Already before World War I and later between the two wars, the Javorje villagers emigrated to North, Central and South America.
After World War II, they also emigrated illegally to the USA, Australia, Canada, France and Belgium (working in mines). In that period, more than 40 people left the village. Many of them were captured during their illegal crossing of the border, while three villagers lost their lives.
Many moved to towns to make a living and raise a family. The highest number of villagers left Javorje, hoping for a better life, and moved to towns along the coast, especially Izola which is now jestingly named the ‘capital town of Brkini’. Even later, after 1960, some Javorje villagers moved to ‘greener pastures’ in Germany and Switzerland. Some of them returned home later.