Draft:Bulgarians in Japan

Bulgarians in Japan

Total population
438 (2018)
Regions with significant populations
Tokyo, Kantō region, Kansai region

Bulgarians residing in Japan are people of Bulgarian nationality who reside in Japan for a certain period of time. They form a small minority, but at the same time the largest Bulgarian diaspora community in East Asia.

History

The Bulgarian community in Japan is relatively small, with a history that traces back to the late 19th century. The first recorded Bulgarians in Japan were diplomats and students. Diplomat Ivan Dimitrov was among the early arrivals in the late 1800s, establishing diplomatic relations. During the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905), some Bulgarian officers fought alongside the Japanese.

In the post-World War II era, more Bulgarians came to Japan for various reasons, including work and education. However, the community remains modest in size compared to other expatriate communities. Today, cultural events and gatherings help maintain connections among Bulgarians living in Japan.

Notable people

• Aoiyama Kōsuke
• Kotoōshū Katsunori