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A Community Unimagined: The Influence of Individualistic Culture among Chinese Entrepreneurs in Ikebukuro, Tokyo

Author

Listed:
  • Zhaojin Lyu

    (Nanjing University of Science & Technology, China)

  • Anxin Zhu

    (Nanjing University, China)

Abstract

An ethnic enclave is characterized by ethnic solidarity, spatially-clustering ethnic economy, and ethnic place-making which mutually reinforce each other. However, in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, where a Chinatown seems to be emerging, many Chinese entrepreneurs show indifference toward place-making and community-building. This study demonstrates how an individualistic culture influences entrepreneurs’ perception of business practices and social networks, resulting in a departure from the communal understanding of the spatial concentration of Chinese businesses, ethnic organizations, and collective actions.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhaojin Lyu & Anxin Zhu, 2025. "A Community Unimagined: The Influence of Individualistic Culture among Chinese Entrepreneurs in Ikebukuro, Tokyo," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 30(4), pages 1064-1073, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socres:v:30:y:2025:i:4:p:1064-1073
    DOI: 10.1177/13607804241293339
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    References listed on IDEAS

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