Abstract
In this study, we attempted to examine the self-perception of Japanese immigrants to a regional city in New Zealand by using the Photo Eliciting Narrative Approach (PEN-A). There was considerable diversity in the reasons and processes for migration, including employment and entrepreneurial purposes, migration as a second life, use of professional skills, and experience of migration and living in two or more countries. PEN-A’s analysis of life in New Zealand revealed many commonalities, such as ‘relaxing with family’, ‘enjoying nature close to home’ and ‘spending time on hobbies’, which were consistent with the lifestyle they were seeking when they migrated. Comparative studies with Japanese migrants living in other regional cities remain an issue for the future.
