Hometown Stories

A Pillar for Brazilians in Japan (2020x19)

Air date: Oct 10, 2020

Businesses in Izumo City have welcomed scores of Brazilian workers in recent years. But due to US-China trade tensions, they're cutting production -- and jobs. For Brazilians out of work, the COVID-19 pandemic is making matters worse. But there's someone to lean on. Known as Paizão, or "big daddy," he's a Japanese-Brazilian who's been in Japan for nearly 30 years. In addition to running a Brazilian restaurant and a nonprofit, he devotes his days to supporting his Brazilian friends. Follow one man's tireless efforts to build lasting bridges between Brazil and Japan.