Settlement and Transnational Movement among African Migrants in Japan:

Through the Case Study on Economic Activities among the Igbos from Nigeria

Abstract

In this article, the author explores economic activities among African migrants living in Japan. Through the life stories of five Igbo migrants who came from Nigeria and stayed in Japan more than fifteen years, the author will show the tendency of diversification and transnationalization of their economic activities, and analyzes the relationship between settlement and transnational movement among them.  According to the Immigration Bureau, about twelve thousands Africans are now living in Japan. This number constitutes only 0.6 percent of total population of foreign residents with legal permission. Among African migrants, Nigerian has biggest population and their majority are the Igbos who are one of major ethnic groups in Nigeria.  Many Igbo migrants start their careers as non-permanent workers. However, these are only one aspect of their economic lives. Rather than concentrate on a single activity, they tend to found various businesses and diversify their economic activities. Moreover the diversification of their economic activities occurs not only in Japan, but also in home country and elsewhere. They diversify their economic activities and expand it transnationally.  These tendencies are related to a growing population of long term residents and elderly people among them. The phenomena like the marriage with Japanese, and the application for the permanent residency, can be seen as the tokens of settlement. However, the author will show these phenomena are rather the moments for Igbo migrants to promote transnational movement.