2013 Fiscal Year Annual Research Report
| Project/Area Number |
13J10078
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| Research Institution | The University of Tokyo |
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Principal Investigator |
DIPESH Kharel 東京大学, 大学院情報学環・学際情報学府, 特別研究員(DC1)
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| Keywords | Migration / Visual Ethnography / Fieldwork / Multi-sited Ethnography / Participant Observation |
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| Research Abstract |
My PhD research project "A case study of Nepali migrant workers in Japan" will examine the unique characteristics of Nepali migrants working as cooks in Nepali restaurants in Japan, who are categorized by Japanese immigration authority as "skilled labor (cook)". There are already more than a 100 Nepali restaurants in Tokyo, and that number is still increasing (Minami, 2008). Recently, Nepali restaurants have been spreading to smaller towns in Japan, creating more space for Nepali migrants to enter.
Based on my research plan, I have been conducting fieldwork in Japan and in Nepal by utilizing George Marcus's concept of multi-sited ethnography (1995). I have carried out fieldwork in Japan (Hokkaido, Tokyo and Oita) and collected data regarding the daily life of Nepal migrant worker in Japan. I have done 20 in-depth interviews, 2 case studies and participant observation. I have also conducted fieldwork in Nepal (Kathmandu, Malma and Dolakha) for three months (August 2013 to October 2013) a
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nd collected data about the migrants' families' situation in Nepal. I have done 132 households survey in Malms village, Nepal. I have also conducted in-depth interviews and participant observation in Kathmandu, Malma and Dolakha. The research data (audio-visual) has already resulted in a coherent ethnographic film "Playing with nan". The film has already screen at several international film festivals and own several awards. The research proposal and preliminary findings also presented at my first DQP (Doctoral Qualifying Presentation) at the University of Tokyo.
The research results those I have achieved through my preliminary fieldwork have been extremely useful for providing initial insights into the situation of the Nepali migrant workers in Japan. The results have led me to a more careful formulation and refinement of my research questions and design. The fieldwork also helped me to establish networks and rapport with my informants and gain access and a basic understanding of the fieldwork settings. Therefore, I can easily conduct further research in Japan and in Nepal for my PhD thesis. Less
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| Current Status of Research Progress |
Current Status of Research Progress
1: Research has progressed more than it was originally planned.
Reason
Based on my research plan I have conducted fieldwork in Japan (Hokkaido, Tokyo and Oita) and collected data regarding the daily life of Nepal migrant worker in Japan. I have also conducted fieldwork in Nepal (Kathmandu, Malma and Dolakha) for three months and collected data about the migrants' families' situation in Nepal. The research data (audio-visual) has already resulted in a coherent ethnographic film "Playing with nan". The film has already screen at several international film festivals and own several awards. The research proposal and preliminary findings also presented at my first DQP (Doctoral Qualifying Presentation) at the University of Tokyo. The members of DOP committee have been satisfied from my research achievements so far.
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| Strategy for Future Research Activity |
Using multi-sited visual ethnographic research method and using camera as a research tool, I will conduct fieldwork in Japan for 3 months and in Nepal for 3 months. Most probably I will conduct filed work in Nepal during coming autumn. I will utilize in -depth interview, case studies and participant observation methods to record daily life of Nepali immigrants in Japan and their family in Nepal. Besides conducting fieldwork and writing thesis, I will also attend International conferences and workshops. I also work on research papers for Journal publication
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Research Products
(2 results)
