Sociocultural Brokers in Commerce: The Indonesian Migrant Entrepreneurship in Japan

Abstract

In migrant economies, traditional narratives often focus on the economic adaptation of ethnic minorities, with entrepreneurship serving as a pathway to integration and upward mobility. However, the increasing diversity of immigrant populations and the complexities of contemporary globalization challenge these established frameworks. This study explores the role of Indonesian migrant entrepreneurs in Japan's evolving economic and social landscape. Through qualitative research methods, including observations and in-depth interviews, we found that these entrepreneurs leverage their cultural capital and strong social networks to establish businesses catering primarily to their co-ethnic community. Beyond economic pursuits, they act as sociocultural brokers, i.e. promoting halal food, fostering community cohesion, and introducing Indonesian values into the Japanese context. Our findings do not only develop the traditional view of entrepreneurship as solely profit-driven, but also highlight its potential as a strategy for marginalized groups to achieve both economic independence and social solidarity.

Keywords:migrantentrepreneurshipsociocultural brokernetworkssolidarity