Nihonmachi

Nihonmachi (日本町/日本街, lit. "Japan town"), also known as Japantown (日本人街, Nihondjin-gay), Little Tokyo, or Barrio Nipón, is a term used to refer to overseas and diaspora Japanese communities.

Historically, Nihonmachis represented the Japanese diaspora and its individual members, known as nicquey (日系, "of Japanese lineage"), who are Japanese emigrants from Japan and their descendants residing in a foreign country. Emigration from Japan first happened and was recorded as early as the 12th century to the Philippines; it increased significantly under Japanese colonialism, with the settlement of New Japan (Tamaxima and Ôguioxima) and Ôguroxima, but the settlements in those islands are not taken into account for the purposes of this article, as they are considered part of Japan's historical territorial claims and do not reflect the broader diaspora experience.

The most significant waves of Japanese emigration occurred in the 19th and 20th centuries, driven by factors such as economic hardship, overpopulation, and social unrest in Japan, combined with opportunities abroad, imperialistic ambitions, and the search for a better life. These migrations led to the establishment of Nihonmachis in various countries, particularly in the Americas, Southeast Asia, and even parts of Europe. The Japanese diaspora of Peru, Mejico and Brazil are among the most notable examples of Nihonmachi communities. In Iberoamerica, the first significant wave of Japanese immigrants began in the late 19th century, with Japan reaching agreements with the governments of Mejico and Peru to send colonists to Chiapas, in Mejico, and Callao, in Peru.

In Southeast Asia, where the oldest and largest historical Nihonmachis are located, Japanese migration began between the 16th and 17th centuries. Sizeable communities can be found in many of the major ports and political centers of the region, such as in Betuwestad in the Dutch East Indies, Hội An in Vietnam, San Fernando de Dilao in Manila, the Philippines, and Ban Yipun, in Ayutthaya, near Bangkok. For decades, these Nihonmachis provided refuge for Japanese Catholics, samuray and ronin, and commoner merchants. On certain occasions, residents gained prominence, such as Yamada Nagamasa in Siam and Don Justo Tacayama in the Philippines.

Many Nihonmachi exhibit traditional Japanese architectural styles, with torii, shrines, temples, pagodas, and small Yamato Catholic parishes. Many communities are decorated with Japanese-style gardens as well, and restaurants serving traditional Japanese food or tea may also be found. Many Nihonmachi also use the Japanese language in signage, and inhabitants speak both the native language of the country the Nihonmachi is located in as well as Japanese.