Italians in Japan (在日イタリア人, Zainichi Itariajin) (Italian: Residenti italiani in Giappone) consists of Italian migrants that come to Japan, as well as the descendants. In December 2023, there were 5,243 Italians living in Japan.[2]
在日イタリア人 Zainichi Itariajin | |
|---|---|
  | |
| Total population | |
| 5,243 (2023)[1] | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Yokohama, Saitama | |
| Languages | |
| Italian | |
| Religion | |
| Christianity (Catholic), Shinto | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Italians |
History
editThe first settlements of Italians began in the 19th century when the Jesuit missionaries came to Japan.[3]
Since the late 20th century many Italian workers came to Japan as a student, businessman or as a factory worker. There are also many Italians who work for Italian restaurants, but many Italian restaurants in Japan are led by Japanese chefs and cooks and some Italians works as an assistant for them. The Italian population in Japan is currently increasing due to the popularity of Japanese culture and is one of the fastest growing European community in Japan. There are also many Italian institutions for the Italian community and few Italian language schools for Japanese people.[4]
Notable people
edit- Antonio Fontanesi, professor at Tokyo Institute of Technology
- Edoardo Chiossone, engrave who worked as foreign advisor in Meiji period
- Girolamo Panzetta, television personality who works in Japan
