Here is some information on the people that JEMS primarily ministers to
in its South America Mission project, the Japanese Brazilians. This text was
taken from the JEMS South America Missions Handbook.
History of Immigration:
The immigration of Japanese to Brazil began on
June 18, 1908 with a group of 165 families (totaling 781 persons) on the
Japanese ship "Kasato Maru". This voyage was arranged by Ryo Mizuno, a pioneer
of Japanese immigration, with the Brazilian government, represented by Dr.
Carlos Botelho, Secretary of Agriculture of the state of Sao Paulo. This
arrangement was mutually beneficial because Brazil needed labor and Mr. Mizuno
"believed strongly that the development of the Japanese empire would be only
possible through the establishment of her people in different parts of the
world."
Between 1908 and 1923, 32,217 Japanese people entered Brazil with a subsidy
from the Brazilian government. 68% were farmers, and 14.8% were unemployed,
but paid the traveling cost and, as a result 156,349 Japanese people came to
Brazil (49.9%) were farmers, 34.8% non-farmers and 15.8% unemployed). During
World War II, (1941-51), there was no immigration.
The fourth wave of immigration took place between 1951-1960. 41,873 people
immigrated during this period. From 1961-1982, professional and technical
workers came at the request of the Brazilian government for the purpose of
bringing Japanese capital and industries into Brazil.
Currently
After 80 years, there are close to 1.3 million Japanese living in Brazil
(about 7% of the total Brazilian population). 74% of the Japanese now reside
in the state of Sao Paulo, 18% in Parana, 2.1% in Mato Grosso do Sul, 1.1 %
in the state of Rio, and the rest in the various other states.
40% of Japanese are engaged in farming, 38% in business, 12% in industry,
and 10% in other occupations. At one time, 94% of all Japanese were engaged
in farming
The Japanese people are making a tremendous impact in the areas of economic,
political, social, cultural, and relegious life. They have brought to the
city of Sao Paulo, for example, judo, ikebana, gardening, Japanese food and language
and odori.
With the coming of the second and third generations, the focus on agriculture
has changed to commerce, industry, politics, and other professions. As in the
United States, many are involved in politics as congressmen, assemblymen, city
councilmen, mayors, and vice mayors. They are also lawyers, judges, professors,
and doctors. Pharmacists get a starting salary of about $500 pre month where
80% of the people make about $45-$50 per month. Other professionals include
engineers, administrators, economists, principals, artists, film makers,
military men, and others.
In the universities about 13-15% of the student body is Japanese-Brazilian.
14.6% of Japanese students major in engineering and field mathematics. 12.2%
major in medicine, odontology, and related fields. 7.4% major in humanity, letters
and social sciences, and 3.5% go into law
Relegions
Buddhism came with the immigrants. It has not grown much, but the tradition
is strong. The birthday of Buddha is celebrated withe processions in the
Japanese town in Liberdade, in the city of Sao Paulo. Seichi-no-le, Tenri-kyo,
Meshiya-kyo, and Shinto relegions are active. Soka gakkai is also present.
Japanese Brazilians try to assimilate by becoming Catholics. Three years
ago, it was reported that some 6,400 Japanese Brazilians were Christians which
represents about .75% of the total number of Japanese.
Japanese Protestant Churches
In 1985, there were 78 churches amongst the Japanese in Brazil. The
Japanese Holiness Conference had 27 churches, the Free Methodist Conference had
21, the Episcopal church had 11, and the remainder of the various denominations
had one or two with independents numbering 10. Not included are the 14 Hosanna
Mission churches.
Characteristics of Japanese Churches in Brazil
In most churches, the services are conducted in two languages: Japanese and
Portuguese. Messages, worship, and announcements are given in both languages,
so that both groups will feel a part of the service.
The service goes on for about two hours with none of the worshippers feeling
anxious or frustrated that it takes so long. Most churches are small in
number and size. They have services in small quarters, utilizing all the
spaces available.
Churches have a church planting vision. As the Japanese move out to new
areas or cities, they establish new preaching points which become a seed for
a new church.
Churches are not without problems. They are in dire need of church leaders
who can train lay workers in church ministry. The bilingual churches sometimes
feel hampered in reaching the Portuguese speaking people. The Nisei leadership
in some cases feel cramped by the older Issei leadership who are nearing retirement.
The style of worship is changing for the younger generation. The youth
need good Christian examples to help them cope with the relational, social,
and spiritual problems they face. The time is ripe for a great forward movement
and revival in the churches of Brazil. It is an exciting and challenging time
in Brazil for the Kingdom of God.
The Japanese In Brazil