The Potential of Bicultural Nikkeijin

Abstract

The Nikkeijin in Japan mostly work in unskilled positions in manufacturing, and due to unfavourable terms of
employment, they have little chance of upward socio-economic mobility. Although many of their children do not
perform well in Japanese schools and they drop out, some Nikkei children do continue their education and attend
university in Japan. This paper focuses on the small minority who further their education but have received little
attention in the literature. From interviews conducted with young Nikkeijin who are at university or have graduated
from university, the author found that they are bicultural and bilingual (or trilingual, in Portuguese, Japanese and
English). These talented young people have the potential to contribute to Japan in unique ways because of their
language and cultural skills. The author argues that providing more support for the Nikkeijin’s education will not only
improve their socio-economic mobility, but also help to alleviate the deficiency of skilled workers caused by the
rapid aging and decline of the Japanese population.