Japanese people came to Brazil for the first time in 1908, when Kasatu Maru arrived in the Santos Harbour. Firstly, they lived in other cities before come to São Paulo. A lot of immigrants came during World War I to work and begin a new life. In 1912, the Liberdade's neighbourhood was featured by Japanese when they started to live in Rua Conde de Sarzedas. Firstly, Japanese lived in other cities before come to São Paulo.
After that, the Japanese who lived and worked on farms started to come to São Paulo. They started to live together and preserve their traditions. All these traditions you can find in this neighbourhood. You'll find Japanese Food, some literatures such as Manga and also, some festivals like Chinese New Year. Every year they use to celebrate it.
Most of people who lived in Liberdade speak Japanese. Some come from Japan but most of them are descendants of the first Japanese. It looks that you're in another country even you're living in Brazil. Actually, it's interesting observe their culture and way of life.
So, I recommend you to visit the neighbourhood and also the Museum.
It's an incredible place to know.