Run part one: Why are Chinese people running to Japan?
May 14, 2024
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During the stringent COVID lockdowns, a coded language emerged around emigration, prompting many Chinese to seek opportunities abroad. The exploration delves into the motivations behind the migration to Japan, particularly among the educated middle class seeking better prospects. Personal stories reveal the emotional toll of confinement and the quest for a more secure life. The podcast also analyzes historical trends in Chinese emigration, uncovering spikes during political turmoil, and highlights the rising trend of educated individuals deciding to leave despite a seemingly stable environment.
Wealthy Chinese individuals are increasingly relocating to Japan for business or investment opportunities, reflecting growing dissatisfaction among the middle class in China.
Chinese citizens moving to Japan are driven by feelings of insecurity and disillusionment in China due to economic uncertainties, diminishing freedoms, and rising nationalist sentiments.
Deep dives
Trend of Chinese Citizens Moving to Japan
There has been a noticeable increase in Chinese citizens relocating to Japan in recent years. Unlike previous trends of workers and students moving, now wealthier Chinese individuals are opting for business or investment visas, with these numbers tripling over the last decade and rising by 25% since 2020. This shift in migration patterns reflects a growing dissatisfaction among the Chinese middle class, leading to a significant departure from China to Japan, a move previously considered unlikely due to Japan's aging demographics.
Factors Driving Chinese Migration to Japan
The decision of many Chinese individuals to move to Japan is influenced by a sense of insecurity and disillusionment in China. Economic uncertainties, diminishing freedoms, and a rising nationalist sentiment have contributed to a feeling of unease among the middle class in China. This departure, fueled by a desire for stability and potential opportunities abroad, highlights a shift in perceptions of China's trajectory among its citizens.
Impact of Changing Sociopolitical Climate on Chinese Emigrants
Chinese citizens like Charlie, who have relocated to Japan, reflect a broader trend of internal insecurity and political disillusionment in China. Factors such as crackdowns on tech companies, economic instability, and heightened nationalism have eroded the sense of security and optimism once prevalent among the middle class. This shift in perception has prompted many individuals to seek refuge and opportunities outside of their home country.
Crossing Paths: Economic Prosperity vs. Societal Concerns
The story of Charlie and his decision to move to Japan underscores a fundamental dilemma faced by many Chinese citizens. Despite economic prosperity and success in China, concerns over political stability, personal security, and future prospects have led individuals to prioritize a sense of well-being and stability over financial gains. This internal conflict between economic achievements and societal uncertainties is reshaping migration patterns from China to countries like Japan.
At the height of China’s zero-covid restrictions, a Chinese character that sounds like the English word “run” became a coded way of talking about emigration. Since then many Chinese people have left their country for better opportunities abroad.
In the first episode of a three-part series on the “run” phenomenon, we travel to Japan and meet educated, urban Chinese who have made the decision to move. Alice Su, The Economist’s senior China correspondent and David Rennie, our Beijing bureau chief, ask: what does their choice say about the country they’ve left behind?