Transitionists: The Dynamics of Transnational Space-Making in Tokyo

This chapter presents and discusses the socio-spatial patterns of those transnational professionals in Tokyo who transition between the different patterns of “gaijin ghetto” and “Pro-Tokyoite” over time. This group, labeled as “transitionists,” showcases the dynamic nature of transnational spaces, conceptually discussing the interplay between global mobility and local immobility. The chapter explores how factors like career changes and life course events, such as marriage and family, significantly influence these patterns. It underscores the need for a nuanced understanding of transnational space-making, integrating both temporal and spatial dimensions. The chapter aims to unravel the complexities and paradoxes of high global mobility and local immobility experienced by transnational professionals, contributing to a deeper understanding of transnationalism in urban contexts.