Rediscovering the Japanese identity abroad: The experience of Japanese women working in Singapore Takashi Nakazawa Oita University

Introduction Qualitative approaches to International migration  situate and interpret the experiences of international migrations in the life course of the migrants Few studies on highly skilled international migration of women The lived experiences of Japanese women working in Singapore is investigated in this paper.  The reasons why Japanese women pursue a life in Singapore.  The daily lives of Japanese women in Singapore.  The meaning of Japanese identity for them.

The increase of Japanese women working overseas Gender discrimination in Japanese labor market Lingering depression of Japanese economy since the beginning of 1990s Branches of Japanese MNCs began to replace seconded representatives with local staffs

Japanese women in three Asia mega-cities

Japanese women working in Singapore In-depth Interviews with 26 Japanese women, usually at their workplace. Some were conducted as focus group interviews. Unmarried, highly educated women who were in their late 20s or early30s.

Japanese women working in Singapore Seventeen out of 26 had been in Singapore for less than three years. More frequent Job-hopper than ordinary Japanese. Nine were contingent worker before they came to Singapore. The Japanese women who migrated to Singapore were stimulated by the prospect of being able to obtain acceptable jobs there.

The decision to work in Singapore They simply hoped to live in a foreign country  desire to make communication in English Singapore is relatively a good alternative as a destination country.  Employment visa is reasonably available  Lower crime rate and higher standard of living Spiritual push factor of Japanese society  Various gender disparities in the Japanese workplace  Life with parents  Necessary to show much concern for others

at the workplace in Singapore Most of the Japanese women worked in Japanese companies in Singapore and worked as clerks, sales staffs, or secretaries, which were also typical posts for women in Japan. They usually served as assistants to male staffs, but, many of them did not care about it. They have more opportunities to speak Japanese in office than they initially expected.  “You need more advanced English skill to work in an office of foreign company in Japan than to work here.”

life in Singapore Residence  Those who were living alone: satisfied, although the rent was high.  Those who were sharing a flat: mostly satisfied. “Flat-sharing in Singapore is better than living in small bed-sitting rooms in Tokyo.”  but felt some inconvenience because of the difference in living habits from foreign flat mate. Food  Most interviewees prepared breakfast and supper for themselves  Strong attachment to and preference for Japanese food

Friend Japanese women tended to find it difficult to form good relationships with Singaporeans  the differences of values and ways of spending leisure time “Japanese girls tend to visit different spots than the Singaporeans do.” “The Chinese Singaporean family ties are so strong that they prioritized spending their weekends with their families.” They have relationship within a circle of Japanese friends  Strong empathetic bonds

Relationships with Japanese male representatives and prospect of marriage Ambivalence toward the Japanese male representatives  Envy and jealousy toward their rich life  Prospective marriage partners “Is he locally hired or a representative?” Most of the interviewees more or less hoped to marry, some even stated that they wanted to be housewives

Rediscovering the Japanese identity An interviewee was born and raised in a typical Japanese family in Kyoto. She said,  “I really hated the atmosphere of my old home. Now, however I find myself considering it as a typical Japanese home and am somewhat grateful for this experience.” The “Japaneseness”  functioned as a spiritual push factor  Was mentioned as a precious thing that inspired pride

Returning to Japan? Many interviewees hoped to live in Japan later in life  An interviewee who intended to return to Japan. “When I picture myself living all alone in Singapore, I feel lonely because I have no family here.”  She first went to the U. S. to study at a university. At that time, she did not want to read Japanese news paper and to watch Japanese TV. Now, however, she said, “I watch NHK and read a Japanese news paper after I came home from work.”

Conclusion The Japanese women try to acquire a new identity by living in a foreign country. However, the lives of Japanese women living in Singapore, to a considerable extent, are led according to the Japanese way of living. They found that Japanese society was not “the place where they should be” and instead, sought this ideal place in Singapore. However, a life in Singapore made them reaffirm their Japanese identity. Migrating to a foreign country is a physical movement. It is also a spiritual journey of self-discovery and a discovery of inner Japaneseness.