[KS] Hybrid Lectures on: "Ethnic Businesses and Entrepreneurship in Japan: Cultural Capital, Economic Mobility, and Agency" (Jan. 17, 2026, 17:00-19:30 JST)

[KIM WACHUTKA JACKIE J]

Dear Colleagues,

This is Jackie Kim-Wachutka. A very happy new year!

Please allow me to bring your attention to the next session in the Toshiba International Foundation funded project “Ethnic Communities Within Global Japanese Studies: Encountering Diversity in a Multi-Ethnic, Multi-Cultural Japan” an International Collaborative Research-Networking Talk Series at Ritsumeikan University. The events in this series will be conducted in a hybrid format.

Session IV:
ETHNIC BUSINESSES AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN JAPAN: CULTURAL CAPITAL, ECONOMIC MOBILITY, AND AGENCY

In Japan's towns and cities ethnic businesses are becoming increasingly visible, demonstrating a vibrant economic and social interchange, agency, and mobility. This session presents a historical overview of old-comer ethnic migrant communities to new-comer business entrepreneurship and ventures. The talks give a rare inner glimpse of ethnic community connections, resources, inter-ethnic relationships, and gender dynamics within the pursuit of economic and social mobility.

Date: January 17, 2026 (Saturday)
Time: 17:00–19:30 (JST)
Onsite: Ritsumeikan University Kyoto, Kinugasa Campus, Suekawa Memorial Lecture Hall (In-Person)
Online: Zoom. Register at the link provided on the attached flyer. Or click below:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdk-gpkPdkXcD47SrFWT8mf3JayW0W142XaYUKtsoWJDZEw5g/viewform#

See World Clock for local time:
https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?msg=Ethnic%20Communities%20Within%20Global%20Japanese%20Studies%20Session%20IV&iso=20260117T17&p1=538&ah=2&am=30

Session IV features the following speakers:

* Dr. Jaehyang Han (Hosei University) – Entrepreneurial Ventures of Ethnic Koreans in Japan: A Historical Overview
This talk provides a historical context of the entrepreneurial ventures of ethnic Koreans by analyzing the industrial structure and the dynamics of their businesses. The observed transformation in their industrial structure reflects an evolution that responded to the rapid shift towards service-sector. Korean entrepreneurs identified viable profit opportunities and facilitated entry into expanding industries through the sharing of community knowledge.

* Dr. Naoto Higuchi (Waseda University) & Dr. Nanako Inaba (Sophia University) – Between "Food from Home" and Gastronomy: Gendered Opportunities for Peruvian Restaurants in Japan
While restaurants are among the most common types of ethnic businesses, their success depends largely on how migrant cuisines attract customers beyond the ethnic community. Although South Americans in Japan have historically been associated with low rates of ethnic business ownership, the gastronomic boom in Peru has created opportunities to launch businesses. We examine how these opportunities are gendered, particularly in relation to the
accumulation of human and social capital.

* Dr. Rafaela Yoshiy-Yoshioka (University of Tokyo) – Entrepreneurship, Agency, and Wellbeing: Brazilian Women's Ethnic Businesses in Japan
This talk explores how Brazilian women in Japan build ethnic businesses as pathways to economic stability, cultural expression, and personal agency. Drawing on qualitative research, it highlights how these entrepreneurs transform community networks, navigate structural constraints, and create spaces that foster belonging and wellbeing within transnational everyday life.

* Dr. Paulus Rudolf Yuniarto (Indonesia National Research and Innovation Agency) – Nostalgia, Philanthropy and Entrepreneurship in Japan’s and Taiwan’s Indonesian Community
Nostalgia, philanthropy, and entrepreneurship serve as powerful symbols of Indonesian migrant social engagement. Based on ethnographic research, this presentation will reflect on the constructive intersections of entrepreneurs' work motivation and spirituality, and the migrant living conditions of Indonesians in Japan and Taiwan as a complement—the so-called 'religionomics as a solidarity method.' The relationship between religion and business activities has shaped immigrant self-identity, internal solidarity, leadership, and collective migrant efforts.

* Dr. Hettige Don Karunaratne (University of Colombo) - Export Competitiveness of Sri Lankan Ethnic Businesses in Japan
Sri Lankan entrepreneurs in Japan derive high export competitiveness from their deep integration into Japanese supply chains, particularly in the used-vehicle sector. By mastering Japanese auction systems and logistics, they maintain a "middleman minority" advantage. Their competitiveness is further bolstered by strong diaspora networks, linguistic fluency, and the strategic ability to navigate complex Japanese trade regulations and quality standards.

For any questions or inquiries please contact Dr. Jackie J. Kim-Wachutka at:
https://jackiekim-wachutka.com/contact


*****
Jackie J. Kim-Wachutka
https://jackiekim-wachutka.com<https://jackiekim-wachutka.com/>

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