Between Masculinities: Japanese men in Sweden negotiating two gender structures

Sammanfattning: This qualitative study focuses on Japanese immigrant men living in Stockholm to explore their perceptions of masculinities and gender ideas after migrating to Sweden. Although economically advanced, Sweden and Japan are polar opposites in terms of gender norms and gender relations. Through in-depth interviews with 12 Japanese men, this research aims to understand the role masculinities play in shaping the experiences of Japanese immigrants in Sweden. The research contributes to the literature on migration and gender through a focus on gender adaptations of high-skilled immigrants from an economically advanced country. Three main themes emerged in the analysis: 1) New gender roles and relationships, 2) From collectivism to individualism, 3) Changes in their working life. The results of this study underscore the diversity of the migration experiences and the importance of analyzing men’s migration experiences in a variety of contexts. Many of the participants felt that moving to Sweden had improved their quality of life by allowing them to escape the traditional gender norms that were required in Japan.