- Brazilian Singer in Minakuchi
Tetsuhiro Sakaguchi, Masako Ikeda, Deborah Taniguchi
In this issue, we will intorduce Maruyama Louis & Sorange family to you. They came from Brazil to Japan 10 years ago and have lived in Minakuchi for 9 years. They speak Japanese very well with a Kansai accent,although they could speak Japanese only a little before coming to Japan. Japan was a foreign country whose language and life style were different from theirs. We asked about the hardships they may have when they came to Japan for the first time, and they answered, “We enjoyed it.” They regard the hardships they have had until now as a sort of “pleasure”. Perhaps Louis’ positive personality helped them to make many friends, even among their Japanese neighbors who didn’t even say hello to them at first. They also actively take part in the residents’ association in their area. However, this is not always the case. Foreign residents who cannot understand Japanese often face difficult problems such as proper separation and disposal of garbage. When foreign residents make a mistake, Japanese residents often say it is because they are foreigners, without any explanation.
But this is a stereotype, isn’t it? Some foreign residents separate garbage correctly and others don’t. Even some Japanese don’t do so correctly. In addition to garbage disposal, when something wrong happens, some Japanese start to blame foreigners. Phrases such as “internationalization” and “friendship with foreigners” sound empty as long as the Japanese have such a prejudices.
Now, let’s change the topic and introduce Solange to you. She manages a school for Brazilian children who were born and brought up in Japan. She follows the curriculum used in Brazil so that the children will not be unprepared when they go to Brazil in the future because they will have to make a living .
In the end, Louis sang a few Karaoke songs for us. His singing skill was amazing, like a professional singer, as he sang Japanese enka songs. His room was filled with testimonials and trophies he got in contests. As you might guess, he likes songs about “home”. Me? Off course, I sang a song, too (though it was not worth listening).
We thank Maruyama’s family for their kind cooperation in our interview.
Mimitaro MEMO: 2,000 Yen notes will be issued from July 19th !
Shurei Gate, Shuri Castle in Naha City, Okinawa and part of the “Tale of the Genji”, a national treasure are drawn on the notes.
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