A Study on the Actual Symbiosis Situation of Japanese and Chinese Residents in Nishikawaguchi Chinatown and Its Factors:

Focusing on ‘Specific Persons'

Abstract

    Based on fieldwork and interview surveys conducted in Nishikawaguchi Chinatown, this paper clarifies the actual situation of coexistence between Chinese and Japanese residents in that area. It turns out that there was an occasional conflict between Japanese and Chinese residents from Nishikawaguchi Chinatown concerning the issue of garbage disposal. In general, it has never developed into a noticeable conflict, and a peaceful symbiotic relationship is being established. The reason for this phenomenon is the existence of civil society organizations creating places where Chinese and Japanese residents can contact and interact with each other.
    The second finding elucidates the process in which ordinary Japanese residents becomes ‘specific persons' who establish a symbiotic relationship with Chinese residents. Japanese inhabitants are distrustful of media reports on Nishikawaguchi as the problem area. Therefore, they want to get in touch with and understand Chinese people instead of believing in the negative image of Chinese people built in the media report. In addition, based on their attachment to Nishikawaguchi, Japanese inhabitants tend to present a crossnational consciousness of ‘our area' to Chinese residents who play an important role in making contributions to improving the regional image. Finally, they've reached a symbiotic relationship between individuals with Chinese residents.