First Global Research Project of Young ‘Nikkei’ Presents New ImageIdentity being maintained, with strong desire for broader ties with Japan

The Nippon Foundation, in collaboration with the Japanese American National Museum of Los Angeles, has conducted a global research project (awareness survey) of Nikkei (Japanese emigrants and their descendants) young adults. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive awareness survey targeting young Japanese emigrants and descendants around the world. For this survey, Nikkei is defined as “Japanese emigrants and their descendants throughout the world.” The survey targeted young adults between the ages of 18 and 35.

Nikkei organizations around the world have voiced concerns that with the passing of generations, Nikkei young adults are losing their sense of Nikkei identity and are less likely to be active in Nikkei organizations. The survey showed, however, that these young adults are maintaining their sense of Nikkei identity, with 74% of respondents feeling a strong sense of Nikkei identity and more than 80% indicating gambaru (doing your best) as the most important Japanese value that shapes their Nikkei identity. In addition, respondents clearly showed an interest in having stronger ties with Japan and with Nikkei in other countries.

Survey Highlights

74% of Nikkei young adults (age 18-35) have a strong sense of Nikkei identity
“How much sense of Nikkei identity do you feel?”

  • Strong – 74%
  • Moderate – 19%
  • Weak – 7%
Pie chart showing results of the Awareness Survey of Nikkei Young Adults: Weak – 7%; Average – 19%; Strong – 74%.

Gambaru (doing your best) is considered the most important value regardless of age group

“What do you consider to be the most important Japanese values that shape your Nikkei identity?” (multiple replies allowed)

Bar chart showing results of the Awareness Survey of Nikkei Young Adults: 82% of young adults and 84% of older adults indicated “Do your best”; 78% of young adults and 83% of older adults indicated “Respect”; 69% of young adults and 75% of older adults indicated “Gratitude”; 68% of young adults and 69% of older adults indicated “To not waste”; 67% of young adults and 81% of older adults indicated  “Honesty”; 64% of young adults and 70% of older adults indicated “Hard work”; 58% of young adults and 70% of older adults indicated “Duty / Obligation”; 57% of young adults and 70% of older adults indicated “Perseverance”; 52% of young adults and 63% of older adults indicated “Politeness”; 46% of young adults and 53% of older adults indicated “Self-discipline”; 44% of young adults and 41% of older adults indicated “Empathy”; 31% of young adults and 46% of older adults indicated “Restraint”; and 5% of young adults and 5% of older adults indicated “Others”.

90% of Nikkei young adults (age 18-35) want to have ties with Nikkei in other countries

“How would you like to connect with Nikkei in other countries?” (multiple replies allowed)

Bar chart showing results of the Awareness Survey of Nikkei Young Adults: Not interested – 10%; Conferences – 46%; Assemblies – 53%; Internet media – 53%; Social media – 64%.

79% of Nikkei young adults (age 18-35) feel a tie with Japan

“How much of a tie do you feel with Japan?”

  • Strong – 48%
  • Moderate – 31%
  • Weak – 21%
Pie chart showing results of the Awareness Survey of Nikkei Young Adults: Weak – 21%; Some – 31%; Strong – 48%.

Survey overview

  1. Coverage: Approximately 3,800 Nikkei living in countries around the world, including South America, North America, Asia, Europe, and Australia
  2. Method: Online survey and focus group discussions
  3. Organizers: Joint survey organized by The Nippon Foundation and the Japanese American National Museum
  4. Topics covered: What it means to be Nikkei, important values, important cultural elements, ties with other Nikkei, etc.

The Nippon Foundation has been working closely with Nikkei communities in the Americas and Asia for more than 50 years. The findings of this research will be used to strengthen ties between Japan and Nikkei around the world, and to construct an online platform to create a global Nikkei community.

Contact

Public Relations Team
The Nippon Foundation

  • Email: pr@ps.nippon-foundation.or.jp