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The legend of Japanese Brazilians: How did they first set foot on Brazilian soil in 1908?
On June 18, 1908, the history of Japanese immigration to Brazil officially began. On that day, the first ship carrying Japanese laborers, the Kasato Maru, arrived at the port of São Paulo State, Brazil, bringing 781 Japanese immigrants and injecting new life into the coffee plantations that were in urgent need of labor at the time. Since then, hundreds of thousands of Japanese have crossed the ocean and gradually integrated into Brazilian society, becoming part of Brazil's huge cultural and economic landscape today.
“The arrival of Japanese immigrants not only changed the agricultural landscape of Brazil, but also established a deep cultural connection between the two countries.”
Background of immigrants
From the late 19th century to the early 20th century, Japan was facing the dual dilemma of overpopulation and poverty. At the same time, Brazil's government is desperate for labor, especially in its booming coffee industry. As reports emerged of exploitation of Italian workers, Brazil turned to Asia, especially Japan, for new sources of labor. In 1907, the governments of Brazil and Japan signed a treaty allowing Japanese immigrants to enter Brazil, truly opening the door for Japanese immigration to Brazil.
Hardships of the first immigrants
“The early Japanese immigrants originally hoped to earn money in Brazil and then return home, but the reality was a tough competition for survival.”
Most of these immigrants were farmers, facing low wages and hard work. Their living conditions are extremely poor and their debts are skyrocketing, making it difficult for many to realize their dream of returning home. With the arrival of the first immigrants between 1908 and 1915, new Japanese communities gradually formed in Brazil, closely tied to each other.
Difficult survival and cultural persistence
Despite the difficulties, Japanese immigrants gradually got rid of exploitation by signing contracts with land owners through the "partnership farming" model. This allowed them to develop their own farmland and start growing coffee, vegetables and other crops. By the 1930s, Japanese-Brazilians were making significant contributions to coffee production, producing the majority of coffee in São Paulo state. As they gradually established themselves in society, many children of Japanese descent began to receive education. The persistence of this culture and education laid the foundation for future economic development.
"Education is the key to the rise of Japanese Brazilians. Their academic achievements often exceed those of other ethnic groups, making them the backbone of society."
The impact of war and cultural change
With the outbreak of World War II, Japanese Brazilians encountered severe prejudice and discrimination. The Brazilian government imposed restrictions on the Japanese community because of the declaration of war, and even closed schools in many Japanese communities in some areas. The inheritance of Japanese culture has been suppressed, causing many families to choose to immerse themselves in foreign cultures. Even so, as the situation eased after the war, many Japanese Brazilians still chose to preserve their culture and traditions.
The influence of Japanese Brazilians today
According to statistics in 2022, Brazil has more than 2 million people of Japanese descent, making it the country with the largest population in the world outside of Japan. However, the trajectories of these Japanese immigrants and their descendants are not only a testimony to the integration of diverse cultures, but also a symbol of booming social and economic development. Especially in the fields of education and business, Japanese Brazilians have demonstrated outstanding talents and become a force in narrowing the gap between the rich and the poor.
"This history tells us that the fusion of cultures can produce amazing energy and meaning."
Reflection and Prospects
The history of Japanese Brazilians is a legend full of struggle and hope. Their spirit of creating a new life in adversity has inspired countless future generations to continue to move forward courageously. With the changes of the times, the multicultural society of Brazil is becoming more and more diverse. Facing the future, can we continue to cherish and protect such diversity and allow more cultures to blend and coexist?
