Examining the Social Identities of Second-Generation Newcomer Chinese (Shin-kakyo)

Abstract

Chinese migrants (Kakyo) can be classified into two groups: Newcomer Chinese (Shin-kakyo) who came to Japan after the Open Door Policy of China around the1980s, and Oldcomer Chinese (Rou-kakyo) who came to Japan before the 1970s.

Newcomer Chinese exceed the number of Oldcomer Chinese today, with many Newcomer Chinese playing an active role in Japanese society. Many Chinese come to Japan after 1980, some of them accompanied by their young children. These second-generation Newcomer Chinese grew up in Japan and are now young adults. Through interviews, this study aims to examine the social identity of second-generation Newcomer Chinese. It is revealed that they possess bicultural identity, which they positively view as an asset that they could utilize as members of Japanese society.