3.Cooperation with Emigrants and Japanese Descendants, Nikkei

The migration of Japanese nationals overseas has a history of 148 years as of 2016. There are estimated 3.6 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.

Together with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), MOFA provides cooperation in Central and South America where estimated 2.13 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.

Invitation programs for Nikkei leaders in various fields have 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 between Nikkei leaders and the heads of diplomatic missions overseas to discuss how to enhance bilateral relations and active provision of opportunities for Japanese high-level officials on visits to meet Japanese descendants.

The 57th Convention of the Nikkei and Japanese Abroad was successfully held by the Association of Nikkei and Japanese Abroad in Tokyo in October, in which around 210 emigrants and their descendants from 20 countries participated. As for MOFA, Foreign Minister Kishida held a welcome reception 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.