The Nikkei in Brazil - Kiyoshi Harada

The Nikkei in Brazil: A History of Immigration and Assimilation

Kiyoshi Harada's book, "The Nikkei in Brazil," is a comprehensive and engaging history of Japanese immigration to Brazil. The book traces the history of Japanese immigration from its beginnings in the late 19th century to the present day, and explores the challenges and successes of Japanese immigrants and their descendants in Brazil.

A History of Immigration

The first Japanese immigrants arrived in Brazil in 1908, and their numbers grew steadily in the years that followed. By the 1930s, there were over 200,000 Japanese immigrants in Brazil, making them the largest group of Japanese immigrants outside of Japan.

Japanese immigrants faced a number of challenges in Brazil, including discrimination, language barriers, and economic hardship. However, they also made significant contributions to Brazilian society, particularly in the areas of agriculture, industry, and commerce.

Assimilation and Identity

One of the central themes of Harada's book is the process of assimilation and identity formation among Japanese immigrants and their descendants in Brazil. Harada argues that Japanese immigrants in Brazil have been remarkably successful in integrating into Brazilian society, while still maintaining their own distinct cultural identity.

Harada identifies a number of factors that have contributed to the successful assimilation of Japanese immigrants in Brazil, including their strong work ethic, their willingness to learn Portuguese, and their intermarriage with Brazilians. However, Harada also notes that Japanese immigrants have faced some challenges in assimilating into Brazilian society, such as discrimination and prejudice.

The Nikkei Today

Today, there are over 1.5 million people of Japanese descent in Brazil, making them the largest Nikkei community outside of Japan. The Nikkei have made significant contributions to Brazilian society, and they continue to play an important role in the country's economic, political, and cultural life.

Harada's book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of Japanese immigration to Brazil. The book is well-researched and well-written, and it provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and successes of Japanese immigrants and their descendants in Brazil.

Why You Should Read This Book

"The Nikkei in Brazil" is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of Japanese immigration, assimilation, and identity formation. The book is a well-researched and well-written account of the experiences of Japanese immigrants in Brazil, and it provides a valuable perspective on the challenges and successes of immigrants in a new country.

If you are interested in learning more about the history of Japanese immigration to Brazil, or if you are simply interested in a good read, then I highly recommend "The Nikkei in Brazil."