Social Adaptation of Brazilian Nikkei in Japan (1990-2015)

The title of master thesis is “Social adaptation of Brazilian Nikkeijin in Japan (1990-2015)”. This thesis deals with social adaptation issues, which occurred during return immigration of Brazilian Nikkeijin to Japan. Main goal of this research is to examine various cultural, economic, linguistic and socio-psychological obstacles for successful adaption and integration to Japanese society by emphasizing relations between in- and out-groups. This thesis is consisted of three parts, which include introduction, first part, dedicated to emergence of Japanese immigration to Brazil, and second part, dedicated to current issues of Brazilian Nikkeijin in receiving Japanese society. Topicality of this subject is determined by current demographic challenges of aging and shrinking Japanese population. Such tendency raises question of necessity for internationalization and immigrants’ presence in Japan. Ethnic affiliation to Japanese didn’t contribute to integration process; on the contrary it originated certain expectations from newcomers, which they were not able to fulfill. Further issues, which occurred in spheres of education, labor and housing, specified Japanese unpreparedness to accept permanent Nikkeijin immigrants and provide them with social and juridical support, as well as indicate their responsibilities. Brazilian Nikkeijin are still very segregated minority, which haven’t been accepted to Japanese society as a community and as individuals. Key words: Brazilian Nikkeijin, Dekasegi, Homogenity, Kokusaika, Immigrants, Japanese minorities, social identity, social adaptation.