It was characterized to be small in number and mainly indirect, that is, Japanese immigrant previously had been established in another South American country but later moving to Uruguay, although some came directly from Japan.

The immigration wave happened in two periods, the first since the early 20th century until before World War II and the latter since the mid-1950s to 1960s.

[citation needed] After the end of the war, hundreds of Japanese refugees were still permitted by Uruguayan government to settle.

[citation needed] In recent decades, many Japanese settlers arrived especially as businessmen to profit in the country.

In 2008, a ceremony of the 100th anniversary of the Japanese emigration in Uruguay was held, with the presence of Princess Takamado.