The Burmese work experience in Japan

Burmese people have been working in Japan since the early 1990s, when a small number of people from Myanmar (then Burma) came to work in the country on a student exchange program. Since then, the number of Burmese people in Japan has grown steadily, reaching an estimated 10,000 by the early 2000s. While most Burmese in Japan are employed in low-skilled jobs in the manufacturing, construction, and service sectors, a significant number have also been able to find work in higher-skilled occupations such as nursing, teaching, and IT.

The vast majority of Burmese people in Japan are from Myanmar's largest ethnic group, the Bamar (or Burman). However, there is also a significant minority of ethnic Chin and Karen people from Myanmar's border regions who have also made the journey to Japan in search of work. While the vast majority of Burmese people in Japan live in cities, there are also small communities of Burmese people in rural areas, particularly in the north of the country.

The experience of Burmese people in Japan has been largely positive, with many finding steady work and a good standard of living. However, there are also some challenges that come with living and working in a foreign country. One of the biggest challenges for Burmese people in Japan is the language barrier, as most do not speak Japanese fluently. This can make it difficult to communicate with colleagues and customers, and also makes it hard to access information and services.

Another challenge for Burmese people in Japan is discrimination. While the Japanese government has taken steps to improve the working conditions of foreign workers in recent years, there is still a significant amount of prejudice against foreigners in the country. This can make it difficult for Burmese people to find work and housing, and can also lead to problems with the law. In addition, the Burmese community in Japan is still relatively small, which can make it difficult to find others to connect with.

Despite these challenges, the vast majority of Burmese people in Japan are happy with their lives and have no plans to return to Myanmar. For many, Japan has become their home, and they are raising families and putting down roots in the country. For others, Japan is simply a place where they can earn a good wage and send money back to their families in Myanmar. Whatever the reason, it is clear that the Burmese community in Japan is here to stay.