“Homes” of Chinese Newcomers in a Less Concentrated Area of Chinese Residents

: With a Focus on the Absence of the Relationship with China

Abstract

　　　The purpose of this study is to describe and analyze the sense of “Homes” of Chinese newcomers living in a less concentrated area of Chinese Residents in Japan with a focus on the absence of the relationship with China. I interviewed six adolescent Chinese newcomers living in a city where there is no concentrated area of Chinese residents. The research results revealed the following: First, Chinese newcomer adolescents tend to loose self-esteem as “Chinese” because of bullying or discrimination, and distance themselves from China as their “home”. And, due to the absence of relations with China, they often express themselves as Japanese rather than Chinese. Second, infrequent contact with China results in the lack of language skills and cultural affiliation, which in turn makes it difficult for them to feel attachment to China. Third, the concept of “home” is varied and fluctuates as they feel a sense of locality according to time and circumstances.