Japanese 'Santa Claus' cheered hundreds of children from Cuzco, Tacna and Puno at Christmas

Character of the year! Jesse Katayama, boxing teacher in Japan (his native country), he arrived in Peru to visit Machu Picchu in March 2020, being there and with all the desire on the surface, they declared National emergency due to the Covid 19 pandemic. All flights were paralyzed. The tourist places too, of course. Jesse had no choice but to stay to cope with the quarantine in Aguas Calientes (Cuzco).

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During his stay, he took the opportunity to learn about Peruvian culture and give boxing classes to the children of the town. Only in October 2020, seven months later, was he able to realize his dream of visiting the Inca sanctuary, when the government decided to reopen Machu Picchu only for Jesse Katayama. The event was world news and various international media announced it.

This time Jesse Katayama put on the red suit, white beard and with thousands of gifts on top, he returned to Aguas Calientes, the town that sheltered him for seven months and that fell in love with the 28-year-old Japanese. Dressed as ‘Santa Claus’, he has toured cities and associations in Cuzco, Puno and Tacna to make hundreds of children smile. And he plans to repeat the project every year and reach more Peruvian cities.

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How did you decide to return to Peru?

I missed Peru, it’s the truth ha ha ha. Also, while in Japan, I saw the news that the pandemic had returned with force to his country and I was encouraged to return. I wanted to give back a little of what you had done for me when I stayed seven months in Machu Picchu.

What does this solidarity project consist of?

There are two things that I have been doing strongly. In Japan I am in charge of promoting Peruvian culture and thus encouraging tourists to visit their country. And my plan is to return every year to distribute gifts, toys, school supplies and soccer balls from the Qatar World Cup to the kids in the cities. Santa Claus dress!

He returned to Peru and gave thousands of toys to children in Cuzco, Puno and Tacna. Photo: Jesse Katayama.

How did people receive you?

They are all very friendly. I see the children happy and that is enough. My goal is to give them a bit of happiness in the midst of everything they have to go through. The policemen also greet me very happily.

What places have you visited as ‘Santa Claus’?

We have been to Puno (Los Uros and Aychuyo), Cuzco (Zaguán del cielo, San Pedro Association, La Estrella, Zarzuela, Saylla, Santiago and Aguas Calientes) and Tacna. My plan is to reach more cities in Peru.

He visited the island of Los Uros in Puno and gave away toys, school supplies and soccer balls from the Qatar World Cup. Photo: Jesse Katayama.

Tell us what you do in Japan

I am a boxer, a boxing teacher and I organize Peruvian events in Japan. In addition, I encourage more Japanese to visit Peru. It is my way of thanking you for everything you did when I stayed in Machu Picchu. I assure you that more Japanese will come to know this wonderful country.

Did those seven months that you were stranded mark your life?

Anyway. They were the best seven months of my life. You don’t know how kind they were to me. At first I missed Japan, but then I got used to it and I didn’t even want to leave ha ha ha.

Solidarity project will be repeated in the coming years and will cover more cities in Peru. Photo: Jesse Katayama.

Is it true that while you were in Machu Picchu you taught boxing to children?

Yes of course. It’s that they really treated me very well and that was the only way I found to put a grain of sand. Besides, I am a boxing teacher, I love teaching and the boys here are very willing to learn. I have traveled to many countries, but none is like Peru.