The mechanisms of ethnic retention: Later-Generation Japanese immigrants in Lima, Peru

This paper examines how and why an ethnic community perpetuates itself over generations, drawing on ethnographic research conducted among later-generation Japanese-Peruvians in Lima, Peru. After their 100-year-long presence in Peru, Japanese-Peruvians, now mostly in their second and third generations, are highly acculturated. They are also integrated economically, and now politically - as exemplified by the election of Alberto Fujimori as the first President of Japanese descent (1990-2000). Despite increased levels of integration, Japanese-Peruvians have maintained an institutionally well-established ethnic community that has grown, rather than diminished, in each generation. How have they been able to preserve such a community, and why have they done so? I seek answers to these questions in the nature of their community institutions and the role of Japan. A key to their ethnic community maintenance lies not in the preservation of the 'old culture', but rather in recreating 'Japanese culture' anew through community activities with a backing of Japan.