The Distance from Home

D09 5

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Abstract

This study is intended to examine how the Japanese living overseas identify with their homeland. Since Australia hosts one of the largest Japanese communities, this paper reports the findings from a qualitative study of Japanese expatriates in Australia and presents some characteristics of the overseas Japanese mentality. The results revealed that the Japanese do not change their way of life even when living abroad. Although the influence of the host society and/or culture is apparent, their Japanese outlook remains the same. They show a similar attitude towards Japanese politics, stay updated through the Internet and other sources of information, and maintain their rules for social interaction. However, the results of this small-scale study cannot be generalised to the broader population, i.e. the entire overseas Japanese community. A further examination of other Japanese communities as well as media contents they are exposed to is required for a complete picture.