日本の外国 (Nihon no Gaikoku) – overseas in Japan

23rd May – 皐月

Now it’s a difficult time for everybody due to Covid-19, especially the fact that people cannot travel to other country is one of the biggest issues all countries have.

While waiting for all boarders to be opened again, I would like to introduce you some of the overseas within Japan – where have very strong culture from other country.

*photos will be uploaded soon

1. 横浜中華街　Yokohama Chuka Gai

Just like most countries have China town, so does Japan. There are 3 famous China towns in Japan but Yokohama in Kanagawa Prefecture is the biggest! (Other 2 are Kobe and Nagasaki)

The street is about 500m long and there are more than 200 shops – mainly foods! There are also unique shops like Chinese dress rental shops, professional massage shops and fortune-telling.

2. ブラジルタウン大泉町 Brazilian town Ooizumi Chou

There are many Brazilians live in Japan and especially 大泉町 (Ooizumi Chou) in Gunma prefecture, has created Brazilian atmosphere. As a result of a number of Brazilians reside in Ooizumi Chou, there are Brazilian restaurants where serve the native tastes! Not only that, even schools serve the Feijoada (Brazilian home food) as a linch menu too. There are supermarket where specially deal Brazilian ingredients, clothing shops and general goods specialized Brazilian style.

3. リトルインディア　西葛西 (Little India Nishikasai)

It is not so famous but there are an area where many Indians gather and have their community in 西葛西 (Nishikasai), Tokyo. Located in Edogawa ward, this area is close from the Business districts, therefore many Indians who work there live in Nishikasai as it’s very convenient.

Nishikasai has the largest number of Indians who live in Japan, and in some shops, the workers could only speak Hindi only, not Japanese! People who visit there can enjoy the real tastes of Indian cuisine and they can get special ingredients from supermarket there.

4. コリアンタウン　新大久保 (Korean town Shin Ookubo)

Probably the most famous and the biggest Korean town in Japan is 新大久保 (Shin Ookubo), in Tokyo. Also 鶴橋 (Tsuruhashi) in Osaka is also popular.

It’s just one stop away from Shinjuku, therefore the access is perfect and even the hotels are cheaper compared to the Shinjuku area. Everyday (except these days) there are heaps people walk around on the street.

As a Korean town, people can get the best Korean food, snacks and cosmetics there. Shin Ookubo takes the home trend very quick, so they can just go there to enjoy the Korean real atmosphere. Because of e K-pop booming, most shops there has the TV screen and show K-pop idols’ performance and all shops put the trendy K-pop songs. It is like a heaven for K-pop fans, so Shin Ookubo is definitely the place to go if you are into K-pop.

Is there Japanese town in your country?:)