
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022