Our History

On May 1st, 1932, a group of Japanese pioneers ventured into the virgin forest of the Tibagi River valley in Paraná, Brazil. Led by Miyuki Saito and supported by the BRATAC colonization company, these visionaries established what would become Assaí – a name derived from 'Asahi' (朝日), meaning 'rising sun' in Japanese.

From the very beginning, Assaí was built on a foundation of meticulous planning and community cooperation. The founders made a strategic decision to establish the city center on irregular terrain, preserving the flat, fertile lands exclusively for agriculture – a choice that demonstrated their commitment to sustainable productivity and long-term vision.

The fertile 'terra roxa' (red soil) of Assaí proved ideal for agriculture. Through the mid-20th century, the region thrived on two major agricultural cycles: cotton, earning Assaí the title of 'Capital of Cotton' in the 1960s, and coffee, which brought unprecedented prosperity during the 'Green Gold' era of the 1950s and 60s.

Assaí has become known as a 'living memory of Japan' – preserving customs, traditions, and even linguistic particularities from 1930s Japan that have disappeared in the country of origin. The city's cultural landmarks stand as testaments to this unique heritage.

In the 21st century, Assaí has undergone its most remarkable transformation yet. Under visionary leadership, the city established the 'Sun Valley' (Vale do Sol) innovation ecosystem, transforming itself into a technology laboratory that has earned global recognition.

The Sun Valley Innovation Agency, housed within the State Vocational College, serves as a cutting-edge hub offering recording studios, prototyping labs, coworking spaces, and courses in programming, design, and digital marketing – not just for Assaí's students, but for eight surrounding municipalities.

This transformation is rooted in the same cooperative spirit and meticulous planning that defined the city's founding. By focusing on youth education, technology, robotics, sustainability, and renewable energy, Assaí is reversing the historical 'brain drain' and building a sustainable future for its community.

Assaí's innovative approach has earned prestigious international recognition, solidifying its position as a global leader in intelligent community development: