The weight of fulfilling the desires and aspirations of family members back home often falls on the shoulders of young individuals who travel abroad for education. Not only are they expected to sustain themselves, but many also feel obligated to send money home, diverting their focus from their primary goal — education. Sociologist Bahodir Iskandarov, based in Japan, shared his insights on the issue in an interview with Kun.uz, stating, “We are stifling the potential of our youth with the pursuit of houses, weddings, and cars.”
“Every Uzbek migrant carries a burden”
Bahodir Iskandarov believes that the phenomenon of young people becoming victims of familial luxury demands is widespread not only in Japan but among Uzbek migrants worldwide. He recounted the story of a young woman in Japan who found herself trapped in financial difficulties despite working for an international company.
“Unofficial data suggests that around 10,000 Uzbeks live in Japan today. Most know each other and are aware of each other’s personal circumstances.
One young woman I know, who came to Japan as a student and now works at a global company, once broke down in tears asking for a loan. Financially, she was in a position to lend money rather than borrow it, having lived in Japan for 10 years with a stable job. She confessed, ‘I’ve fallen into this situation because of my mother’s desires and aspirations. I can’t even afford to pay my own rent. This is not just my problem — many children endure similar pressures to avoid disappointing their families.’
Living and studying in Japan is no easy feat. Yet, young men and women feel pressured not only to cover their own expenses but also to project an image of wealth to their families back in Uzbekistan.
This woman, from a middle-class family, began working during her student years to renovate her family’s house. Later, she gifted her father a car. Now over 30, she remains unmarried, dedicating her resources to improving her family’s financial situation. Her marriage plans are delayed due to fears of being unable to support her family. Meanwhile, her younger sisters married before her, and her family sees her primarily as a financial provider — a sentiment her mother openly expressed.
Despite her stable job, the woman had to take on additional work at night to meet her family’s demands. The breaking point came when her mother requested that she replace their Chevrolet Cobalt with a Malibu.”
