Dekasegi Story
In 1988, I read a news article about dekasegi and had an idea: "This might be a good subject for a novel." But I never imagined that I would end up becoming the author of this novel...
In 1990, I finished my first novel, and in the final scene, the protagonist Kimiko goes to Japan to work as a dekasegi worker. 11 years later, when I was asked to write a short story, I again chose the theme of dekasegi. Then, in 2008, I had my own dekasegi experience, and it left me with a lot of questions. "What is dekasegi?" "Where do dekasegi workers belong?"
I realized that the world of dekasegi is very complicated.
Through this series, I hope to think about these questions together.
Stories from this series
Episode 23 (Part 1) I wanted to say, "You don't have to come," but
Nov. 25, 2014 • Laura Honda-Hasegawa
That day, when he hung up the phone, Hiroyuki was so surprised that he was stunned for a moment. "I'll come over there next time!" the words of his wife, whom he had left behind in Brazil, rang in his ears. At first he thought she was joking, but Maria do Rosario was serious. "I told you before! I'd follow you to Japan! The time has come." Hiroyuki was confused. Until now, his wife had only called for one reason. …
Episode 22 (Part 2) Where is Glausha Now?
Oct. 15, 2014 • Laura Honda-Hasegawa
Part 1 >> Kazue had fallen in love with Jackson, who was 12 years younger than her, but she was finally unable to bear the domestic violence and was thinking of running away. The next morning, when Fasineira 1 arrived at the apartment, she found Kazue collapsed in the living room. Fasineira called an ambulance. Kazue was taken to the hospital with serious injuries to her face and arms, and was hospitalized. Jackson stole jewelry, a computer, and credit cards …
Episode 22 (Part 1) Where is Glausha Now?
Aug. 27, 2014 • Laura Honda-Hasegawa
"I want to be a hairdresser," Kazue said, so she left the town where she was born and raised and went to São Paulo. She even took a year off from high school to live and train at her uncle's hair salon. After that, she got her hairdresser's license and started working at her uncle's salon full time. One day, at her uncle's suggestion, Kazue participated in a national beauty contest and won first place. This prompted her to set …
Episode 21: Micchan and "Japanese Grandma"
July 30, 2014 • Laura Honda-Hasegawa
It was the day after the typhoon had passed. It was a hot and humid morning, and Mitchan was walking to school with her red backpack on and a water bottle in hand. "Which is hotter? Summer in Brazil or summer in Japan?" she asked, still not sure. Mitchan had been living in Brazil until six months ago, and on sunny days she preferred to read books on the veranda rather than playing outside with her friends. She also loved …
Episode 20: See you at the Soccer World Cup
June 18, 2014 • Laura Honda-Hasegawa
When it was decided that the Copa do Mundo 1 would be held in Brazil, Kent jumped for joy. The soccer-loving boy would always forget to do his homework and kick the ball in a nearby field when he returned from school. His mother had no choice but to accept it. Kent's father was also a soccer fan, and at one point he wanted to become a professional. "I wish Papai II could come back from Japan so we could …
Episode 19 (Part 2) Nakajima is coming!
May 28, 2014 • Laura Honda-Hasegawa
Part 1 >> Nakajima decided to go to Japan. Until two months ago, he was working as a pizza chef in the Italian quarter of São Paulo. His wife, Maria Cecilia, enjoyed lace knitting and gardening. The turning point in their lives came when Maria Cecilia first said the words, "I would like to go to Japan at least once." At that moment, Nakajima remembered that his mother and brother had been living in Japan for about two years. He …
Discover Nikkei Updates
Tuesday, December 9
Hosted by traci kato-kiriyama
Featuring Aaron Caycedo-Kimura, Erica Isomura, and Syd Westley
