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To be a Nikkei is a confluence of cultures (Spanish)

(Spanish) I have heard everything with respect to this [topic]. I can tell you my personal opinion. For example, I find that some descendants believe that they do not feel centered, like they do not pertain to either culture [Peruvian or Japanese]. I have a different opinion: a different opinion, one that shows that I don’t completely agree [with those who do not feel part of either culture]. I believe that being Nikkei gives you a great advantage. Why? A Peruvian Nikkei – I am not so sure if a Latin American Nikkei – but yes, a Peruvian Nikkei. What is it that happened? A Peruvian Nikkei has a Japanese side that includes all the values, all sides of honesty, of hard work, [both of which] come together, and that comes inherently because you live it in your family, in your friends, this sentiment of which you see another Nikkei [and] you feel at ease; you feel like you can talk to that person or simply entrust that person with something because deep inside you know that he or she is going to carry out [what you entrusted him or her to do]. What is it that is good about a Peruvian? What is good is that he or she is not pigeonholed [with a certain, fixed personality], [someone who] seeks imaginative solutions and has a lateral way of thinking [as opposed to someone who] very often abides by the rules, [and who] will not be able to fulfill a clear objective in a relatively short time. Therefore, I believe that the Nikkei have this confluence, [that the Nikkei] have [these] values linked with astuteness, linked with a creole part [meaning a racial mix], but [I am] speaking in the best sense of the word. And that is in the form with which I identify. Therefore, when they tell you something [which makes] you feel Nikkei, I say: “You feel very well.” I am happy to be part of two cultures that have many good [qualities], and together they can offer [us] so much.


culture ethnicity group identity Nikkei Peruvians United States

Date: September 14, 2007

Location: Lima, Peru

Interviewer: Harumi Nako

Contributed by: Asociación Peruano Japonesa (APJ)

Interviewee Bio

Akira Watanabe Osada was born on October 6, 1974, in Lima, Peru. His grandparents are Japanese immigrants who came to Peru from Fukushima Ken. An engineer, Akira is also director of the Peru branch of the Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko Group. Founded in 1999, the branch grew out of the festivities commemorating Japanese immigration to Peru. Akira promotes the Okinawa eisa dance throughout the country. As a member of this group, Akira has performed quite often in Peru, which the most important of these performances have been the centennial celebrations marking Japanese immigration to Peru (1999), and the Centenary of Okinawense Immigration to Peru (2006). (September 14, 2007)

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