The Japanese in Peru: History of Immigration, Settlement, and Racialization

• Published in: Latin American perspectives 2004-05, Vol.31 (3), p.77-98
• Main Author: Takenaka, Ayumi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Agricultural land; Asian Cultural Groups; Business structures; Citizenship; Communities; Eighteenth Century; Emigration; Ethnic minorities; Ethnic Relations; Exploitation; Historical analysis; History; Immigrants; Immigration; Japanese; Japanese culture; Labor Migration; Latin America; Latin American culture; Migrant communities; Minority & ethnic groups; Nineteenth Century; Noncitizens; Peru; Plantations; Race; Racial discrimination; Racial Relations; Racism; Regional studies; Riots; Studies
• ISSN: 0094-582X; 1552-678X
• DOI: 10.1177/0094582X04264745

The wave of Japanese immigration into Peru in the late 18th & early 19th centuries was encouraged by Japan as a means to reduce population & increase capital & industrialization. Emigration as a form of exclusion from Japan carried a negative connotation for the Japanese public. Peru preferred European immigration, but accepted the Japanese indentured laborers because of labor shortages. The early history of Japanese immigration was marked by misery & hardship, but later the Japanese concentrated themselves in successful small businesses. Their success brought racialization exclusionary measures & discrimination. The Japanese resisted assimilation since they intended to return to Japan. The racial riot of 1940 & its consequences for the Japanese are described. It was a turning point in relations since today Peruvians of Japanese descent are one of Peru's most influential ethnic groups. 1 Figure, 50 References. M. Pflum