Mexicans in Japan

Mexicans in Japan
Residentes mexicanas en japon

在日メキシコ人 Zainichi Mekishikojin
Total population
3,504
Regions with significant populations
Tokyo, Osaka, Kobe, Okinawa
Languages
Spanish
Religion
Predominately Christianity (Catholic), Shinto
Related ethnic groups
Mexicans

Mexicans in Japan (在日メキシコ人, Zainichi Mekishikojin) (Spanish: Residentes mexicanas en japon) consists of Mexican migrants that come to Japan, as well as the descendants. In December 2023, there were 3,504 Mexicans living in Japan.

History

At the beginning of the 20th century there were both larger Japanese and Mexican community in Los Angeles and other parts in California where their encounters began. There were also marriage between Japanese and Mexicans and some have to left California to Japan at the time of World War II. The first larger Mexican migration to Japan began in the 1970s when there were large migration from the United States to Japan. Many Mexicans who lived in the U.S., chose to move to Japan.

Since the 21st century, Mexican culture gained larger popularity in Japan and there are increasing numbers of Mexican restaurants in Japan, which mostly serve burritos and tacos. Many Mexican festivals including the Day of the Dead were held in Japan organised by Mexican communities. Mexicans are also the largest Latin American community excluding the population with Japanese ancestries and the fourth largest Spanish-speaking community after Peru, Bolivia and Spain. The Mexican population in Japan is currently increasing due to the better visa policy and direct flight connections between Tokyo and Mexico City. There were also a few Mexican individuals with American citizenship, who work for US Forces.