Brazilian Plaza
There are many places where
Nikkei-Brazilians can go and relax and in many ways 'return to
Brazil' for the afternoon. The 'Brazilian Plaza' in Oizumi is
the closest thing they have to Brazil. They can find anything
they need from Brazilian food to samba music. When I first arrived
in Oizumi I was amazed by the extent that the Nikkei's had transformed
Oizumi into a home for themselves. All working together to create
their Brazilian experience with detail and consistency. They have
their own grocery stores with imported goods, their discos and
restaurants. I haven't been back to Brazil in 10 Years and yet
it gave me so much to reminisce.
As you first walk into the Brazilian Plaza there is a very strong
sense of hospitality. There are balloons decorating the entrance
welcoming you into the plaza. A butcher shop is the first store
you see, with all kinds of delicious Brazilian meats and sausages.
A travel agency is just around the corner which reads, 'Saudade'
(Nostalgia), offering cheap rates to Brazil , and a neigboring
video store where Nikkei-Brazilians can find the latest American
action movies subtitled in Portuguese. Hollywood and the whole
movie industry is very popular amongst the Nikkei-Brazilians.
Whilst interviewing a Nikkei-Brazilian in the Plaza, when asked
what he would change in his appearance he replied, 'Everything,
I want to look just 
like Tom Cruise.' In Oizumi, much like in
Brazil, it is very stylish to own American products and to be
intuned with American fashion. In the Brazilian Plaza, there is
a clothes store selling not only Brazilians clothes but also Levis,
Calvin Klein, etc. In the small convenience store you can find
many Brazilian snacks from 'Garoto' chocolate to 'Bolacha' cookies.
In one section of the store there are only American products like
'Doritos' and M&M's. There are two restaurants inside the
plaza. 'Mangiare' and 'Restaurante Brasil.' They both offer buffets
with 'arroz e feijao' (rice and beans), and 'feijoada'(Brazilian
chili). 'The Plaza supports us with all our needs; food, latest
electronics, cd's, clothes and the internet. People come from
far away to shop here,' said one Nikkei Brazilian about the plaza.
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