The Effects of Japanese Language Learning and Transnational Mobility on the Japanese Identities of Four Brazilian Nikkei

Brazil was the largest recipient of Japanese emigrants from 1885 to 1973. After changes in Japanese immigration law in 1990, many descendants of these emigrants, referred to as Nikkei, went to Japan to live and work under a new visa program designed specifically for Nikkei. This qualitative research examines how transnational mobility and Japanese language learning has affected the Japanese identities of four Brazilian Nikkei. Positioning theory was used to analyze the narrative accounts of the participants. It was found that mobility to Japan did not foster a sense of Japanese national identity, and in once case seemed to produce the opposite effect. Additionally, although Japanese language learning and fluency increased connections to Japanese culture and seemed to influence the participants' personalities, it did not result in identification of Japanese national identity. Possible factors that may have contributed to these results are included in the discussion, as well as areas for further research.