“My story is like that of all Nikkei families…” José Carlos Feliciano Nishikawa begins his narrative of Rosa Kimiko: Story of an Andean Nikkei. He is aware that many Peruvian Nikkei share a similar past. Migration is not foreign to our stories, and resilience has become synonymous with our ojiichan and obaachan.
The story is told in the first person, placing us in the shoes of Rosa, the author’s grandmother, from her childhood in Patahuasi, Junín, to the present day, where the roots she planted with her family and in her community continue to bear fruit every day. In conversation with the author, he expressed his gratitude for the warm reception this tribute to his grandmother and family history has received within the Peruvian Nikkei community.
José Carlos Feliciano Nishikawa always had in mind recording family memories. Since he was a child, he stayed at his grandparents’ house in Huachipa, Lima, where they would tell him all their anecdotes. As he grew up, he began to realize how his grandparents’ resilience shaped him throughout his life. These life events frequently recurred in his mind. He always knew that his grandparents were the cornerstone of his family’s history. This finally led him to decide to tell his grandmother Rosa’s story.
Story of one, story of many
“To my grandmother Rosa, who, like Arguedas, understands Peru in Quechua, Spanish, and even Japanese.” The author begins the story with this dedication, which sums up what makes Rosa special. She is a Nikkei woman and, at the same time, an Andean woman. Her experience, then, is influenced by her identity.
Rosa’s story can be recognized by many Peruvian Nikkei people who approach the book with interest. Like many Nikkei families, she faced discrimination during World War II, experienced the dekasegi phenomenon during the economic crisis of the 1980s and 1990s, and shared time with her community at sporting events, among other anecdotes that would surely be recognizable in the family histories of people who share her origin.
Rosa, as an Andean woman, also had unique experiences that arose from having Quechua as her mother tongue. As she later learned Spanish, Japanese, and a little Uchinaguchi, she was able to communicate with many different people, which has helped her form connections. José highlighted this aspect of her to show the diversity of Nikkei identity that exists in Peru. Andean and Amazonian Nikkei may have a distinct way of feeling their identity. Understanding all these experiences is also important for the development and unity of our community.
She is Peruvian and strongly identifies with that idea. With Quechua as her mother tongue, she has been able to connect with other Quechua speakers in the area. Because of this, she has become a bridge between communities and has become beloved by many people. The author also highlights how this is also important in forming a national identity. Peru is a mixed bag, and we Nikkei are so diverse and scattered throughout Peru.
Family history reflected
José has a close relationship with his grandmother. During his childhood in the 1990s, he was close to his grandparents. The country’s economic crisis forced his parents to work hard, so his grandparents raised him. He spent his weekends at their home in Huachipa. José describes this place as a “little Okinawa” due to the atmosphere, the beauty of the valley, and the people who share the Nikkei identity living in community.
Such closeness led him to tell the story of his obaa, who attended the book launch. Because of the impact she has had on those who have had the privilege of knowing her, the ceremony made her feel supported and loved by her community. José emphasizes how this welcome stems from the idea of resilience this story portrays, and one that many Nikkei families can also relate to. “All Nikkei families have stories of courage, of people who have made it with nothing. Without speaking the language or having financial resources. They did it for their family.”
The idea for the picture book was born from the need to better convey the message, more than just the text. Nori Kobayashi was chosen as the illustrator because of her empathy for the story. She felt she shared a similar personal history with the author, as they were both raised in similar environments by their grandmothers.
Nori Kobayashi’s illustrations were able to capture personal moments, which was a rewarding experience for the family. It also made the book more accessible to all ages, allowing this inspiring story to help Nikkei children learn about their history.
José Feliciano Nishikawa concludes by sharing his experiences, mentioning his hope that this book will not be the only one of its kind. He firmly believes that within the Nikkei community there are many stories to tell, and he hopes his project will inspire other families to share their anecdotes so that they can be recorded for future generations.
© 2025 Hiro Ramos Nako
