On Peruvian-Japanese Friendship Day, we celebrate this bond that has united us for more than a century and that contributes significantly to the social and economic fabric of Peru.

The relationship between the two cultures arose from Japanese migration to Peru, in pursuit of economic opportunities and the need for labour in sectors such as industry and agriculture. The first 790 Japanese immigrants arrived on the Sakura Maru ship in April 1899 and settled on the northern coast of Peru, where they worked sugar cane and cotton plantations, as well as in the fishing industry.

Over the following decades, the number of Japanese immigrants arriving in Peru gradually increased. Many dedicated themselves to agriculture, commerce, industry and gastronomy in various parts of the country. They contributed to economic and cultural development, and introduced new agricultural techniques, culinary traditions and cultural values that little by little intermingled with local ones, thus enriching the diversity of the Peruvian nation.

At @CramerLatam in Peru, we are celebrating how the Japanese and Peruvian identities have become integrated, especially in gastronomy, where the fusion of cultures has created iconic dishes of Peruvian cuisine such as Nikkei ceviche, tiradito (sashimi in chili pepper sauce), pulpo al olivo (octopus with olives), maki acevichado (sushi topped with ceviche) and yucamochi (yucca pudding).

Happy Peruvian-Japanese Friendship Day!

 

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