Development of the Nikkei Community in Chile

CD_Nikkei_Chile

Published: Sept. 11, 2009 Modified: April 11, 2025

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Development of the Nikkei Community in Chile

2000 onwards

With the unknowns that have developed in the last decades of the 20th century, with the excellent and rapid communication systems, we find ourselves in the dilemma of how we Nikkei can contribute to globalization. As shown in the photos, we find Chilean Nikkei dancing "la cueca" and non-Nikkei Chileans playing the "shakuhachi" at the same event. -- 2000 onwards With the unknowns that have developed in the last decades of the 20th century, with the excellent and rapid communication systems, we find ourselves in the dilemma of how we Nikkei can contribute to globalization. As shown in the photos, we find Chilean Nikkei dancing "la cueca" and non-Nikkei Chileans playing the "shakuhachi" at the same event.

1950-2000

Generational gaps are becoming more and more frequent. Between Nissei and later generations, between Issei who have recently arrived and Issei who have lived there for many years, between Issei who have recently arrived and Nikkei. In other words, in addition to the mere generational gap, there is the development of peoples in their own countries and their current influence on others. -- 1950-2000 Generational gaps are becoming more and more frequent. Between Nissei and later generations, between Issei who have recently arrived and Issei who have lived there for many years, between Issei who have recently arrived and Nikkei. In other words, in addition to the mere generational gap, there is the development of peoples in their own countries and their current influence on others.

1950-2000

The introduction of the Internet worldwide quickly had an impact on the Nikkei environment, which was brought into the globalizing current in all areas of life. As everywhere, the discussion began about who are Nikkei, what role do they play in sociocultural globalization, etc. The Nikkei community interacted with other Nikkei communities in the Americas and also with international entities interested in the development and preservation of Japanese cultural values. -- 1950-2000 The introduction of the Internet worldwide quickly had an impact on the Nikkei environment, which was brought into the globalizing current in all areas of life. As everywhere, the discussion began about who are Nikkei, what role do they play in sociocultural globalization, etc. The Nikkei community interacted with other Nikkei communities in the Americas and also with international entities interested in the development and preservation of Japanese cultural values.

1950-2000

Education: The Issei had a strong tendency to have their Nisei children study not only in the compulsory primary school in the country, but also, up to higher education. A large number of Nikkei studied at universities courses such as Engineering, Nursing, Medicine, Commerce, Architecture, etc. reaching a significant number of professionals. In Chile there was no official immigration so the number of Japanese was rather low. For this reason, the descendants mostly formed mixed marriages and in turn their children were educated practically under the local model of education. This implied that Nisei and Sansei quickly lost the Japanese language and naturally many customs. In places far from the capital, the opportunity to meet Japanese was almost non-existent. At this time some official groups and institutions were formed that tended to protect Japanese and Nikkei, such as the Japanese Benevolent Society that was the way of contact with the Government of Japan through the Embassy of that country, established at the beginning of the 50's. The Japanese Consulate kept the register of Japanese living in Chile and the Japanese Society had the role of looking after the interests of all Japanese in the country. -- 1950-2000 Education: The Issei had a strong tendency to have their Nisei children study not only in the country's compulsory primary school, but also, up to higher education. A large number of Nikkei studied courses such as Engineering, Nursing, Medicine, Commerce, Architecture, etc. at universities, reaching a significant number of professionals. In Chile there was no official immigration so the number of Japanese was rather low. For this reason, the descendants mostly formed mixed marriages and in turn their children were educated practically under the local teaching pattern. This implied that Nisei and Sansei quickly lost the Japanese language and naturally many customs. In places far from the capital, the opportunity to meet Japanese was almost nil. During this period, some official groups and institutions were formed that tended to protect Japanese and Nikkei, such as the Japanese Benevolent Society, which was the means of contact with the Government of Japan through the Embassy of that country, established in the early 1950s. The Japanese Consulate kept the register of the Japanese living in Chile and the Japanese Society had the role of looking after the interests of all Japanese in the country.

1950-2000

With the end of World War II, Japanese companies increased their activity in Chile. On the other hand, Japanese who were relegated to small towns and cities were available to work for Japanese companies while others developed their own activities in the field of independent business, both in agriculture and in trades. At the beginning of this period, the Nisei still followed the tendency to continue with their parents' jobs, especially those who had their own trades such as hairdressers, photography studios, and stores. In sports, although baseball continued (Nisei Club among others), the majority began to adapt to the sports practiced in Chile, especially soccer. With the arrival of television, trends were already worldwide or globalized. The Japanese promoted Judo and Karate. The religion of the Nissei was definitely Catholic. The food of the Nisei is still that which was inherited by their parents, sashimi with gohan, okoko (tsukemono), even miso is prepared by some Japanese with beans, chickpeas, and kidney beans before the introduction of soybeans. Alcoholic drinks are mainly made up of pisco (aguardiente) and white wine (fish) and red wine (meat). Later, due to the travels of Nikkei and Chileans and visits by foreigners, Japanese food began to spread in Chile, after it did in the United States. The ingredients for Japanese food began to arrive en masse and the number of restaurants increased rapidly. Today in Santiago there are a hundred Japanese restaurants and many of them are “deliveries”. The adaptation continues its course and from the introduction of avocado (abogado) in California, Chile also develops its own dishes. As you all know, wine was introduced in Chile by the French in the 19th century, but it was not until the 80s that winemaking technology was modernized. Today, Chile has many red and white grape varieties. This means that Japanese food is also paired with good wines and, in the case of sashimi and sushi, not only with white grape varieties but also with red ones. -- 1950-2000 With the end of World War II, Japanese companies increase their activity in Chile. On the other hand, Japanese who were relegated to small towns and cities are available to work for Japanese companies, while others develop their own activities in the field of independent business, both in agriculture and in trades. At the beginning of this period, the Nisei still follow the tendency to continue with their parents' jobs, especially those who have their own trades such as hairdressers, photography studios, shops. In sports, although baseball continues (Nisei Club among others), the majority begins to adapt to the sports practiced in Chile, especially soccer. With the arrival of television, trends are already worldwide or globalized. The Japanese promote Judo and Karate. The religion of the Nissei is definitely Catholic. The food of the Nisei is still that which was inherited by their parents, sashimi with gohan, okoko (tsukemono), even miso is prepared by some Japanese with beans, chickpeas, and kidney beans before the introduction of soybeans. Alcoholic drinks are mainly pisco (aguardiente) and white wine (fish) and red wine (meat). Later, due to the travels of Nikkei and Chileans and visits by foreigners, Japanese food began to spread in Chile, after it did in the United States. Ingredients for Japanese food began to arrive en masse and the number of restaurants increased rapidly. Today in Santiago there are a hundred Japanese restaurants and many of them are “deliveries”. The adaptation continues its course and from the introduction of avocado (abogado) in California, Chile also developed its own dishes. As you all know, wine was introduced to Chile by the French in the 19th century, but it was not until the 1980s that winemaking technology was modernized. Today, Chile has many red and white grape varieties. This means that Japanese food is also paired with good wines, and in the case of sashimi and sushi, not only with white grape varieties but also with red ones.

1900-1950 (1900-1950 )

During this period, the interests of the Japanese were protected by the Japanese Legation, but, as a result of World War II and Chile cutting off relations with Japan, declaring war on it, the Japanese were relegated to towns far from the big cities. For this reason, the Japanese and their families had to look after their interests, grouping together in small communities, as is the case of Hacienda Caupolicán in Rengo, or dedicating themselves to jobs that allowed them to live. Also due to the war, the Japanese and their descendants began to suffer from a forbidden classism endorsed by the American films and propaganda of the time and that encouraged the majority to accept that the generations of young Nikkei had their destiny in the country that welcomed them. -- 1900-1950 During this period, the interests of the Japanese were protected by the Japanese Legation, but, as a result of World War II and Chile cutting off relations with Japan by declaring war, the Japanese were relegated to towns far from the big cities. For this reason, the Japanese and their families had to look after their interests, grouping together in small communities, such as the Hacienda Caupolicán in Rengo, or dedicating themselves to jobs that allowed them to make a living. Also due to the war, the Japanese and their descendants began to suffer from a forbidden classism endorsed by American films and propaganda of the time and that encouraged the majority to accept that the generations of young Nikkei had their destiny in the country that welcomed them.

(1900-1950 )

Education of Nisei children: Before World War II, some Japanese who could, sent their children to study in Japan. Others made the effort to teach them Japanese. But, the great majority, dispersed throughout the long country and married to local women, had no choice but to have their children study in the country's schools and colleges. In the case of Chile, there were no Japanese schools as in other countries where Japanese immigrants arrived in greater numbers. -- Education of Nisei children: Before World War II, some Japanese who could, sent their children to study in Japan. Others made the effort to teach them Japanese. But, the great majority, dispersed throughout the long country and married to local women, had no choice but to have their children study in the country's schools and colleges. In the case of Chile, there were no Japanese schools as in other countries where Japanese immigrants arrived in greater numbers.

1900-1950 (1900-1950 )

Food: Many Japanese men arrived alone, so they had no choice but to adapt to the local food. However, through the few Japanese women who came with their husbands, some Japanese food began to spread among families, using elements found locally. Chile was rich in fish, seafood and vegetables, so the Japanese did not have to eat only meat or beans, but sashimi and grilled fish. Rice was also present in the local diet, so "gohan" was not missing from the daily food of the Japanese. -- 1900-1950 Food: Many Japanese men arrived alone, so they had no choice but to adapt to the local food. However, through the few Japanese women who came with their husbands, some Japanese food began to spread among families, using elements found locally. Chile was rich in fish, seafood and vegetables, so the Japanese did not have to eat only meat or beans, but sashimi and grilled fish. Rice is also present in the local diet, so “gohan” was not missing from the daily food of the Japanese. Education of Nisei children: Before World War II, some Japanese who could, sent their children to study in Japan. Others made the effort to teach them Japanese. But the great majority, dispersed throughout the large country and married to local women, had no choice but to have their children study in the country's schools and colleges. In the case of Chile, there were no Japanese schools as in other countries where Japanese immigrants arrived in greater numbers.

1900-1950

Since there was no official, agreed-upon immigration plan between Japan and Chile, the number of Japanese emigrants was small, and for this reason, in matters of religion, the majority was formally governed by it, and this is especially seen in marriages, raising children, and funerals. -- 1900-1950 Since there was no official, agreed-upon immigration plan between Japan and Chile, the number of Japanese emigrants was small, and for this reason, in matters of religion, the majority was formally governed by it, and this is especially seen in marriages, raising children, and funerals.

1900-1950 (1900-1950 )

In terms of sports, the Issei influence is also direct and baseball is introduced in Chile, especially in the north and center of the country. In addition, the popular sport of soccer is played. Baseball has practically disappeared these days, having been quite popular until the 1960s. -- 1900-1950 In terms of sports, the Issei influence is also direct and baseball is introduced in Chile, especially in the north and center of the country. In addition, the popular sport of soccer is played. Baseball has practically disappeared these days, having been quite popular until the 1960s.

1900-1950 (1900-1950 )

The activity of the Japanese revolves around the sources of work available to them. Initially, mining activities in the north and agricultural activities in the central-southern part of the country. Later, some Japanese settled down and welcomed others who arrived later. Given the difficulty of the language, many Japanese dedicated themselves to the trades that some brought with them or that they developed here with ease, a product of the neatness that characterized them since they did not need great knowledge of Spanish. Examples of these trades are hairdressing, photography, shops and warehouses. In this first part of the 20th century, from the Japanese point of view, the influence of the recently arrived Issei predominates, that is, the mentality of the Meiji and Taisho eras of Japan. The majority have the feeling of remaining tied to their country of origin and that after achieving their economic objectives they would return. That is why those who could sent their children to study in Japan, leaving them with relatives and family. Those who were unable to do so tried to maintain the Japanese language within their families and within small Japanese communities. -- 1900-1950 The activity of the Japanese revolved around the sources of employment available to them. At first, mining activities in the north and agricultural activities in the central-southern part of the country. Later, some Japanese settled down and welcomed others who arrived later. Given the difficulty of the language, many Japanese devoted themselves to the trades that some brought with them or that they developed here with ease, a product of the thoroughness that characterized them since they did not need great knowledge of Spanish. Examples of these trades are hairdressing, photography, shops and warehouses. In this first part of the 20th century, from the Japanese point of view, the influence of the recently arrived Issei predominates, that is, the mentality of the Meiji and Taisho eras of Japan. The majority have the feeling of remaining tied to their country of origin and that after achieving their economic objectives they would return. That is why those who could, sent their children to study in Japan, leaving them with relatives and family members. Those who could not, tried to keep the Japanese language within their families and within small Japanese communities.

Nikkei-Chile Reflection Workshop (Photo Nikkei Reflection Workshop)

Nikkei-Chile Reflection Workshop, held on August 22, 2009 in Santiago, organized by the Japanese Charity Society. -- Nikkei-Chile Reflection Workshop, held on August 22, 2009 in Santiago. Organized by the Japanese Charity Society.

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The first Japanese arrived in Chile at the end of the 19th century, so the development of the Nikkei community has evolved since then for more than 100 years. For a better analysis we will divide this period into three parts: 1900-1950, 1951-2000 and 2001 onwards.

To better understand the multiracial and multiethnic influences that the Japanese and Nikkei faced in the early 1900s, we must consider that after the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century, the next major immigration to southern Chile was that of the Germans, around 1850.

There was also an influence from the English and French at that time, through the saltpeter exploitation companies in the north, intercontinental trade and the arts. The latter influence was given preference to urban areas.