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[cvxfreak]

When I became interested in Japan a few years back, I never really thought my heritage (Philippine) would have much interaction with Japanese culture. But I was dead wrong.

Japayuki is a (derogatory) Filipino word that basically means "a Filipina who goes to Japan to entertain." But that's quite euphemistic. Other connotations include overstayers and prostitutes. Basically, the Philippine immigration pattern, from what I can gather goes like this: you try to move to the U.S.; if that doesn't happen, the next option is Japan, and, or after that, Europe and so on.

But that's basically all I know.

I'm wondering if anyone who lives or has lived or stayed in Japan experienced these people. What kind of entertaining do they do on an official level? Singing, dancing?

From the way the media portrays them, it seems as if they're depressed, desperate and I'd go as far as to say pathetic, but I think that is stereotypical and inaccurate. But what do I know...

 

[DCharlie]

"I'm wondering if anyone who lives or has lived or stayed in Japan experienced these people. What kind of entertaining do they do on an official level? Singing, dancing? "

Mail me.

 

[Troidal]

Mostly singing and dancing. I don't think they are all depressed, but they are desperate. I wouldn't consider it pathetic though. When there aren't enough jobs in the Philippines even for college graduates, the only other option is to work abroad, whether it's within their profession (engineers, teachers, etc.) or not (maids, entertainers, etc).

 

[empanada]

I've heard of them (from a Filipino perspective). AFAIK, they entertain in bars, clubs, etc. How they entertain, I'm not sure but I'm guessing it varies from person to person. They "work" in Japan (also other foreign countries like Saudi Arabia) and send money back to their families in the Philippines. It's usually their only way to get some source of income.