Pan American Nikkei Association

The Pan American Nikkei Association, the English-language name of the Asociación Panamericana Nikkei, is a multi-national, non-governmental organization with membership from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, United States.^[1]

History

In 1981, Mexican Nikkei organized the first convention;and its character was summarized in a slogan: "Lt us be better citizens in our continent" (Seamos mejores ciudadanos en nuestro contiente).^[2] Delegates from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Peru and the United states joined the Mexican organizers for this initial meeting in Mexico City.^[3]

Biennial conventions

PANA conventions are an opportunity for the nikkei from North and South America to share and discuss issues and events with cultural, historical, political and economic and political consequences which transcend national borders. These formal gatherings foster an exchange of ideas and create a forum for personal interaction with delegates from different countries.

The biennial conventions are intended to helps promotes closer relationships amongst the Nikkei organizations in the Western Hemisphere. PANA convention are planned in alternating locations amongst North, Central and South American countries.^[1]

The Conventions of the Association of Pan American Nikkei (COPANI) have enlarged across the span of time:

• 1981 -- The 1st convention in Mexico City, Mexico brought together delegates from six countries.^[3]
• 1983 -- The 2nd convention (COPANI II) was held in Peru.^[4]
• 1985 -- The 3rd convention (COPANI III) was in Brazil.^[4]
• 1987 -- The 4th convention (COPANI IV) took place in Argentina.^[4]
• 1989 -- The 5th assembly (COPANI V) was held in the United States at Los Angeles.^[4]
• 1991 -- The 6th convention (COPANI VI) was hosted by Paraguay's Nikkei.^[4]
• 1993 -- The 7th gathering (COPANI VII) in Vancouver, Canada brought together 400 delegates from 11 countries.^[1]
• 1995 -- The 8th assembly (COPANI VIII) in Lima, Peru.^[4]
• 1997 -- The 9th convention (COPANI IX) took place in Mexico.^[4]
• 1999 -- The 10th convention (COPANI X) was held in Chile.^[4]
• 2001 -- The 11th convention (COPANI XI) was hosted by the United States Nikkei at New York City.^[4]
• 2003 -- The 12th convention (COPANI XII) was hosted by the Bolivian membership.^[4]
• 2005 -- The 13th convention (COPANI XIII) in Vancouver, Canada was actively supported by the National Association of Japanese Canadians.^[1]
• 2007 -- The 14th Convencion Panamericana Nikkei (COPANI XIV) in Sao Paolo, Brazil was organized in part by Zaidan Hojin Kaigai Nikkeijin Kyokai. Approximately 700 attended.^[5]
• 2009 -- The 15th (COPANI XV) is planned.

Notes

References

• Kasamatsu, Emi. (2005). Historia de la Asociación Panamericana Nikkei: Presencia e inmigración japonesas en las Américas. Asunción: Servilibro. 10-ISBN 9-992-59214-1; 13-ISBN 978-9-992-59214-4; OCLC 68741080
• Kikumura-Yano, Akemi and Daniel K. Inouye. (2002). Encyclopedia of Japanese Descendants in the Americas: An Illustrated History of the Nikkei.. Walnut Creek, California: Rowman Altamira. 10-ISBN 0-759-10149-3; 13-ISBN 978-0-759-10149-4; OCLC 48965106
• Masterson, Daniel M. and Sayaka Funada-Classen. (2003). The Japanese in Latin America. Urbana: University of Illinois Press. 10-ISBN 0-252-07144-1: 13-ISBN 978-0-252-07144-7

External links

• Asociación Panamericana Nikkei web page
• Asociación Peruano Japonesa web site