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Paper short abstract

This paper examines the retention and experiences of older foreign residents in Japan using survey data from 999 migrants. Focusing on economic and socio-cultural factors, it explores why migrants in their 40s-60s stay longer and how they navigate aging in Japan’s changing demographic landscape.

Paper long abstract

Japan’s aging society is typically examined through the lens of its citizen population, yet foreign residents are also part of this demographic transformation. While many studies focus on attracting young, skilled migrants to fill labor shortages, far less attention has been paid to those already in their 40s, 50s, and 60s who are living and working in Japan. These migrants are at the verge of aging themselves, and their presence raises important questions for understanding retention and integration in an aging society. My research is based on a survey conducted with 999 foreign residents, of whom more than 130 are in their 40s, 50s, or 60s. Preliminary observations suggest that older migrants are more likely to remain in Japan for the long term, but the reasons behind this pattern remain underexplored. This paper will explore: What makes older migrants stay longer in Japan? What economic and socio-cultural challenges do they face as they age? What future concerns do they have? The analysis will be based on two broad sets of factors. Economic factors include employment stability, income, and problems faced at work. Socio-cultural factors consist of participation in community association, relationship with locals, intention to learn Japanese, social integration, experiences of discrimination, and future concerns. By situating foreign residents within the broader debates on demographic decline and generational change, this paper highlights an overlooked aspect of Japan’s aging society: migrants are not only supplementing its labor force but also aging themselves. The aim of this research is to investigate the factors that contribute to the long-term retention of older migrants in Japan, to identify the economic and socio-cultural challenges they face as they age, and to consider how their experiences can inform more inclusive future policies.