Japanese Americans

Americans with Japanese Ancestry by state

Nyssa, Oregon. Japanese-American farm worker digital file from original neg

Japanese-American camp, war emergency evacuation, (Tule Lake Relocation Center, Newell, Calif.) (LOC)

Seattle - Nihon Go Gakko 01

20140314 SAINTS

Japanese Americans are Americans of Japanese ancestry. This group includes both those who have migrated from Japan to the United States and their descendants. Japanese Americans have been a significant part of the American fabric, contributing to various fields such as agriculture, arts, science, business, and politics. The history of Japanese Americans is marked by significant events, including immigration waves, the struggle against discrimination, and the impact of World War II internment camps.

History

The first major wave of Japanese immigration to the United States began in the late 19th century, primarily to Hawaii and the West Coast. These immigrants, known as Issei (first generation), sought better economic opportunities and were instrumental in developing the agricultural sector in these regions. However, they faced racial discrimination and legal challenges, such as the Alien Land Laws, which prohibited them from owning land.

The second generation, known as Nisei, were born in the United States to Japanese immigrant parents. Despite their American citizenship, they continued to face discrimination and were often segregated in schools and faced barriers in employment. The situation worsened after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, leading to the internment of over 120,000 Japanese Americans, two-thirds of whom were American citizens, in camps across the country.

Post-World War II, Japanese Americans sought to rebuild their lives and communities. The Nisei and subsequent generations, including the Sansei (third generation) and Yonsei (fourth generation), have made significant strides in fighting for civil rights and gaining recognition for the injustices faced by their community.

Culture

Japanese American culture is a vibrant mix of traditional Japanese and American elements. Festivals such as the Cherry Blossom Festival and events like the Nisei Week in Los Angeles celebrate this unique heritage. Japanese Americans have also contributed to the culinary landscape of the United States, introducing sushi and other Japanese dishes to a wider audience.

Notable Contributions

Japanese Americans have made notable contributions in various fields. In science, individuals like physicist Shuji Nakamura, who won the Nobel Prize in Physics, have made groundbreaking discoveries. In the arts, figures such as sculptor Isamu Noguchi and author Julie Otsuka have gained international acclaim. Politically, Japanese Americans have served at all levels of government, including Senator Daniel Inouye, who was a Medal of Honor recipient and the first Japanese American to serve in the U.S. Congress.

Current Demographics

As of the latest census, there are approximately 1.3 million people of Japanese descent in the United States. The largest populations are found in California, Hawaii, and the Pacific Northwest. Japanese Americans continue to play a significant role in the cultural, economic, and social life of the United States.

Challenges and Advocacy

Despite their achievements, Japanese Americans have faced challenges related to identity and discrimination. Organizations like the Japanese American Citizens League work towards advocating for civil rights and educating the public about the history and contributions of Japanese Americans.

See Also

• Asian Americans
• Immigration to the United States
• Internment of Japanese Americans

This Asian-American related article is a stub.