Voices of Vietnamese Workers in Japan: Content Analysis Using Free-Text Responses.

Area of Science:

• Sociology
• Labor Economics
• Migration Studies

Background:

• Japan faces an aging population and low birthrate, increasing reliance on foreign labor.
• Vietnamese workers constitute the largest foreign labor group in Japan.
• Existing research lacks depth on foreign workers' lived experiences and mental health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To capture firsthand accounts of Vietnamese workers in Japan.
• To explore differences in experiences based on residency status.
• To identify factors affecting foreign worker well-being.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative analysis of 100 open-ended survey responses from Vietnamese workers in Japan (2022).
• Content analysis to categorize experiences into positive and negative aspects.
• Focus on differentiating experiences between Technical Intern Trainees (TIT) and Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (ESI) visa holders.

Main Results:

• Positive aspects included job satisfaction, fair pay, safety, supportive colleagues, and personal growth.
• Negative aspects were more common, citing heavy workloads, unfair treatment, low pay, long hours, and inadequate rest.
• Cultural and language barriers impacted workplace relationships; TIT workers reported more wage/condition issues, while ESI workers faced more interpersonal/cultural adaptation challenges.

Conclusions:

• Vietnamese workers experience benefits but also significant dissatisfaction in Japan.
• Technical Intern Trainees often face systemic challenges, whereas Engineer/Specialist visa holders encounter interpersonal and cultural adaptation issues.
• Tailored interventions considering distinct worker statuses are crucial for improving mental health and well-being.