NEWS

An article by Lecturer MITO Takahisa of the Center for Language Education, entitled “International Mobility of Myanmar Care Workers and Japanese Language Learning: Career ‘Salvation’ and ‘Expansion’,” was published in Issue 193 of the Journal of Japanese Language Education.

This study analyzes the role of Japanese language learning in shaping motivations for leaving Myanmar and career choices, based on semi-structured interviews with seven Myanmar care workers who came to Japan following the 2021 military coup.

The findings reveal that while political instability, economic downturn, and limitations in higher education have driven people to leave the country, labor shortages in Japan and its immigration policies have encouraged them to migrate there.

Furthermore, the study shows that under difficult circumstances, learning Japanese serves as a “lifeline” for many, while also expanding their future opportunities.

Read the article summary here

Read Lecturer Mito’s faculty profile here