The Polish Diaspora in Japan: History, Present, and Future

Japan, a country of cherry blossoms, a bloody samurai history, and cutting-edge technology, has fascinated us in Poland for years. However, few know that more than 1,500 Poles currently reside on the islands of this distant country, making them the largest Polish diaspora in all of East Asia. Although this number may seem small compared to other Polish communities around the world, Poles in Japan play a significant role in building bridges between Poland and Japan, and their history dates back to the 18th century.

On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the establishment of official relations between Poland and Japan, it is worth taking a closer look at this little-known community, which, despite geographical distance, actively maintains Polish cultural identity on the Japanese islands. The Polish diaspora in Japan is not only about fascinating stories of pioneers like Maurycy Beniowski, but also the modern successes of Polish professionals, scientists, and artists who have found their second home in Japan. From organizing Polish schools, publishing newspapers, to cultivating Polish holidays and traditions—Poles in Japan continuously ensure that their heritage does not disappear in the ocean of cultural differences.

It is precisely this fascinating history and the contemporary achievements of Poles in Japan, their struggles with daily life in a culturally foreign environment, and their successes that surprise and inspire, that form the content of this article. Let's discover one of the most intriguing and least known Polish communities in the world.

The History of Polish Presence in Japan

First Contacts

The history of Polish presence in Japan begins with the extraordinary adventure of Maurycy Beniowski, who, along with his companion Antoni Straszewski, reached the Japanese shores in 1771 after a daring escape from Russian exile in Kamchatka. Beniowski, a colorful figure who was simultaneously a traveler, adventurer, and self-proclaimed king of Madagascar, made the unusual decision to sail towards Japan. Under the Polish flag, on a captured Russian ship, Beniowski became the first Pole to officially set foot on Japanese soil.

The Japanese welcomed him with great curiosity, and the exchange of gifts between him and the local authorities became the beginning of a symbolic contact between Poland and Japan, even though this episode did not result in long-lasting relations.

Polonia in Karafuto

In the 20th century, during the interwar period, the first significant Polish community in Japan was established on the island of Karafuto (Sakhalin), which was then part of Japan. The Poles who settled there were mainly refugees from northern Sakhalin, fleeing Soviet persecution.

In the 1920s and 1930s, this community developed dynamically, engaging in cultural and religious life. In the prefecture’s capital, Toyohara, a Polish library was established, and in 1930, thanks to the joint efforts of Poles from Karafuto and Poland, two Catholic churches were built in Toyohara and Odomari. In 1924, the local Poles were visited by the Polish ambassador to Japan, Stanisław Patek, which strengthened their sense of belonging to the Polish nation.

It was in Karafuto that one of the largest Polish communities in Japan was located, which, despite its distance from the homeland, nurtured Polish culture and traditions.

Siberian Children

One of the most moving chapters in Polish-Japanese history is the rescue operation of Polish orphans from Siberia. Between 1920 and 1922, Japan took in a total of 765 Polish children who, as a result of the Bolshevik Revolution and the civil war in Russia, found themselves in Siberia, without care.

Thanks to the efforts of the Polish Relief Committee and the support of the Japanese government, these children were evacuated through Vladivostok to Japan, where they stayed for several months in Tokyo and Osaka, surrounded by caring support.

After their temporary stay in Japan, most of the orphans returned to Poland, where they began new lives. This dramatic event, in which Japanese empathy and solidarity with Poles took on a new dimension, is forever etched in the history of relations between the two nations.

The Development of the Polish Diaspora After World War II

After World War II, Japan, devastated by wartime activities and facing the challenge of rebuilding the country, attracted increasing attention from foreign specialists, including Poles. Poland, then under the influence of the Soviet Union, was struggling with new political realities, forcing many Poles to leave their homeland. The fates of Poles and Japanese began to intertwine in unexpected ways, and the relationships that were formed during these difficult times have endured to this day.

The 1970s were a period of rapid economic development for Japan, which was becoming one of the world's leading economic centers. It was during this time that many Poles began arriving in Japan, not only for professional reasons but also for personal ones. One example is Professor Andrzej Walicki, a prominent Polish historian of ideas, who was invited by the University of Tokyo as a visiting professor in 1971. His stay in Japan had a significant impact on the development of scientific cooperation between Poland and Japan.

The growth in the number of Poles in Japan was also associated with Polish-Japanese marriages. One of the most famous examples is Elżbieta Kostowska-Watanabe, who, after marrying a Japanese scientist, became involved in social activities for the Polish community, becoming one of the key figures in the Polish community in the Land of the Rising Sun. In 1970, the Polish diaspora in Japan numbered only a few dozen people, but it grew each year thanks to the influx of new residents who found their place in Japanese society.

Examples of individual stories of Poles in Japan often resemble movie scenarios. There are many examples—such as in 1977 when Polish engineer Zbigniew Olszewski, after receiving a research scholarship, came to Tokyo to work on modern technologies in civil engineering. Fascinated by Japanese culture, Olszewski decided to stay in Japan permanently, where he later started a family and became a respected specialist in his field.

After 1989, when Poland regained sovereignty, the Polish government's approach to the Polish diaspora changed. The former suspicions towards emigrants, often seen as a threat to the communist regime, gave way to a new policy aimed at rebuilding ties with Poles around the world. The Senate of the Republic of Poland took over patronage of diaspora affairs, resulting in greater availability of funds to support Polish communities abroad, including in Japan.

In 1998, the Polish Club in Japan was founded, initiated by the aforementioned Elżbieta Kostowska-Watanabe. The club became a meeting place for Poles living in Japan, organizing cultural events and supporting new arrivals in adapting to life in Japan. At the same time, Polish schools, such as the Janusz Korczak Polonia School in Tokyo, were established, which has been educating Polish children since 2008, promoting Polish culture and language among younger generations.

What Does the Polish Diaspora Look Like in Present-Day Japan?

Demographics

Although relatively small, the Polish diaspora in Japan has a diverse structure and interesting demographics. According to 2023 data, 1,510 Polish citizens live on the Japanese islands, making this community the largest Polish diaspora in all of East Asia. The vast majority of Poles in Japan are people who have settled there for the long term, often connected to the country through marriages with Japanese citizens or due to their roles as professionals, scientists, and students.

Geographically, Poles in Japan are most concentrated in the Kantō region, which includes Tokyo and the surrounding prefectures. This is understandable, as Tokyo, being the largest metropolis in the world, attracts the highest number of Poles—468 people reside permanently in Japan's capital. The Kantō region, which also includes the prefectures of Kanagawa (136 people), Saitama (84 people), and Chiba (72 people), represents the main area where Poles live in Japan.

Outside the Kantō region, significant clusters of Poles can also be found in the Kansai region, which includes cities like Osaka and Kyoto. In Osaka alone, about 80 Poles live, and in nearby Kyoto—33 people. Another important region is Hokkaido, where approximately 74 Poles reside, many of whom are connected to local higher education institutions such as Hokkaido University in Sapporo.

Interestingly, Poles also live in more remote and less populated areas of Japan, such as Nagasaki Prefecture, where 80 people have settled, or Okinawa, where 25 Poles live. It is worth noting that the Polish diaspora in Japan is diverse in terms of demographics—the majority are women (762 people).

Polonia in Major Cities

Since the largest concentration of Poles in Japan is in Tokyo, many Polish institutions and organizations are based here, such as the Polish Club in Japan. This club organizes regular meetings, cultural events, and supports newly arrived Poles in adapting to life in Japan.

In the Kansai region, particularly in Osaka and Kyoto, Poles are actively involved in academic and cultural life. In Osaka, there is a social group called "Kansai Polonia," which organizes informal gatherings and participates in events organized by local Japanese-Polish associations, such as the Japan-Poland Society.

In Hokkaido, Poles primarily focus around Hokkaido University in Sapporo, where many of them work as scientists or are students. Hokkaido is also the site of regular Polish gatherings, such as the “Polish Tent” during the university festival or joint celebrations of Polish national holidays.

Polish Organizations in Japan

Polish Club in Japan

The Polish Club in Japan, founded in September 1998, became the central hub of Polish life on the Japanese islands. Its creation was a response to the growing demand for a formal organization that could integrate Poles living in Japan and promote Polish culture in this distant country. The founder and first chairperson of the Club was Elżbieta Kostowska-Watanabe, a sociologist and academic lecturer who married a Japanese scientist and settled in Japan permanently.

From the very beginning, the Club was very active, organizing meetings, lectures, concerts, festivals, and special events such as carnival balls and New Year's parties. One of the key elements of the Club's activities was the education of Polish children—Polish language lessons were organized, along with meetings aimed at preserving Polish traditions and culture among the younger generation. The Polish Club in Japan was also involved in organizing meetings with important guests from Poland, including politicians, artists, and scientists.

One of the Club's greatest successes was the publication of the "Polish Club in Japan Gazette"—the first Polish-language periodical in Japan, which for years was the primary source of information about Polish events and issues important to Poles living in Japan. The Gazette was published every two months, with its first issue appearing in June 1998. Among the editors were individuals connected to both Poland and Japan, such as Renata Sowińska-Mitsui, Dorota Hałasa, and Ewa Maria Kido. Unfortunately, after years of intensive activity, the Club was dissolved in 2006 due to a decline in membership and other challenges.

Other Organizations and Groups

Apart from the Polish Club in Japan, other Polish organizations have existed and continue to operate in the country, playing an important role in integrating Poles and promoting Polish culture. One of them was Polonia TAMA Forum, established in 2000 by former members of the Polish Club. This Forum focused primarily on promoting Polish culture in Japan by organizing lectures, Polish culture days, and other events aimed at both Poles and Japanese. Polonia TAMA Forum also had its website, "Polish Page in Japan," which was one of the first Polish informational portals in Japan. Unfortunately, the Forum's activities ended after the 2011 earthquake, when many of its members decided to leave Japan.

Another important organization is Polonia Association Together, founded in 2012 by a group of Polish parents and Polish citizens temporarily living in Japan. The main goal of the Association is "to cultivate and promote the Polish language, culture, traditions, and customs among the Polish community in Japan." Under its auspices operates the Polish Saturday School in Tokyo, which offers classes for children two to three times a month. This school plays a crucial role in educating Polish children and preserving Polish heritage among younger generations.

Another important initiative was the continuation of the "Polish Gazette in Japan" in the form of the online portal "POLONIA JAPONICA," created by the former editorial team of the newspaper. This portal, still active today, serves as a platform for social dialogue, informing the Polish community about events, issues, and initiatives related to the lives of Poles in Japan. "POLONIA JAPONICA" was also involved in important efforts, such as the initiative for signing a bilateral social security agreement between Poland and Japan, which aimed to secure the social rights of Poles living in Japan.

Contemporary Challenges

Although Polish organizations in Japan play a crucial role in integrating and supporting Poles living in the country, they also face many challenges. One of the most serious problems is the decreasing number of members, leading to difficulties in maintaining organizational activity. The modern pace of life and professional obligations mean that Poles have less time to engage in social activities.

Additionally, the geographical distance between different regions of Japan makes it difficult to organize joint events for the entire Polish community. The lack of a central institution coordinating Polish activities on a national level means that many initiatives remain local and do not reach a wider group of Poles.

Another contemporary challenge is the integration of younger generations who, growing up in Japan, often lose touch with Polish culture and language. Polish organizations try to counteract this, but the lack of adequate financial and logistical support often limits their ability to act.

Poles in Public Life in Japan

Famous Figures

Although Poles make up a small part of Japanese society, they have made a significant mark on its history and culture. Many of them, thanks to their talent, determination, and passion, have gained recognition in Japan and beyond.

Bronisław Piłsudski

Bronisław Piłsudski, the older brother of Marshal Józef Piłsudski, is one of the most distinguished Poles who lived on Japanese soil. An ethnologist, exile, and researcher of indigenous cultures, Bronisław arrived in Japan as a result of his exile to Sakhalin, where he studied the culture and language of the Ainu, the indigenous people of Japan. His research, including the famous phonograph recordings of the Ainu language, remains a priceless source of knowledge about this disappearing culture. His scientific work is still studied by researchers worldwide. Much more about him is written here: Pilsudski on Hokkaido.

Maksymilian Kolbe

Maksymilian Kolbe, known primarily as a martyr who gave his life for a fellow prisoner in Auschwitz, also had an important episode in Japan. From 1930 to 1936, he lived in Nagasaki, where he founded a Franciscan monastery known as the "Garden of the Immaculate." Kolbe, fascinated by Japan, learned the language and conducted evangelization. His monastery even survived the atomic bombing of Nagasaki in 1945, which some considered a miracle. Today, this monastery is a pilgrimage site, and Maksymilian Kolbe is a respected figure among Christians in Japan.

Karolina Styczyńska

Karolina Styczyńska, known as the first foreign professional shogi (Japanese chess) player, is a contemporary example of a Polish woman who has gained recognition in Japan. Karolina, fascinated by shogi from a young age, began playing online with opponents from Japan, which soon attracted the attention of the Japan Shogi Federation. Thanks to her determination and talent, she was officially recognized as a professional player in 2017—the first person from outside Japan to achieve this status. Her story is an inspiration to many, both in Poland and Japan, and Karolina is now an ambassador of this traditional Japanese game worldwide. Much more about her is written here: Susume Karolina.

Emilia Okuyama

Emilia Okuyama, a Polish artist who gained recognition in Japan for her unique approach to art, combining elements of Polish and Japanese culture. After marrying a Japanese man, she settled in Tokyo, where she began creating works inspired by both Japanese tradition and Polish artistic heritage. Her exhibitions attracted the attention of both the Polish community and Japanese art lovers, and her works were presented in numerous exhibitions throughout Japan. Okuyama was also active in the Polish community, engaging in organizing cultural events and promoting Polish art in Japan.

The Future of the Polish Diaspora in Japan

The future for Poles in Japan is full of challenges, but also opportunities. Although the number of Poles in some regions may decrease, this does not mean that Polish culture and community will lose significance. On the contrary, thanks to new technologies, social media, and the Internet in general, Poles in Japan have a chance to strengthen their ties and promote their culture even more.

The Internet also offers obvious opportunities for promoting Polish culture—from films and music to literature and traditions. Not to mention how it facilitates contact, whether someone lives in bustling Tokyo or remote Hokkaido.

Engaging the younger generation will be key. If they can combine their Japanese lives with Polish heritage, the future of the Polish community in Japan could look very promising. The only question is whether there will be ideas on how to make "Polish themes" appealing enough for the younger generation.

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