Masao Kinoshita

A central figure for the “Makegumi” (defeatists)

Living in a colony (Japanese) Life as a student in São Paulo (Japanese) Makegumi - Movement to regognize the defeat of Japan (Japanese) What prompted heavy religious involvement (Japanese) Experiences in the inland colony (Japanese)

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Masao Kinoshita moved from Santos port and settled in the farmlands during World War I. He worked at a São Paulo coffee plantation with fellow Nikkei immigrants, and also helped carry on the development of the colonies. Facing a tough reality in an unfamiliar land, as well as a strong ambition to focus on education, he twice attempted to escape from the plantation, but failed. He was forced to return to the farmland. He was blessed with the opportunity to attend school in São Paulo a few years later, and moved to the city. While working, he attended school and studied law. Post-World War II, he was a central figure in leading a movement to help the Japanese community in Brazil recognize and accept defeat in the war, in opposition of the Emperor’s League (Shindo Renmei) which spread false propaganda declaring Japanese victory. (June 22, 2007)

coffee harvesting colony mombuca education portuguese sao paulo university Brazil makegumi Movement to Recognize Japan’s Defeat in WWII nikkei colonies post world war II World War II religion coffee farming guatapara