OIDA International Journal of Sustainable Development
Open-access peer-reviewed journal
https://doi.org/10.64211/oidaijsd190521
Migration, Vulnerability and Crime: Focusing on Sri Lankan Students and Specified Skilled Workers in Japan
Samanthika Lokugamage 1, 2, H. P. K. N. Hewawasam 3, Dulani Liyanage 1
1 Department of Languages, Cultural Studies and Performing Arts, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka.
2 International Center for Multidisciplinary Studies, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka.
3 Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka.
*Corresponding authour: samanthika@sjp.ac.lk
Volume 19, Issue 05, Pg. 289-314, 2026.
Abstract: The number of foreigners in Japan has increased significantly in recent years due to the strategies the government has applied as a solution for labor shortage. However, the largely mono-cultural Japanese society has started expressing dissatisfaction highlighting the crimes committed by foreigners. Meanwhile, the number of Sri Lankans who migrate to Japan for study and work purposes has been largely increasing. Consequently, this research was conducted to understand current situations experienced by Sri Lankan students and workers in Japan and to explore the vulnerabilities and risk factors for them and suggest recommendations to mitigate such difficulties. Using convenience sampling, primary data was collected through a structured online questionnaire completed by 112 Sri Lankan migrants residing in Japan. Qualitative data were generated from 15 semi-structured interviews with Sri Lankan students, SSW workers, long-term residents, and Japanese-language instructors in Sri Lanka. The interviews were thematically analysed to identify recurring patterns of vulnerability and adaptation. The research concludes that Unwelcome, Foreigners as Temporary Outsiders, Ignorance, Insecure, Cheated – which in other words vulnerability can play some role in Crime, indicating that if the migrants are less vulnerable, apart from the organised crimes, some of the crimes too might decline to some extent. Further concluded that given Japan’s labor shortages and opening doors to foreigners, the Japanese people should be made aware of the need of foreigners and how to tolerate different cultures. Intercultural events and seminars for Japanese citizens to understand how to accept differences and eliminate prejudice against foreigners and explanatory sessions of current rules and regulations to foreigners in easily understandable languages are recommended. Further, recommendations to Sri Lanka include a carefully planned curricular for Japanese language education, establishment of a proper channel between the two countries to regularise the visa process, and training programs that provide awareness of sociocultural background and legal system in Japan. These measures would prepare those who migrate to Japan for study or work purposes, ultimately contributing to sustainable development with focus on SDG4 and SDG13.
Keywords: Crime, Japanese Languages Education, Resistance of Japanese Society, Sri Lankan Students & SSW Migrants in Japan, Vulnerability
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