Last Samurai: Brazil’s Sole Japanese Newspaper Fights for Survival

SAO PAULO – Diario Brasil Nippou, the sole remaining Japanese-language newspaper in Brazil, is currently engaged in a vigorous struggle to maintain its relevance amidst the rapid advancement of the digital era. Despite being nestled within the largest Japanese community outside of Japan, which boasts an impressive estimated population of 2.7 million Nikkei (including Japanese immigrants and their descendants), this cherished publication is encountering challenges as its subscriber base dwindles, a trend fuelled partly by the gradual aging of the immigrant population.

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Established over a century ago, Diario Brasil Nippou stands as a resilient survivor from a once-thriving landscape of Japanese-language media publications in Brazil. By the late 1990s, only two such newspapers remained in existence, and the year 2021 brought a significant setback when the closure of the last remaining competitor was necessitated by the perils of the pandemic.

However, a glimmer of hope shone on Diario Brasil Nippou in 2022 when a vested investor intervened, offering a newfound opportunity for the publication’s revival. Presently, the newspaper is on a trajectory of innovation to fortify its enduring presence. Acknowledging its profound cultural significance, the publication is placing a renewed emphasis on its pivotal function as a unifying conduit between the Japanese and Brazilian communities. In emphasising this, Editor-in-chief Masayuki Fukasawa underscores the critical importance of delivering accurate news with precision, particularly considering the historical backdrop — a stark reminder of how Japanese newspapers in Brazil suffered a ban during the turmoil of World War II.

The arduous battle for survival that Diario Brasil Nippou is navigating mirrors the prevailing challenges confronting print media on a global scale. Through embracing its distinct position and adapting to the evolving needs of its audience, this resilient newspaper aspires to extend its legacy of service to the Nikkei community in Brazil for the generations that lie ahead.

New source: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/05/01/japan/society/last-japanese-newspaper-in-brazil-stay-in-print/