Contemporary Japanese migration into Europe: a panel discussion

A panel discussion titled “Contemporary Japanese Migration into Europe” was recently held at Waseda University’s Institute for Asian Migrations (IAM), bringing together experts, researchers, and members of the Japanese diaspora to explore the growing presence of Japanese nationals living long-term in Europe.

While Japan is widely recognised as a destination for migration, the event shifted the focus outward to examine the increasing number of Japanese citizens relocating to Europe for work, study, family life, and new life opportunities. The conversation highlighted emerging trends, changing socio-economic profiles, and the lived experiences of Japanese migrants building everyday lives abroad.

Key themes

The discussion addressed questions such as:

• Who is moving from Japan to Europe today?

• What motivates these mobility decisions?

• How do receiving countries respond in terms of policy and support?

• What do everyday experiences of belonging and adjustment look like in practice?

Speakers

The panel was moderated by Professor Gracia Liu-Farrer (Waseda University) and included contributions from:

• Miyako Hayakawa, JSPS postdoctoral fellow at Université libre de Bruxelles and member of the AspirE team

• Vanessa Tkotzyk, postdoctoral researcher based at Goethe University Frankfurt and member of the AspirE team

• Chikahiro Tokoro, software engineer and podcaster

Commentary was also provided by Professor Susanne Klien (Hokkaido University) and Ruth Achenbach (Goethe University Frankfurt).

Speakers highlighted the shifting landscape of Japanese mobility, noting that contemporary migration now extends beyond corporate expatriates to include a broader range of professionals, students, freelancers, and individuals seeking alternative lifestyles, personal growth, or new life pathways outside Japan.

Why these insights matter

Understanding Japanese migration to Europe contributes to a more nuanced picture of Asian mobility patterns. This case challenges assumptions about who migrates, why, and how they settle, while also raising questions about integration support in destination countries, changing ties between migrants and Japan, policy implications for both sides of the migration corridor.