“Now I know that I am no more alone:” Afro-Brazilian religions as a space of care, healing and affect for Brazilian immigrants in Japan

Abstract (English)

Migration flows can favour religious participation as well as the spread of religions and transnational processes (Park 1994). In fact, religions can be a resource and a dynamic
space for transnational migrants to reconfigure belonging, well-being and a “home” in a context of uncertainty, marginalisation and adversity.
In Japan, Afro-Brazilian religions – particularly Umbanda and Quimbanda – spread and evolved with the arrival of Brazilian immigrants and transnational processes of flows of people, spirits, materialities, worldviews, values and affections (Calvo 2024). After coming to Japan, many Brazilians start practicing Afro-Brazilian religions or deepen their adherence, frequently motivated by a desire for support, healing, meaning, affection, and a caring community.
The majority of Brazilian migrants in Japan are Japanese descendants and their families who came for economic reasons with the intention of returning to Brazil in the near future. However, many of them end up extending their stay or starting a “circular migration” process (Tsuda 2003). They frequently deal with difficulties of adaptation, downward social mobility, economic problems, ongoing extensions of their plans to return to Brazil, lack of affection, family separation, loneliness, and uncertainty.
In this scenario, Afro-Brazilian religions offer a caring and healing space, through relationships within the religious community and with the spiritual world, a worldview that allows to face suffering and hardships, the guidance of embodied spirits, and a variety of “affective technologies” (De Antoni 2022) such as rituals, prayers, chants, images and herbal baths.
Focussing on the lived experiences of the practitioners of Afro-Brazilian religions in Japan, I analyse how Afro-Brazilian religions help people build meaningful relationships and networks of support; find a sense of “home” and a purpose in life; receive emotional support and a way to cope with anxiety, and better adjust to the context of migration. I also look at how they provide meaning, healing, guidance, and support for traumas, everyday struggles, and the prorogation of life plans.