Abstract
In this paper we consider the question of the possibility of modifying the inter-ethnic relationships between majority and minority peoples when the minority group starts to engage in a more socially valued type of employment than before. In Japan, there has long been a negative labeling by the society towards Filipino immigrants as "nightlife workers" due to the massive influx of young women entertainers from the mid-1980's to mid-2000's. As they grew older and settled here as spouses of Japanese nationals, they started to seek career development as licensed caregivers. The findings of a survey of Filipino caregivers in Japan, conducted by the author in 2008, are as follows: (1) The mean age cluster of Filipinos in Japan had then reached the late 30's. (2) It therefore became difficult for them to continue working as entertainers, and instead they sought a challenging day-time job with higher social status. (3) However, in the work place, they faced difficulties in understanding Japanese culture, as well as with the language necessary when dealing with clients/patients. (4) In addition, they sometimes felt discrimination from Japanese co-workers.
