Japanese in Peru

Introduction / History

The Japanese Peruvians originated in Japan and either emigrated to Peru or were born in Peru. Peruvians in Japan are the second largest Japanese people group in South America, those in Brazil being the largest.
Peru was the first country in Latin America to have diplomatic relations with Japan and to allow Japanese immigration. Japanese families first came to Peru in 1899. There were about eight hundred of them. They came from Hiroshima, Okinawa, Osaka, Gifu and Kanagawa. Many came as farmers and later went to live in the cities of Peru like the capital Lima.

What Are Their Lives Like?

These days, the Japanese in Peru have different jobs such as having high rankings in finance, academia and catering. They are well educated and have major economic positions. As a result of the Peruvian economy not doing well in the 1980s, many Japanese Peruvians went to the U.S.A. and to Japan. Some returned to Peru.
The Japanese in Peru have made a big impact economically and culturally in Peru. One of them became president of this South American nation.
The Peruvian Japanese have strong community associations. They keep to themselves and are proud of their cultural heritage. They work hard and are trustworthy. Economic and social links between Peru and Japan are strong.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The belief of most Japanese in Peru is a mixture of Mahayana Buddhism and ancestor worship. Those in an urban environment can become secular in their worldview.

What Are Their Needs?

The Japanese in Peru need the spiritual hunger and the willingness to buck community pressure to embrace Jesus Christ.

Prayer Points

There are many Japanese evangelical Christians in Brazil. Pray that some may want to go to Peru and evangelize their Japanese neighbors.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to give the Japanese in Peru a spiritual hunger that will only be satisfied by Christ.
Pray for disciples who will make more disciples.

Text Source:   Joshua Project