Japanese Community in the Amazon
This is a journal that talks about the Japanese community in the Amazon from the perspective of volunteers, from various angles, including the first generation, Japanese people, Japanese community, culture, and Japanese language. We will share what we feel through our daily activities, the history and current situation of the Japanese community, and more.
Stories from this series
Part 4: From pioneer to entrepreneur
Dec. 9, 2015 • Asako Sakamoto
"Would you like to have a drink sometime soon?" I was invited by Tadashi Sudo, who is a drinking buddy that I meet up with once a month together with the Japan-Brazil Association and fellow volunteers, and who is one of the few friends I met in Brazil. He doesn't drink much, but he's good at getting people to drink. He's 182 cm tall, has a very kind face with slightly drooping eyes. When I asked him, "Are you popular?" …
3rd Summer Festival
Sept. 7, 2015 • Asako Sakamoto
"Can I participate in the Bon Odori again this year?" I received a call from the president of the women's association, and realized that a year had passed since then. Last year, only about two weeks after I was assigned to Belem, I was invited to the summer festival and participated. I had no idea how long it would take to get there, what events would be held, or how many people would participate, but I was taken to the …
2nd Japanese Language Education
July 22, 2015 • Asako Sakamoto
It has been 120 years since diplomatic relations between Japan and Brazil were established in 1895. Since then, various commemorative events have been held throughout Brazil to strengthen the relationship between the two countries in various fields such as culture, art, and economy. At the annual book fair held in Belem the other day, the theme country of Japan's culture was introduced. A 120th anniversary ceremony was also held, where Governor Simon Giattene awarded medals to 14 Japanese organizations and …
Part 1: Prologue
June 3, 2015 • Asako Sakamoto
Last August, I was assigned to the Northern Brazil Japanese Language Promotion Center in Belem, Pará, Brazil, as a JICA senior volunteer for the Japanese community. The center is located in the same building as the Japan-Brazil Association and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce, and from the first day of my work there, I have met many Japanese and Japanese-Brazilians. I had heard about it before coming to Brazil, but I never imagined that Japan would remain so prevalent here. …
