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Drum Tower

Run part one: Why are Chinese people running to Japan?

May 14, 2024
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.
30:52

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Quick takeaways

  • 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.

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