Japanese descendants drive rise in roots tourism
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Holding the passenger record documenting his 97-year-old father's voyage from Japan to Brazil nearly a century ago, Sergio Kohatsu un
Sergio Kohatsu, a Japanese descendant, recently discovered the passenger record of his 97-year-old father's voyage from Japan to Brazil nearly a century ago. This discovery, driven by the internet, a weak yen, and increased interest in genealogy, is part of a growing trend of roots tourism. It is estimated that about 5 million Japanese descendants now live overseas, and this phenomenon is benefiting regional economies and promoting cultural exchange.
The Kobe Center for Overseas Migration and Cultural Interaction, originally established in 1928, has seen a rise in visitor numbers due to the popularity of social media and increased interest in tracing family history. Many descendants, like Kohatsu, are eager to learn about their ancestors' journeys and the role their families played in shaping their current lives.
The center, which provides detailed passenger manifests and group photographs, has seen a steady increase in visitors since 2024. The Japanese government and local municipalities are recognizing the potential of this trend to boost tourism and deepen cultural understanding, while companies like Kaju are meeting the growing demand for genealogical research services.
Written by urgent.news from The Mainichi's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
