Japanese Latin Americans

During World War II, 2,264 Latin Americans of Japanese ancestry were forcibly deported from their countries of residence and taken to the U.S. where they were placed in internment camps in order to be exchanged for Americans held by Japanese forces. Some 80 percent of the internees were Japanese Peruvians; the rest came from various Pacific-facing countries from Mexico to Chile. At the conclusion of the war, most of the interned Japanese Latin Americans were forced to leave the U.S. However, since many were initially barred from returning to their home countries, more than 900 Japanese Latin Americans were deported to war-devastated Japan. Over 350 Japanese Latin Americans remained in the U.S. and fought deportation in the courts. Eventually, about 100 managed to gain reentry to their home countries in Latin America. It was not until 1952 that those who stayed were allowed to begin the process of becoming U.S. permanent residents. Many later became U.S. citizens.

Japanese Latin Americans (284)

Related articles from the Densho Encyclopedia :
Japanese Latin Americans

Filters

Facilities

Format

Genre

Usage

Use <Ctrl> or (⌘) keys to select multiple terms

Gallery view
List view

284 items

doc Memo from J. Daniel Hanley (ddr-densho-67-60)

Memo from J. Daniel Hanley to undisclosed recipient regarding evacuating Peruvian Japanese to the U.S. Discusses previous communications with the American Embassy in Lima including recommendations to the Peruvian government.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-67-60/

doc Memorandum to the Peruvian ambassador (ddr-densho-67-34)

Memorandum states that Japanese people form the largest foreign element in Peru. Opinion: the Japanese in Peru are dangerous, organized, and patriotic to Japan. Recommendations: "dangerous" Japanese leaders should be expelled from Peru; encourage propaganda to bring the "Japanese danger" to the Peruvians' attention.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-67-34/

doc Japanese in Brazil. (March 17, 1915) (ddr-densho-56-264)

The Seattle Daily Times, March 17, 1915, p. 6

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-56-264/

doc Brazil Gets First of Japanese Emigrants (June 5, 1913) (ddr-densho-56-235)

The Seattle Daily Times, June 5, 1913, p. 16

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-56-235/

Japs Planning to Colonize Brazil. Investigations Lasting Two Years to Be Summarized in Reports to Toku Kawada, Now Visitor in Seattle. (March 14, 1915) (ddr-densho-56-263)

doc Japs Planning to Colonize Brazil. Investigations Lasting Two Years to Be Summarized in Reports to Toku Kawada, Now Visitor in Seattle. (March 14, 1915) (ddr-densho-56-263)

The Seattle Daily Times, March 14, 1915, p. 21

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-56-263/

img Family in their home (ddr-densho-91-4)

Art's family home in Lima, Peru, on Calle Santa Catalina. (L to R): Fusako, Akiko, Mother carrying Takeshi, Kenichi, Father, Kikue, Isamu (Art).

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-91-4/

img Family store (ddr-densho-91-3)

Art Shibayama's grandmother (holding Art) and grandfather in their store.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-91-3/

img Crystal City softball team (ddr-densho-91-8)

All players pictured are Japanese Peruvian except for one Japanese American in the front row, second from left. Art Shibayama is in the front row, third from left.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-91-8/

img Family in front of car (ddr-densho-91-5)

Family at a park in Lima, Peru. (L to R): Mother, Takeshi, Fusako, Akiko, Kikue, Kenichi, Isamu (Art), Father in front seat of car.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-91-5/

img Students in front of school building (ddr-densho-91-7)

Back row, fourth from left is Emiko, a Japanese American Nisei, who volunteered to teach English. All the other students are Japanese Peruvians. Art Shibayama is in the front row, fourth from left.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-91-7/

doc Pacific Citizen, Vol. 65, No. 15 (October 13, 1967) (ddr-pc-39-42)

Selected article titles: "Radio showman suggests use of 'Jappish'" (p. 1), "Statistics show Japanese immigrants in Hawaii of 19th century with high 'expected' death rate" (p. 1), "War relocation leave credit authorized for Cal employees" (p. 1), "100 JACLers poised for Japan tour, departing tomorrow in two sections" (p. 1), "Sao Paulo's 'La Libertad' district Brazil's …

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-pc-39-42/

doc Pacific Citizen, Vol. 61, No. 14 (October 1, 1965) (ddr-pc-37-40)

Selected article titles: "U.S. Civil Rights Agencies Target of Streamlining" (p.1), "Sen. Kuchel Praises Nisei in California during Debate on Immigration Bill, Enters JACL Letter in Congressional Record(p.1, 5), "Week-Long Debate in Senate Deletes Racism in Immigration" (p.1, 3), "200 Naturalized Issei Celebrate Decade of Citizenship at Downtwon L.A. JACL Fete" (p.1), "Senate Immigration Bill" (p.2), …

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-pc-37-40/

doc Pacific Citizen, Vol. 61, No. 8 (August 20, 1965) (ddr-pc-37-34)

Selected article titles: "Los Angeles Riot Heaps Nisei Business with $1 Million Loss" (p.1), "Orange County Nisei Protest Filming of Nisei Traitor Story" (p.1, 3), "Agenda for Youth Delegates Announced" (p.1), "House Immigration Bill" (p.2), "History Project: Issei Innkeepers of Seattle" (p.3, 5), "Nisei Progress in Brazil Recorded" (p.3), "Open Housing Resolution Ok'd by Seattle JACL" …

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-pc-37-34/

doc Pacific Citizen, Vol. 61, No. 5 (July 30, 1965) (ddr-pc-37-31)

Selected article titles: "President Johnson Lauds Work of Rep. Mink on Education Bill" (p.1), "First Nisei Combat Naval Pilot Decorated with Air Medal for North Vietnam Bombing" (p.1), "Happy Ending for Six Japanese-American War Orphans Enroute to Brazil Realized" (p.1), "Immigration Bill Reported" (p.2), "Most Negroes in Hawaii Conscious of their Racial Heritage, Not Passing as …

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-pc-37-31/

doc Pacific Citizen, Vol. 56, No. 14 (April 5, 1963) (ddr-pc-35-14)

Selected article titles: "Washington Newsletter: Republican Civil Rights Bills Make Neat Package for 88th" (pp. 1-2), "U.S.-Japan Trade Picture Improving; Curb on Securities Investment Money Lifted" (p. 1), "Sen. Inouye Raps Hawaii State Subversive Activities Report on Linking ILWU to Communism and 'Red' Talks at Univ. of Hawaii" (p. 3), and "Peru Orders Return of Assets …

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-pc-35-14/

doc Pacific Citizen, Vol. 59, Vol. 1 (July 3, 1964) (ddr-pc-36-27)

Selected article titles: "Reins on Research Project Tightened by Administrator" (p.1), "Seabrook Installation, with Matsunaga as Speaker, Termed 'Most Outstanding'" (p.1), "Analysis, Civil Rights Act of 1964" (p.1-2), "Several EDC JACLers Attend 1-Day Regional Confab Hosted by President's Committee" (p.2), "Brazilian Nisei Congressman Visits Japan" (p.3), "White Exodus Fails to Materialize when Negroes Move into New …

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-pc-36-27/

doc Pacific Citizen, Vol. 59, Vol. 12 (September 18, 1964) (ddr-pc-36-38)

Selected article titles: "First Test of Closed Primary in Hawaii Oct. 3" (p.1-2), "East Bay Voter Registration Bid Is Significant" (p.1), "Japanese American Groups and Leaders Go for 'No on 14'" (p.1), "Nisei Interpreters Lauded at 20th Anny. Reunion of Merrill's Marauders" (p.1), "430,135 Japanese Counted in Brazil" (p.1), "Sparky's Friends" (p.2).

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-pc-36-38/

doc Pacific Citizen, Vol. 109, No. 14 (November 3, 1989) (ddr-pc-61-39)

Selected article titles: "Congress Passes Money Bill for Redress" (p. 1), "Certain Latin Americans May Qualify" (pp. 1, 6), "1989 Class of Washington D.C. Leadership Conference: Key Issues Facing Japanese Americans Discussed by JACLers with Government, Nikkei Leaders" (pp. 1, 5), "Japan Government, Firms Donate $7.2 Million for Earthquake Relief" (p. 2), and "Masamori Kojima Journalism …

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-pc-61-39/

doc Pacific Citizen, Vol. 110, No. 23 (June 15, 1990) (ddr-pc-62-23)

Select article titles: "Smithsonian Museum Director Kennedy to Receive Masaoka Public Service Award"(p.1); "Fujimori Wins Presidency in Peru Decisively"(p.1); "Two Charged in Beating of Japanese Students Mistaken as Hmong Refugees"(p.2); "Why the JATC Was Organized"(p.5).

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-pc-62-23/

doc Pacific Citizen, Vol. 102, No. 12 (March 28, 1986) (ddr-pc-58-12)

Selected article titles: "Apr. 28 New Date for Hearings" (p. 1), "Researcher Takes Issue with Anti-Bilingual Ballot Arguments" (pp. 3, 7), "East Wind: Japanese Peruvians, Part II" (p. 4), and "By the Board: Who's at the Helm?" (p. 5).

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-pc-58-12/

doc Pacific Citizen, Vol. 103, No. 8 (August 22, 1986) (ddr-pc-58-33)

Selected article titles: "Foes of California English Initiative Form Coalition to Prevent Passage" (pp. 1, 8), "Japanese National Kept in Detention by Provision on McCarran-Walter Act" (pp. 1, 3), "President's Corner: Here's What We're Doing" (p. 5), and "U.S., Latin American Nikkei Athletes 'Go for the Gold' in Mexico Sportsfest" (pp. 6-7).

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-pc-58-33/

doc Pacific Citizen, Vol. 104, No. 23 (June 12, 1987) (ddr-pc-59-23)

Selected article titles: "Teachers Get Lesson about WW2 Camps" (p. 1), "President de la Madrid Credits Japanese Nikkei with Strengthening Japan-Mexico Relationship" (pp. 1, 11), "Lies and Half-Truths" (p. 4), and "Turkish Group Opposes Bill to Fund Films" (p. 10).

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-pc-59-23/

doc Pacific Citizen, Vol. 77, No. 14, (October 5, 1973) (ddr-pc-45-39)

Select article titles: "Dr. Nobe Award Goes to San Franciscan" (p.1); "Bid for Mayor Looks Good" (p.1); "Nat't JACL Hits New Membership High of 27, 492" (p.1); "Japanese in Peru May Fascinate Nikkei Sociologists" (p.2); "SDF Ruling Shows up Dual Senses" (p.3); "Use of 'Jap' Resurges" (p.4).

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-pc-45-39/

doc Pacific Citizen, Vol. 77, No. 15, (October 12, 1973) (ddr-pc-45-40)

Select article titles: "Trace History of...Repeal of Lily-White Clause" (p.1); "Sen. Inouye to Address Kickoff Fete for JACL Bldg. Fund Drive" (p.1); "Legal Assistance Offered by MALDEF in Employment Discrimination Actions" (p.2); "Separate PSWDC Chapter Insurance Board Formed" (p.3); "Estimate 700,000 Nikkei in Brazil, Percentage in Agriculture Dwindles" (p.4).

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-pc-45-40/

doc Pacific citizen, Vol. 77, No. 23, (December 7, 1973) (ddr-pc-45-48)

Select article titles: "U.S. Judge Rules 3-1 Ration for S.F. Police Dept." (p.1); "Calif. Legislature: Reappointment Settled" (p.1); "'Gambare!', Bannai Urges Nisei" (p.1); "Returned Land from U.S. Military in Japan to Be Converted into Parks" (p.5); "Geologist Says Japan Emerged from North Coast" (p.6).

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-pc-45-48/