Takahashi Takashi
Takashi Takahashi is a second-generation Nikkei, born in Lima, Peru. In June 1989 he arrived in Japan as a dekasegi and for 20 years he worked as a translator for a contracting company in different factories in the Kanto region, in addition to being responsible for translating safety and work procedure manuals. He currently works at the Moka International Association (MIA), where they provide assistance to foreigners in municipal procedures, translation of official statements issued by the local government and on daily life, among others.
He actively participates in teaching the Spanish language and preserving identity in Peruvian children, in addition to spreading Peruvian culture through dance. Speaker on topics related to the Peruvian Nikkei in Japan.
Last updated December 2023
Stories from This Author
The story of Doctor Tojo, the pioneer—Part 2
Dec. 27, 2023 • Takahashi Takashi
* Continuation of part 1 , the following story is told by the author's grandfather, Rokuro Tojo, from a first-person narration..... A NEW STAGE In the two years that my contract lasted at the Santa Bárbara hacienda, I learned the language and, above all, the customs of the people. I could return to Japan, however, my motivations were no longer economic; I felt the need to continue providing my knowledge to my fellow citizens in their own language, and to …
The story of Doctor Rokuro Tojo, the pioneer—Part 1
Dec. 26, 2023 • Takahashi Takashi
How true is the saying that “Life takes many turns.” However, sometimes, it is not that we return to the same place or time, but to a situation in the past very similar to the one from which we recognize the previous one. As in a spiral staircase, returning to the same point, but on a different plane. In my particular case, and that of my grandfather on my maternal side—Rokuro Tojo (or “Todio”, as he was registered when entering …
30 years after the dekasegi phenomenon
Aug. 12, 2019 • Takahashi Takashi
Historical background In April it was 120 years since the arrival of the first 790 Japanese immigrants to Peru. All of them carried a suitcase loaded with hopes and desires to work, with the hope that, after a few years of sacrifice and effort, they would be able to return to Japan and reunite with their families. However, the reality was another. They had to face many adversities, among them the language, the food, the difference in cultures, discrimination, and …
