To Leave, to Return

This chapter looks at the narratives of immigrants who have lived in Japan for a substantial period of time before leaving. Hundreds of thousands of people arrive in Japan every year on visas that grant them the opportunity to stay for durations ranging from six months to three years. Yet only three million in total have remained. Some of them left the country because they chose to; others had to leave because they lost the means to stay on. Indeed, the prospect of leaving Japan, either to go to a third country or to return to their home country, is an idea lurking in the back of the minds of most immigrants who are currently staying in Japan. Japan is not considered an immigrant destination, and many aspects of the country remain uncompromisingly ethno-nationalistic. As a result, at least initially, migrating to Japan means a temporary sojourn. Leaving seems to be a distinct future possibility, if not an imminent decision to make. For some, it is a crutch to lean on when they feel frustrated with aspects of life in Japan or are nostalgic or restless.