How about stepping back in time to June 18, 1908? That was the day the Kasato Maru arrived in Santos. It carried the first official group of Japanese immigrants to Brazil.
The Kasato Maru. It’s more than just a ship’s name. It symbolizes the beginning of the Japanese community in Brazil. These 781 passengers sought new lives. They left Kobe. Fifty-two days later, they arrived here to work on coffee plantations.
Some Japanese people had arrived before. However, the Kasato Maru marked the start of continuous immigration. This ship initiated a lasting connection between Japan and Brazil.
Imagine their journey. They traveled nearly 12,000 nautical miles. Seasickness and heat were constant companions. Yet, they found ways to entertain themselves. They celebrated their culture even on the open sea.
The Kasato Maru wasn’t always a passenger ship. Built in 1900, it was originally named SS Potosí. Later, it became a hospital ship named Kazan. The Japanese Navy sunk it during the Russo-Japanese War. It was then salvaged and renamed Kasato Maru.
After its immigrant voyages, it became a freighter. It returned to Brazil one last time in 1917. In 1942, the Japanese Navy requisitioned it for World War II. Soviet aircraft bombed the Kasato Maru in 1945. The ship now rests at the bottom of the Bering Sea. It lies near the Kamchatka Peninsula.
Today, Brazil boasts the largest Japanese community outside Japan. It has over 1.6 million people of Japanese descent. The Kasato Maru’s legacy lives on in Su00e3o Paulo. Japan House stands as a testament to this connection.
Kengo Kuma designed Japan House with FGMF Arquitetos. It showcases the best of modern and traditional Japan. The building features open spaces and natural light. Its wooden facade blends Japanese and Brazilian styles.
The Kasato Maru’s story inspires us. It speaks of resilience and cultural exchange. It reminds us of the enduring bond between Japan and Brazil. The Kasato Maru’s anchor may be lost but its impact remains.