Every Friday, we feature a one-on-one Q&A with Japas, our resident curators: Maíra Kimura, Yumi Shimada, and Fernanda Ueno—founders of Japas Cervejaria. They will share their personal reflections on culture, travel, and the everyday moments including their connection to Japan.
Q: What does “home” mean to you—especially between Brazil and Japan?
Maíra: Brazil is where I was born and built my life, but Japan lives in my roots, culture, and imagination. I carry both with me in my work and identity, sometimes feeling in between, sometimes feeling like I belong to both. And at times, I don’t feel entirely like I belong to either, because we Japanese-Brazilians exist in a third space of our own.
Yumi: Home isn't exactly a place, but how you feel in it. I think having the chance to get to know Japan, while also living in Brazil and being surrounded by different types of descendants and other cultures that exist within my own family and friends, is what truly makes me feel at home.
Fernanda: That’s a tough question for me, because I’ve moved around a lot. I think I’ve lived in over 20 different places. So, in a way, I’ve come to see “home” as something more flexible. I adapt easily, and I can feel at home in many different cities. Of course, I was born in Brazil, and my roots, childhood, teenage years, early memories — are all tied to my home there. That will always be a part of me. At the same time, I’ve always felt deeply connected to Japan, even though I only visited it for the first time as an adult. I’ve never lived there, but I definitely would. There’s something about the culture, the people, and the atmosphere that feels very familiar. Maybe it’s the Sagittarius in me, I love exploring, traveling, and living in new places. For me, home is where I feel a deeper connection, whether that’s through heritage, friendships, or shared experiences. And I’m lucky to have found that in more than one place.