How do initial migrants choose their locations? Interregional migration in Japan from 1899 to 1938

Akira Igarashi

Journal of Regional Science, 2022, vol. 62, issue 4, 1032-1047

Abstract: What regional factors determine the size of the immigrant population in a region? Previous studies have identified the immigrant network in a region as a main determinant of immigrants' location choices. However, these studies have not answered the question of how the first groups of immigrants decided where to live in the absence of pre‐existing networks in the destination country. Using Japanese historical data from 1899 to 1938, I test how jobs, quality of life, and gateway areas attracted immigrants to settle. The results of the analysis with regional panel data show that higher income, more employment opportunities in transportation industries, and sunshine increase the size of the immigrant population in a region. Economic opportunities in other growing industries (i.e., silk and cotton industries and commercial sectors) are rather deterrents for immigrants. I discuss the reasons for these findings and the implications for future studies.

Date: 2022
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