2023 Fiscal Year Research-status Report
Studying the Changing Ethnoscape in Contemporary Japan: A Visual Ethnography of Nepali immigrants in Japan in the Age of COVID-19.
| Project/Area Number |
22K13260
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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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| Keywords | Nepali Diaspora in Japan / Social Networks / Transnational Migration / Visual Ethnography / COVID-19 Impact |
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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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| Causes of Carryover |
Initially, I had planned to purchase additional data storage hard drives and camera memory cards. However, I have effectively stored the research data by utilizing my existing hard drives and memory cards instead of procuring new ones. I intend to reallocate this budget towards my fieldwork and data collection efforts in this year.
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