| Project/Area Number |
22K13260
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| Research Category |
Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
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| Allocation Type | Multi-year Fund |
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| Review Section |
Basic Section 04030:Cultural anthropology and folklore-related
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| Research Institution | The University of Tokyo |
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Principal Investigator |
KHAREL DIPESH 東京大学, 大学院情報学環・学際情報学府, 客員研究員 (50785102)
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| Project Period (FY) |
2022-04-01 – 2025-03-31
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| Project Status |
Granted (Fiscal Year 2023)
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| Budget Amount *help |
¥4,550,000 (Direct Cost: ¥3,500,000、Indirect Cost: ¥1,050,000)
Fiscal Year 2024: ¥1,430,000 (Direct Cost: ¥1,100,000、Indirect Cost: ¥330,000)
Fiscal Year 2023: ¥1,430,000 (Direct Cost: ¥1,100,000、Indirect Cost: ¥330,000)
Fiscal Year 2022: ¥1,690,000 (Direct Cost: ¥1,300,000、Indirect Cost: ¥390,000)
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| Keywords | Nepali Diaspora in Japan / Social Networks / Transnational Migration / Visual Ethnography / COVID-19 Impact / Nepali in Japan / Family Migration / The COVID-19 Pandemic / Vulnerability / Nepali migrants / Immigrants in Japan / COVID -19 Pandemic |
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| Outline of Research at the Start |
The proposed research explores the unique case of Nepali migration to Japan not only through conventional
anthropological and sociological methods, but also employing visual research methods: observing, recording
and analyzing audio-visual data, and constructing an ethnographic film. By utilizing filming techniques as
research tools, I will conduct multi-sited (Marcus 1995) fieldwork to document both Nepali immigrants in
Japan and their families in Nepal, and collect ethnographic audio-visual data on both their local and
transnational activities.
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| Outline of Annual Research Achievements |
In 2023, I embarked on fieldwork in Japan and Nepal to document Nepali immigrants in Japan and their families in Nepal. Employing a visual ethnographic approach, I utilized a video camera as my primary research tool to gather comprehensive data on the causes, processes, and social ramifications of Nepali migration to Japan.
In Japan, my research spanned various cities including Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Fukuoka, and Hokkaido, focusing on the current circumstances of Nepali immigrants, particularly their daily lives in the post-COVID era. Meanwhile, in Nepal, I conducted fieldwork in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Lalitpur, and Dolakha District, centering on the experiences of migrant families. Leveraging this data, I have initiated the process of composing a book on the lives of Nepalis in Japan.
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| Current Status of Research Progress |
Current Status of Research Progress
2: Research has progressed on the whole more than it was originally planned.
Reason
As per my research proposal, my objective for 2023 was to extend the fieldwork initiated in 2022 and further document and gather additional ethnographic data on the unique phenomenon of Nepali migration to Japan. This involved employing not only traditional anthropological and sociological methods but also visual research techniques. I have successfully achieved this objective, including the analysis of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the experiences of Nepali immigrants. Presently, I am engaged in reviewing my data and have commenced drafting the book.
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| Strategy for Future Research Activity |
My intention is to continue my visual ethnographic research on Nepali migration to Japan, employing participant observation techniques such as "deep hanging out" (Fabian 2001: 191). This approach will afford me the opportunity to closely observe and interpret the activities of immigrants, thereby yielding rich ethnographic data and enhancing my understanding of Nepali family migration and its socio-cultural dynamics within Japanese society.
Furthermore, this year, I aim to expand my research to include Nepali immigrants in the USA and Canada, particularly focusing on those who have relocated from Japan to North America. I intend to investigate the reasons behind their decision to leave Japan for these destinations, aiming to compare and contrast the analysis of Nepali migration to Japan with the emerging trend of relocation to the USA and Canada. By exploring the causes and processes underlying this migration pattern, I seek to contribute to a deeper understanding of Nepali diasporic experiences.
Ultimately, I plan to leverage the data I have already collected to write an article or book, as well as to edit an ethnographic film, further disseminating insights into the complexities of Nepali migration and transnational experiences.
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