Henrique Minatogawa

Henrique

Henrique Minatogawa is a freelance journalist and photographer, Brazilian third generation Japanese descendant. His family origins are Okinawa, Nagasaki and Nara prefectures. In 2007, he was granted a scholarship Kenpi Kenshu in Nara prefecture. In Brazil, has been working in the coverage of events related to Japanese culture. (Photo: Henrique Minatogawa)

Updated July 2020

community en pt

Celebration of International Nikkei Day in Brazil

By Henrique Minatogawa
24 Aug 2020

International Nikkei Day is celebrated on June 20th. This year, due to the world situation, the celebrations took place in other formats. In the city of São Paulo, the date was included in the official calendar of commemorative dates and events through Law 17.169/2019. According to the legal text, "with the objective of debating and encouraging the preservation of the tradition and cultural values of the Nikkei Society, so that it is possible to transmit the legacy of the pioneers of Japanese Immigration in Brazil." The Brazilian Society of Japanese Culture and Social Assistance…

identity en pt

Uchinaguchi classes preserves culture and reinforces Okinawa identity in Sao Paulo

By Henrique Minatogawa
30 Jul 2020

Okinawa culture marks its presence in Sao Paulo city, Brazil, through activities and events organized by the local associations. Music, dance, and cooking are the main elements used to promote it. These events usually attract many visitors, who gradually come into contact with words slightly different from the ones of the “Japanese language.” “Uchina”, “mensore,” and “goya” are words often heard or read in a typical event hosted by the Okinawa descendant community in Sao Paulo; they belong to "Uchinaguchi," which is, in general terms, the Okina…

sports en ja es pt

The Road to the Olympic Games

By Henrique Minatogawa
6 Dec 2019

Never Give Up: Jessica Yamada By the end of July 2020, the world’s attention should be focused on the Tokyo Olympics. Tourists from around the world have been planning the trip for months, booking tickets and hotels. A group of people, however, have been preparing longer: for months, many years; maybe a lifetime. These are the athletes. The Brazilian Olympic Committee estimates that their delegation will be composed of approximately 250 athletes, who will be competing in the Tokyo Olympics. “The Olympic Games is an event that takes place only every four years, with few places f…

culture en pt

The work of two multicultural Nikkei tattoo artists

By Henrique Minatogawa
6 Nov 2019

From about 10 years ago, tattoo has been gaining another status in Brazil. Previously, the common peception was that only gangsters had them. Today, people of various professions and backgrounds carry on the body what is increasingly accepted as a “work of art”. “I won't deny that some people still look in a weird way. Society is evolving and understanding that it is an artistic matter. Talking with clients, I learn that some professions still do not view the tattoo positively. For example, doctors and nurses, often because of patients. The tabooish view, of prejudice, is m…

community en pt

Little Changes in Family Celebrations

By Henrique Minatogawa
16 Aug 2019

We know that many Japanese came to Brazil over 100 years ago. They brought their culture with them, which their descendants preserve, but at the same time, it has evolved over time. One part of this culture’s customs is the celebrations. So, I talked with two professionals who work in production and photography for celebrations and other events. “I have always had, since childhood, a very big interest in sound and music. Encouraged by my mother, I attended cultural events at the Piedade kaikan [local association in Sao Paulo state], my hometown. When I started attending electroni…

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Discover Nikkei

Japanese migrants and their descendants

Henrique Minatogawa

Series this author contributes to

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