3.Cooperation with Emigrants and Japanese Descendants, Nikkei

The migration of Japanese nationals overseas has a history of 146 years as of 2014. There are estimated 3.19 million overseas Japanese, Nikkei, with especially large numbers residing in the North, Central and South America. They make positive and great contributions to the development of the countries in various fields, including politics, economy, academics and culture, and at the same time, they act as a bridge between Japan and these countries in developing close relations.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited Central and South America (Mexico, Trinidad and Tobago, Colombia, Chile and Brazil) in July and August 2014 and had active interactions with Japanese descendants.

Together with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), MOFA provides cooperation in Central and South America where an estimated 1.78 million Japanese descendants live. Various forms of assistance are offered, including welfare support for aging emigrants, training in Japan for Japanese descendants, and dispatch of volunteers to the local Nikkei communities. On the occasion of a visit to Brazil, Prime Minister Abe announced Japan’s intention to take a number of measures to strengthen the relations between Japan and the Nikkei communities in Central and South America, including a significant increase in the number of trainees participating in the Education Program for Next-Generation Nikkei and volunteers for Nikkei communities.

A program inviting Nikkei leaders in various fields to Japan has been carried out in North, Central and South America. Efforts are underway to strengthen relations with Japanese descendants in these regions. Such efforts include holding conferences to discuss how to enhance bilateral relations between Nikkei leaders and the heads of diplomatic missions overseas and active provision of opportunities for Japanese high-level officials on visits to meet Japanese descendants.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Kishi attending the National Nikkei/Japanese-Mexican Convention (May 2, Sinaloa, Mexico)

The 55th Convention of Nikkei and Japanese Abroad was successfully held by the Association of Nikkei and Japanese Abroad in Tokyo in October, participated in by about 140 emigrants and their descendants from 23 countries/regions. The welcome party was attended by His Imperial Highress Crown Prince, in addition to numerous government officials, including State Minister for Foreign Affairs Yasuhide Nakayama and Parliamentary Vice-Ministers of various ministries and agencies to deepen exchange with emigrants and their descendants.

Japan intends to provide support for Japanese emigrants and their descendants, promote cooperation with the young generation and strengthen the bond between these people and Japan.