Life Stories of Myanmar Workers in Japan:

An Examination of Approaches to Acceptance Based on Interviews from Undergraduate Perspectives

Abstract

This study examines how a student majoring in Japanese language education has deepened her understanding of foreign workers coming to Japan through interviews with Myanmar workers in Japan. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with three Myanmar women to explore their life stories. The findings showed that motivations for coming to Japan include both social factors related to the situation in Myanmar and personal reasons such as family responsibilities and self-development. Engagement with these narratives has helped the student move beyond stereotypical views and develop a more nuanced understanding of the acceptance of foreign workers in Japanese society.