Dirty Hearts: The History of Shindo Renmei

Dirty Hearts is a literary journalism tour de force that explores the discriminatory treatment of Japanese immigrants in Brazil during World War II and in the aftermath of Japan's defeat. It traces the rise of Shindō Renmei, an ultranationalist secret society that used terrorism and propaganda to enforce its narrative of Japan's victory, transforming the Japanese Brazilian community from an insular colony to an ethnic minority in postwar Brazil.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 281 pages
Publication date: 28 November 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Dirty Hearts is a remarkable work of literary journalism that delves into the discriminatory treatment of the Japanese immigrant community in Brazil during World War II and in the aftermath of Japan's defeat and unconditional surrender. Contrary to the internment camps and compulsory military service that characterized the Japanese American wartime experience, this book explores the rise to power of Shindō Renmei, an ultranationalist secret society that emerged in response to the anti-Japanese measures enacted under Getulio Vargas Estado Novo. Founded in São Paulo, the group employed terrorism, propaganda campaigns, and conspiracy theories to violently enforce its narrative of Japan's victory. Despite these traumatic events, they resulted in a profound transformation within the Japanese Brazilian community, shifting it from a predominantly insular colony with strong ties to its imperial homeland to its new identity as an ethnic minority in postwar Brazil's complex and fraught racial democracy.

Background Information:
Dirty Hearts takes place in Brazil during World War II and the years following Japan's defeat. The book focuses on the experiences of the Japanese immigrant community, particularly those who were subjected to discrimination and violence. The Japanese American wartime experience was marked by internment camps and compulsory military service, which were designed to marginalize and control the Japanese population. In contrast, the Japanese immigrant community in Brazil faced a different set of challenges. They were often subjected to prejudice, discrimination, and violence by both the Brazilian government and the local population.
Rise to Power of Shindō Renmei:
The book explores the rise to power of Shindō Renmei, an ultranationalist secret society that emerged in response to the anti-Japanese measures enacted under Getulio Vargas Estado Novo. Shindō Renmei was founded in São Paulo and was led by a charismatic figure named Shindō Ryūnosuke. The group used a combination of terrorism, propaganda campaigns, and conspiracy theories to promote their narrative of Japan's victory and to violently enforce their agenda. They targeted both Japanese immigrants and Brazilian citizens who they perceived as enemies of Japan.
Violent Enforcement of Narrative:
Shindō Renmei employed a range of violent tactics to enforce their narrative. They launched terrorist attacks against Japanese immigrants and their businesses, as well as against Brazilian government officials and institutions that they perceived as supporting Japan. They also conducted propaganda campaigns that spread false information about Japan and its military actions, and they used conspiracy theories to justify their actions. These tactics resulted in a significant amount of violence and trauma within the Japanese Brazilian community.
Permanent Transformation:
Despite the violence and trauma, the events of World War II and the aftermath of Japan's defeat brought about a permanent transformation in the Japanese Brazilian community. The community became more assertive and organized, and they began to fight for their rights and dignity. They formed organizations such as the Japanese Brazilian Association and the Japanese Brazilian Cultural Center to promote their culture and to advocate for their rights. They also began to integrate into Brazilian society, and they contributed to the development of Brazilian culture and society.
Conclusion:
Dirty Hearts is a powerful and important work of literary journalism that sheds light on the discriminatory treatment of the Japanese immigrant community in Brazil during World War II and in the aftermath of Japan's defeat. The book provides a detailed account of the rise to power of Shindō Renmei and their violent tactics, and it highlights the profound transformation that the community experienced as a result of these events. The book is a valuable contribution to the study of race, immigration, and identity in Brazil and beyond.

Weight: 400g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030705640
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021