JAPANESE IMMIGRATION IN BRAZIL

In 2008 we celebrate in Brazil the 100th year of Japanese immigration. Cristófoli also wants to celebrate this centennial, reminding the great cultural inheritance of this people who is today, fully integrated to the Brazilian culture. Their discipline, dedication to work and accomplishment capacity serve as example for those who, just like Cristófoli, want to build a better country. Kanpai!!!

First the 165 Japanese families arrived in Brazil on June, 1908, at the Port of Santos in the ship named Kasato Maru. The majority of the families were peasants who had come to work in coffee farms in the State of São Paulo.

Research indicates that up to 1940, nearly one hundred and sixty thousand Japanese had come to live in Brazilian lands. The majority preferred the State of São Paulo, where Japanese colonies or communities were being formed. However, some families went to work in agricultural areas in the north of the State of Paraná, in the rubber production in the Amazon and pepper plantations in the State of Pará, among others.

The Japanese came across many difficulties, as the language, customs, religion, climate, feeding and even prejudice. Even so, they overcame these problems, prospered and built their lives in Brazilian lands.

Currently, Brazil is the country with the biggest amount of Japanese people out of Japan. Fully integrated to the Brazilian culture, they contribute to the economic growth and cultural development of our country. The Japanese brought along with the will to work, their art, customs, language, beliefs and knowledge that contributed a lot for our country.