ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the Nikkei’s distanced relationship with the Bolivian state. Many descendants consider corruption an inherent ill of the Bolivian society, contrasting it with their supposed moral superiority as Japanese descendants and considering themselves victims of the state rather than citizens. Apart from economic assistance, Japanese diplomacy has occasionally supported the Nikkei in land conflicts and they did not need to invest in local networks for a long time. As a result, their power in the Bolivian political arena is limited. The case of a Nikkei mayor demonstrates that the polarised political climate makes it difficult for outsiders to assert themselves even at the local level. Nevertheless, Nisei and Sansei increasingly argue for more participation in Bolivian civil society, but with few tangible results so far.
