There are still many interesting stories about school life. It would be a shame to end it here, so let's continue a little longer.

When the era of only Japanese elementary school education came to an end, teachers were finally officially dispatched from the state government and Brazilian education began. After that, the Brazilian nationalism movement became more active, and not only elementary school education, but also education using Japanese language was no longer possible, but for a while, elementary schools and Brazilian elementary schools coexisted. Children in the settlements had to attend two schools. Compared to children in their home country of Japan, the children in the settlements at that time must have been much busier. However, it may be because they spent so much time at school that the alumni are still so close to each other.

The day was divided into morning and afternoon, the school building was divided into two, and there were two schools. The conventional elementary school was called the "Japanese School (or Nippon School)" and the Brazilian elementary school (called the "Gruppo") was called the "Brazil School." Depending on the grade, the children would attend either the Japanese School or the Brazilian School, with lunch in between.

It is said that students' attitude in class at the Brazilian school was not so commendable compared to the Japanese language school where the teachers were strict. Some parents who were planning to return to Japan someday even declared to their children, "Just study Japanese." There was an atmosphere where it was understandable if the children forgot that they were in Brazil and ignored the teachers who didn't know what they were talking about. Former female students testified that it was especially bad for some of the boys, but the Brazilian teachers were sometimes teased quite harshly. It is unfortunate that some teachers frequently collapsed in hysterics.

It is not uncommon these days for children to have to go to school abroad after accompanying their parents on an overseas posting, but I have never heard of a case where a Brazilian teacher was sent to a school in his own country and the students there were almost all foreigners. I can only imagine how confused the Brazilian teachers must have been. I cannot help but sympathize with the young men who were passionate about their ideals as teachers.

Since they couldn't communicate in the language, there were probably many problems and some mischievous students, but in reality, the majority of students seemed to attend classes obediently.

"Well, in those days, a teacher was something to be respected, whether he was Brazilian or Japanese."

It seems that most people shared KM's common sense. I'm sure that any teacher in modern Japan would sigh when they hear these words.

Some students were particularly enthusiastic.

SS found it very enjoyable to communicate with Brazilians in Brazilian. He listened to the lessons attentively and immediately tried to use the words he had learned. It was only natural that students with such an attitude would be loved by the teachers. And as he had more opportunities to interact with the teachers personally, Brazilian became more familiar to him and he improved rapidly.

One day, SS was running an errand at the hospital across from the school when he suddenly noticed the principal walking slowly towards him. As he was wondering what was going on, the principal came up to him and asked him to teach the Brazilian language instead of the teacher who had not come to work.

"I was still a child at the time, but I had no choice but to write "Ah-be-see" on the blackboard and teach him."

This was to be SS's memorable first lesson, as he speaks fluent Brazilian and later taught the language to a Japanese trading company employee stationed in São Paulo.

KM was an honor student and got good grades at Brazilian School, but he has memories of making his teacher cry along with his classmates. However, he was not bullied. It was when KM and his classmates, the first graduating class of the Brazilian School, gave their teacher a gift to commemorate their graduation. For the Brazilian teacher, who must have often felt at a loss, surrounded by foreign children who did not understand a word of his language, it must have been a moment when he felt that all his hard work had paid off.

KM has another unforgettable memory from that time. The teacher was so moved that he gave each student an abrazo. Although he had been living in Brazil for many years, KM had never experienced this Brazilian embrace.

"That was my first time. Abrasso."

He still seems embarrassed.

By the way, what kind of gift was it that made the teacher cry?

"Well, I can't remember."

In KM's memory, the image of the teacher shedding tears must still be stored away, along with the warmth of the first abrasso. Perhaps the impression was so strong that she has forgotten what the gift was.

© 2007 Shigeo Nakamura