The Nikkei Community On The Border Of Bolivia With Brazil

Abstract

In this study, we will present the context of Japanese migration to Bolivia, highlighting the Nikkei community that resides in Guayaramerín Beni/BO. The research brought intellectual enrichment, promoting a perspective of value to Japanese culture. We aimed to get to know the Nikkei community and identify the strategies built by the community to keep Japanese culture alive, such as: language, religion, customs, dances, rites, among other traditions. We observe that the community has tried to preserve the culture brought by its ancestors, facing challenges to rescue some traditions of Japanese culture. For this study, we sought to develop bibliographic research and field research based on the methodology of the Study of the Middle. The results indicate difficulties in maintaining and transmitting culture over generations, especially the Japanese language, the main element for strengthening the group's collective identity and cultural ties beyond their origins.

Keywords: Japanese migration. Bolivia. Nikkei Community. Cultural identity.