The Formation of Overseas Chinese ethnic enclaves and the Role of Overseas Chinese Organizations in Japan : Focusing on Kobe Chinatown Jin, Hui-Lian․Li, Dan Ethnic enclaves of Overseas Chinese*Chinese Diaspora are often called Chinatown in Chinese history. Chinese migrants have flown and begun to form their own ethnic organization in Kobe since the opening of the port in 1868. They establish Nankinmachi Chinatown in Kobe which has a history of more than 100 years. They established not only a center of economic activity of Overseas Chinese but also Zhang Kobe Chinese alumni school of ethnic education, the overseas Chinese association, overseas Chinese temple expressing nostalgia to home country, historical museum of overseas Chinese. The purpose of this study is to analyse the formation of Nankinmachi Chinatown in Kobe and the role of the overseas Chinese organizations from China town through survey and in-depth interview. The result of this study is overseas Chinese organizations are playing a key role in supporting the Kobe ethnic Chinese society and maintaining the Chinatown. They exchange information and enhance cohesion through Overseas Chinese organizations as well as inherit native language and preserve traditional culture. In addition, overseas Chinese organizations are also a fiduciary organization that maintains their national identity and expresses nostalgia for their home country. Overseas Chinese organizations are supporting platform for the existence and development of ethnic houses called Chinatown.