The Japanese Colony in Peru

In 1941–42 Dr. Robert B. Hall, professor of geography at the University of Michigan, investigated Japanese settlements throughout Latin America. Since his survey was made in the months just before and after Pearl Harbor, when Japan was winning successive victories, Professor Hall found the Japanese at a high peak of morale which sometimes bordered on arrogance. Subsequently, as the Allies gained the upper hand, the total situation of the Japanese underwent a marked decline. Under these circumstances it seemed likely that a postwar study might provide a valuable insight into several aspects of sociocultural change. Plans for a follow-up of Dr. Hall's work by the writer were discussed in 1947, and a decision was made to concentrate on Peru.