How do initial migrants choose their locations? Interregional migration in Japan from 1899 to 1938
利用1899-1938年日本区域面板数据，检验了收入、交通业就业机会和日照等区域因素如何吸引首批移民定居，发现高收入和交通业机会吸引移民，而丝绸、棉花等行业的就业机会反而抑制移民。
Abstract What regional factors determine the size of the immigrant population in a region? Previous studies have identified the immigrant network in a region as a main determinant of immigrants' location choices. However, these studies have not answered the question of how the first groups of immigrants decided where to live in the absence of pre‐existing networks in the destination country. Using Japanese historical data from 1899 to 1938, I test how jobs, quality of life, and gateway areas attracted immigrants to settle. The results of the analysis with regional panel data show that higher income, more employment opportunities in transportation industries, and sunshine increase the size of the immigrant population in a region. Economic opportunities in other growing industries (i.e., silk and cotton industries and commercial sectors) are rather deterrents for immigrants. I discuss the reasons for these findings and the implications for future studies.