Henrique Minatogawa
@HenriqueHenrique Minatogawa is a freelance journalist and photographer, Brazilian third generation Japanese descendant. His family origins are Okinawa, Nagasaki and Nara prefectures. In 2007, he was granted a scholarship Kenpi Kenshu in Nara prefecture. In Brazil, has been working in the coverage of events related to Japanese culture. (Photo: Henrique Minatogawa)
Updated July 2020
Stories from This Author
What “Made in Japan” Means to Me
Aug. 8, 2016 • Henrique Minatogawa
When I was a kid growing up in the 1980s, one of the most desired objects was the Sony Walkman. Particularly a blue one that was made in Japan. By that time, Japanese products had a good reputation in Brazil; watches, cameras, TVs, or audio equipment manufactured in Japan were surely good products. Except for the pencils. Like many kids, I liked to draw and write. When a relative traveled to Japan, I would often receive pencils as souvenirs. They …
Japan vs. Brazil?
June 21, 2016 • Henrique Minatogawa
In August 2016, Rio de Janeiro will host the Summer Olympic Games. As the athletes prepare to compete, I prepare to once more answer the question: “Will you support Brazil or Japan?” This question doesn’t bother me. In a country with so many immigrants, it is natural that many of them will support the country of their ancestors in sporting events. During the World Cup, people gather to watch the games of both Brazil and their homeland. Soccer Mania In …
An Endangered Custom
April 29, 2016 • Henrique Minatogawa
I am a Sansei Nikkei, 35 years old, born and raised in São Paulo. During childhood and adolescence, I did not have much contact with the larger Nikkei community; I associated only with relatives and some friends. I did not attend Nikkei events, eat in Japanese restaurants, or study Japanese—three things that, years later, I would do a lot. I did notice one thing when I was growing up: among the elder Nikkei (the Issei and Nisei), it was common …
Celebrations of the End and Beginning of the Year in the Brazilian Nikkei Community
Jan. 7, 2016 • Henrique Minatogawa
From mid-November until just before Christmas, gatherings to celebrate the end of the year take place in Brazil. In general, corporate parties take place earlier; then, the associations and clubs; while friends and family’s are closer to Christmas and New Year, when most people are already on vacation. In the Nikkei community, these celebrations have a specific name: Bonenkai. The meaning, with minimal adaptation, is “gathering to forget the year.” Of course, the intent behind the expression is of learning …
How Brazilian Nikkei Play Japanese Video Games
Dec. 7, 2015 • Henrique Minatogawa
The video game is an American invention, attributed to the German-born American engineer Ralph Baer (1922-2014). The Odyssey, considered the first console in history, was commercially launched in 1972. The novelty became extremely popular in the United States, especially with the leadership of Atari. However, in 1983, the so-called “crash of the video game industry” occured. Basically, what happened was market saturation. Many companies launched their own consoles, game production was too large, and with almost no quality control, consumers …
Japanese Barber Shop in São Paulo
Nov. 20, 2015 • Henrique Minatogawa
When a Nikkei gets a haircut in Brazil, they often hear that “cutting Oriental people’s hair is difficult.” The reason given is that the strands are very smooth, sometimes too thin, sometimes too thick. Thus, it would be difficult to make different hairstyles, and the cuts show errors more easily. To meet this demand, currently, there are many hairdressing salons specializing in Easterners. They also offer dye services, manicures, and other aesthetic services, with the target audience mainly made up …
Festival do Japão (Japan Festival)
Sept. 3, 2015 • Henrique Minatogawa
Festival do Japão (Japan Festival) is one of the main events of the Nikkei community in Brazil, especially regarding physical space, attractions, and number of visitors. In 2015, it reached its 18th edition. The event is organized by Kenren, the federation of the Japanese prefectures associations in Brazil. This year, Japan Festival was held on July 24, 25, and 26. The organization estimated the number of visitors to be about 180,000 people. Entrance is paid, but all internal activities are …
Kawaii Ambassador of Brazil
July 23, 2015 • Henrique Minatogawa
Akemi Matsuda, second-generation Nikkei, had lived in Japan from 3 to 19 years old. There, she completed elementary school and, later, opted for what in Brazil is called technical education to study classical ballet. “I attended a school like the Bolshoi in Russia,” she says. “In the morning, we studied regular school subjects normally. After lunch, it was just the practice of classical ballet. We studied the history of ballet, music, how to build a stage... It was all directed …
A Comic Book Artist In Brazil
June 17, 2015 • Henrique Minatogawa
I met the designer and comic book artist Cristina Eiko Yamamoto, 37, at the launch of the graphic novel Penadinho – Vida [Penadinho – Life, unavailable in English], which she signs with her husband, Paulo Crumbim. Before reaching my turn to have the book signed by the authors, I observed Cristina receiving visitors ahead. She stood up, received the book with both hands and returned signed in the same way. Many fans thanked her with a bow. "I don't know …
A Young Traditional Multi-Artist
April 21, 2015 • Henrique Minatogawa
In Brazil, it is not rare to find a Nikkei practicing one of the Japanese traditional arts. Calligraphy (shodo), tea ceremony (sado or chanoyu), or musical instruments like koto or shamisen are some examples. However, it is difficult to find someone who does it all regularly. Furthermore, to be able to speak Japanese and have been ordained a Buddhist monk. Against these odds, meet Marcel Ueno, 33, descendant of third generation, whose family originates in the provinces of Fukuoka and …
