As with many other nations, Japan saw substantial emigration in the 19th and 20th centuries, and like a number of those other countries, Japan has a museum dedicated to exploring the stories of those who left and the forces that drove emigration.
The museum is in Yokahama, one of the main ports through which emigrants left for the Hawaiian Islands, the U.S., Brazil and other places. The museum’s multi-lingual exhibits allow visitors to explore those stories, and what happened after they arrived in new countries, as well as to explore exhibits that discuss what it means to be Japanese.
Permanent exhibits cover three sections: The history surrounding five periods of temporary and permanent migration, work and daily life in global Japanese communities and perspectives from 21st-century descendants of immigrants.
The museum is part of the JICA Yokahama Center, which also has several cafes. Nearby attractions include the Yokahama Port Museum, one of the world’s tallest Ferris wheels and, yes, the CupNoodles Museum.
