Jardim de Repouso São Francisco Ikoi-no-Sono

In 1958, to mark 50 years of Japanese immigration to Brazil, the São Francisco monastery in São Paulo’s Guarulhos region donated 10 alqueires of land (252,503㎡ ) which was turned into Ikoi-no-Sono by Shakai Fukushi Hojin Kyusaikai (Assistência Social Dom José Gaspar). The Kyusaikai organization first became active in 1942 with the support of the São Paulo Japanese Catholic Church. Its four founders were Chibata Miyakoshi, Margarida Watanabe, Keizo Ishihara and Masaru Takahashi. After the inception of Kyusaikai, the group concentrated on relief and support for “Nikkei” Japanese-Brazilian emigrants. After Ikoi-no-Sono was created, almost all such welfare work was channeled into the organization. Specializing in the field of welfare for the elderly, Ikoi-no-Sono operates in line with its mission of commitment to creating a positive environment where each person is recognized, loved, can achieve their potential and live as themselves to the end, regardless of impairments associated with aging. Like special nursing homes in Japan, its elderly residents comprise all sorts, from those who can manage in daily life with a little help, to those who require long-term care. A total of 70 people live there; 44 first-generation Nikkei Japanese and 26 second-generation Nisei. Trees and flowers grow in abundance in the spacious garden, and ducks swim in the pond. Many things in Japanese or related to Japan can be seen around the garden, like a stone monument standing in a corner of the garden, inscribed with Japanese.