Culture shock and adaptation strategies of Indonesian migrant workers in the Japanese agriculture field

Nunuk Endah Srimulyani and Lim, Beatrice Fui Yee (2024) Culture shock and adaptation strategies of Indonesian migrant workers in the Japanese agriculture field. The International Journal of Social Sustainability in Economic, Social, and Cultural Context, 20. pp. 27-46. ISSN 2325-1115

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Abstract

Japan’s agricultural industry is facing a major labor shortage due to aging demographics and a declining population. This study examines the challenges that Indonesian migrant workers encounter while working in Japan’s agricultural sector, as well as their adaptation strategies and competitiveness. As Indonesian migrant workers come from non-Kanji origin countries, it is assumed that language is a major barrier for them. Additionally, as a predominantly Muslim country, religious practices such as praying five times a day and fasting during Ramadan may hinder their competitiveness as migrant workers in Japan. This qualitative research project successfully identified and analyzed the adaptation strategies adopted by Indonesian workers. Data were collected online using Google forms, with seventeen respondents from Chiba, Ibaraki, Gifu, and Gunma Prefecture, who worked in cattle breeding and agriculture. The survey and interviews revealed that workers from Indonesia face significant challenges in Japanese language proficiency, differences in work culture, and extreme weather conditions, especially in snowy areas like Gunma. To address these issues, the workers implemented various behavioral and process adaptation strategies, which included addressing differences in habits, work culture, language, environment, and religious matters. The study found that maintaining strong family ties within the company was an effective strategy for overcoming these challenges. This fosters strong social bonds, benefits both parties, and makes it easier for employers to retain workers, from apprentices to skilled workers.

Item Type:	Article
Keyword:	Culture Shock, Indonesian Migrant Worker, Japan Agriculture
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) > H1-99 Social sciences (General) H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28-9999 Industries. Land use. Labor > HD9000-9999 Special industries and trades > HD9000-9495 Agricultural industries
Department:	CENTRE > Centre for Internationalisation and Global Engagement
Depositing User:	SITI AZIZAH BINTI IDRIS -
Date Deposited:	11 Aug 2025 09:50
Last Modified:	11 Aug 2025 09:50
URI:	https://eprints.ums.edu.my/id/eprint/44850

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