Tongan Immigrants in Japan

Abstract

Many studies on Tongan immigration have focused on Tongans in New Zealand, Australia and the United States, which are the primary destinations of Tongan migrants. This research note reports the findings of a survey of Tongans in Japan. The small community of Tongans in Japan consists of those who came to Japan as marriage migrants, rugby players and students. The research note sheds light on respondents' migration background, transnational practices and future migration/permanent plans. Of the three groups, marriage migrants tend to view Japan as their home while rugby players and students are more likely to engage in transnational practices.