Issei

The earliest wave of Japanese immigrants, the Issei (first generation), had a strong sense of their ethnic identity and retained the values and traditions of their country of birth. Most came to the United States as sojourners and planned to return to Japan after earning their fortunes. In addition, discriminatory laws forbade them from becoming American citizens and from exercising other basic rights, such as owning or leasing land. Since they were thus prevented from fully taking part in American life, it is not surprising that many still identified strongly with the culture of their homeland.

Identity and values (200)
Issei (1023)

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Issei

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1023 items
An Oral History with Mitsuhiko H. Shimizu - Segment 1 (ddr-csujad-29-57-1)
vh An Oral History with Mitsuhiko H. Shimizu - Segment 1 (ddr-csujad-29-57-1)
Issei community leader and businessman in Los Angeles's Little Tokyo recounts his arrest by Federal Bureau of Investigation after Pearl Harbor, his experiences in internment camps in North Dakota and Louisiana, and the Manzanar incarceration camp, California. This oral history was conducted for the Japanese American Oral History Project, Oral History Program, CSU Fullerton. Translated into …
An Oral History with Reverend Seytsu Takahashi - Segment 1 (ddr-csujad-29-58-1)
vh An Oral History with Reverend Seytsu Takahashi - Segment 1 (ddr-csujad-29-58-1)
Issei Buddhist bishop and superintendent of Kayasan Temple in Little Tokyo since 1931 recounts his wartime experiences and internment at Fort Missoula, Montana; Livingstone, Louisiana; and Crystal City, Texas. Transcribed in both Japanese and English. This oral history was conducted for the Japanese American Oral History Project, Oral History Program, CSU Fullerton. Audio is found in …
George Azumano Interview Segment 8 (ddr-one-7-32-8)
vh George Azumano Interview Segment 8 (ddr-one-7-32-8)
Parents' values: importance of education

This material is based upon work assisted by a grant from the Department of the Interior, National Park Service. Any opinions, finding, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of the Interior.

Shoichi Kobara Interview Segment 4 (ddr-densho-1015-8-4)
vh Shoichi Kobara Interview Segment 4 (ddr-densho-1015-8-4)
Father's thoughts on living in the U.S.: "The future is here"
Edward H. Mitsukado Interview Segment 4 (ddr-densho-1007-4-4)
vh Edward H. Mitsukado Interview Segment 4 (ddr-densho-1007-4-4)
Learning life lessons from father

This material is based upon work assisted by a grant from the Department of the Interior, National Park Service. Any opinions, finding, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of the Interior.

Aiko Herzig Interview Segment 1 (ddr-densho-1002-8-1)
vh Aiko Herzig Interview Segment 1 (ddr-densho-1002-8-1)
Family background: parents worked hard before World War II

This interview was conducted by sisters Emiko and Chizuko Omori for their 1999 documentary, Rabbit in the Moon, about the Japanese American resisters of conscience in the World War II incarceration camps. As a result, the interviews in this collection are typically not life histories, instead …

Jimmie Omura Interview Segment 3 (ddr-densho-1002-11-3)
vh Jimmie Omura Interview Segment 3 (ddr-densho-1002-11-3)
Description of father

This interview was conducted by sisters Emiko and Chizuko Omori for their 1999 documentary, Rabbit in the Moon, about the Japanese American resisters of conscience in the World War II incarceration camps. As a result, the interviews in this collection are typically not life histories, instead primarily focusing on issues surrounding the …

Yukiko Miyake Segment 10 (ddr-densho-1000-49-10)
vh Yukiko Miyake Segment 10 (ddr-densho-1000-49-10)
Issei's attitude toward discrimination: "They are hakujin"
Jim Akutsu Segment 6 (ddr-densho-1000-2-6)
vh Jim Akutsu Segment 6 (ddr-densho-1000-2-6)
Parents' emphasis on participating in community activities

Interview was conducted over two days because of delays caused by technical difficulties.

Toru Sakahara - Kiyo Sakahara Interview I Segment 17 (ddr-densho-1000-76-17)
vh Toru Sakahara - Kiyo Sakahara Interview I Segment 17 (ddr-densho-1000-76-17)
Participating in community activities

This interview was conducted over two days at the Sakaharas' home.

Ben Uyeno Segment 15 (ddr-densho-1000-100-15)
vh Ben Uyeno Segment 15 (ddr-densho-1000-100-15)
Issei-Nisei values: keeping the young people busy, support for the Courier League
Jim Akutsu Segment 2 (ddr-densho-1000-2-2)
vh Jim Akutsu Segment 2 (ddr-densho-1000-2-2)
Father's family background and parental lessons: broaden your environment

Interview was conducted over two days because of delays caused by technical difficulties.

Tomio Moriguchi Interview I Segment 3 (ddr-densho-1000-59-3)
vh Tomio Moriguchi Interview I Segment 3 (ddr-densho-1000-59-3)
Running store and raising the family, "The quiet strength" of mother
Tom Akashi Interview Segment 16 (ddr-densho-1000-164-16)
vh Tom Akashi Interview Segment 16 (ddr-densho-1000-164-16)
Observing the generational shift in camp: Nisei take over the primary roles, while Issei are supporting
Mutsu Homma Segment 16 (ddr-densho-1000-24-16)
vh Mutsu Homma Segment 16 (ddr-densho-1000-24-16)
Compromise between "baishakunin" (match-makers) and dating
Gordon Hirabayashi Interview II Segment 2 (ddr-densho-1000-18-2)
vh Gordon Hirabayashi Interview II Segment 2 (ddr-densho-1000-18-2)
Father's religious principles and mores: an "honest day's work," and memories of father's honest selling practices
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