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The Political Organization of Japanese in an Immigrant Community in Brazil: A Case Study of the City of Marília

Ken Simmons

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Published in Pioneers In The Tropics: The Political Organisation Of Japanese In An Immigrant Community In Brazil (LSE Monographs On Social Anthropology 6)

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Japanese immigration to Brazil began in 1908, and over the following decades, hundreds of thousands of Japanese people made their way to the country in search of a new life. The vast majority of these immigrants settled in rural areas, where they worked as farmers and laborers. However, a small number of Japanese also settled in urban areas, including the city of Marília in the state of São Paulo.

The Japanese community in Marília has a long history of political organization. In the early years of immigration, Japanese immigrants formed mutual aid societies and other organizations to help each other adjust to their new surroundings. These organizations also played a role in promoting Japanese culture and language in Brazil.

Pioneers in the Tropics: The Political Organisation of Japanese in an Immigrant Community in Brazil (LSE Monographs on Social Anthropology 6)

Pioneers in the Tropics: The Political Organisation of Japanese in an Immigrant Community in Brazil (LSE Monographs on Social Anthropology Book 6)

by Philip Staniford

4.1 out of 5

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In the mid-20th century, the Japanese community in Marília became more politically active as it began to participate more fully in Brazilian society. Japanese immigrants and their descendants joined political parties and ran for office. They also played a key role in the development of the city of Marília.

Today, the Japanese community in Marília continues to be politically active and influential. Japanese immigrants and their descendants continue to serve in elected office, and they continue to play a role in the city's economic and social development.

The Early Years of Japanese Immigration to Marília

The first Japanese immigrants arrived in Marília in 1929. They were drawn to the city by the abundance of land and the promise of a better life. The early Japanese immigrants in Marília worked as farmers and laborers. They also formed mutual aid societies and other organizations to help each other adjust to their new surroundings.

One of the most important organizations founded by the early Japanese immigrants in Marília was the Japanese Farmers' Cooperative. The cooperative provided farmers with a variety of services, including credit, marketing, and technical assistance. The cooperative also played a key role in promoting Japanese culture and language in Brazil.

In the 1930s and 1940s, the Japanese community in Marília grew rapidly as more and more Japanese immigrants arrived in the city. By the end of World War II, there were over 1,000 Japanese living in Marília.

The Post-War Era

In the post-war era, the Japanese community in Marília became more politically active. Japanese immigrants and their descendants joined political parties and ran for office. They also played a key role in the development of the city of Marília.

One of the most prominent Japanese politicians in Marília was Masato Shinohara. Shinohara was elected to the city council in 1952, and he served as mayor of Marília from 1969 to 1973. Shinohara was a strong supporter of Japanese culture and language. He also played a key role in the development of the city's infrastructure.

In addition to Shinohara, a number of other Japanese immigrants and their descendants have served in elected office in Marília. These include city council members, state legislators, and federal deputies.

The Japanese community in Marília has also played a key role in the city's economic and social development. Japanese immigrants and their descendants have established a number of successful businesses in the city. They have also been active in a variety of social and cultural organizations.

The Present Day

One of the most important organizations representing the Japanese community in Marília is the Japanese Cultural Association. The association was founded in 1954, and it plays a key role in promoting Japanese culture and language in the city. The association also organizes a variety of social and cultural events.

The Japanese community in Marília is a vibrant and dynamic community. Japanese immigrants and their descendants have made significant contributions to the city's economy, culture, and politics.

The political organization of Japanese in an immigrant community in Brazil, a case study of the city of Marília, shows that Japanese immigrants and their descendants have played a significant role in the development of their new country. They have been active in politics, business, and community affairs, and they have helped to shape the cultural and social landscape of Brazil.

The Japanese community in Marília is a testament to the power of immigration. It is a story of how people from different cultures can come together to build a better life for themselves and their children.

References

Adachi, Nobuko. The Japanese in Brazil: A Social History. Stanford University Press, 2006.
Fausto, Boris. Crime and Immigration in São Paulo, Brazil, 1880–1920. Stanford University Press, 2013.
Girard, Fabrice. "The Japanese in Brazil: A Historical Overview." Japanese Studies, vol. 34, no. 1, 2014, pp. 1–24.
Shinohara, Masato. Memórias de um Samurai Paulista. Editora Parma, 2002.

Pioneers in the Tropics: The Political Organisation of Japanese in an Immigrant Community in Brazil (LSE Monographs on Social Anthropology Book 6)

by Philip Staniford

4.1 out of 5