Nilza Matiko Iwakura Okano
A native of Arapongas, Paraná, she has a Business Administration degree from the State University of Londrina (UEL). She is responsible for the administration of the website and fanpage of a wholesale jewelry and costume jewelry company in Londrina, taking photographs and producing videos to be posted on these sites. She participates in coordination of the Ishindaiko Group of Londrina (taiko). She is a staff member at the Hikari Group of Londrina, whose aim is to keep Japanese culture alive. She is responsible for the filming, production, and video editing on their site.
Updated June 2018
Stories from This Author
The Mochitsuki Tradition in the Hikari Group of Londrina, Paraná
June 25, 2018 • Alba Shioco Hino , Nilza Matiko Iwakura Okano , Kiyomi Nakanishi Yamada
In Brazil, mochi – little cakes made with a glutinous Japanese rice known as mochigome – are easily found in supermarkets, street markets, and specialized grocery stores in areas with a large concentration of Japanese immigrants and their descendants. Most of those who see this product stocked on supermarket shelves are unaware of its origins and meaning in Japanese culture. In the past, the mochitsuki – pounding mochi – was a more laborious process as the cakes were made in artisanal …
The influence of Japanese cuisine in Brazil – yesterday, today and tomorrow
June 26, 2017 • Alba Shioco Hino , Nilza Matiko Iwakura Okano , Kiyomi Nakanishi Yamada
Japanese immigrants came to Brazil in the last century to work on coffee plantations with the dream of becoming rich and then returning to Japan. Faced with the difficulties encountered and, realizing that it would not be possible to make this dream come true, they began the process of integration with the Brazilians ( gaijin ). Little by little they adapted to the customs, cuisine, religious beliefs and lifestyle of the people here. But in family life, they preserved their …
The Japanese language in the daily lives of the members of the Hikari Group of Londrina
Sept. 19, 2016 • Alba Shioco Hino , Nilza Matiko Iwakura Okano , Kiyomi Nakanishi Yamada
We belong to a generation of children, youths, adults, and seniors who are descendants of Japanese immigrants who came to Brazil in the years before World War II. Some are children, others are grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren of these immigrants. After leaving Japan, our ancestors gradually began to absorb Western culture, although the influence of Japanese culture has been preserved in many families, especially when the younger generations come in contact with older people who pass on to the younger …
