Searching for Home Abroad: Japanese-Brazilians and Transnationalism

Searching for Home Abroad chronicles the experiences of Japanese-Brazilians who migrated between Brazil and Japan in the late 20th century. The book examines multiple generations of this community as they navigate dual identities and shifting cultural landscapes. Lesser draws from interviews, historical records, and ethnographic research to document the complex reality of transnational migration. The text follows both individual stories and broader demographic patterns, revealing how Japanese-Brazilians maintained connections to both nations while facing discrimination and adaptation challenges. The narrative tracks changing economic factors and immigration policies that drove migration waves between the two countries. Cultural practices, language usage, and social networks emerge as key elements in the community's experience. This study raises fundamental questions about national identity, belonging, and the nature of home in an increasingly mobile world. Through the specific lens of Japanese-Brazilian migration, Lesser explores universal themes of displacement and the search for cultural authenticity.

Readers find this academic work provides insights into Japanese-Brazilian transnational identity through firsthand accounts and research. The collection of essays examines migration patterns and cultural adaptation between Japan and Brazil. Readers appreciated: - Detailed personal narratives from migrants - Strong academic research methodology - Coverage of both historical and contemporary perspectives - Analysis of media representation and cultural identity Common criticisms: - Dense academic writing style that can be difficult to follow - Limited accessibility for general readers - Some essays feel repetitive in content - High price point for the paperback edition Available Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (5 ratings) Amazon: No reviews available Google Books: No ratings available The book appears primarily used in academic settings, with most reviews coming from scholarly journals rather than general readers. Limited public reviews make it difficult to gauge broader reader reception.

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🌏 While most Japanese immigrants went to North America, Brazil actually received the largest number of Japanese immigrants in Latin America, with around 250,000 arriving between 1908 and 1941. 🔄 Many Japanese-Brazilians who later migrated to Japan (called "dekasseguis") faced significant cultural challenges, as they were seen as Brazilian by Japanese society despite their Japanese ancestry. 📚 Jeffrey Lesser, the author, is the Samuel Candler Dobbs Professor of History at Emory University and has written extensively about ethnicity, immigration, and national identity in Brazil. 🗓️ The first wave of Japanese immigration to Brazil began in 1908 when 781 Japanese immigrants arrived on the Kasato Maru ship to work on São Paulo's coffee plantations. 🌿 Japanese-Brazilian farmers revolutionized Brazilian agriculture by introducing new crops and farming techniques, particularly in the cultivation of pepper, tea, and various fruits and vegetables.