Kibei

Kibei is the term for the generation of Nisei born in the U.S. but sent to Japan for education. When in Japan, the Kibei lived with grandparents or other relatives while their parents remained in the U.S. to work. Kibei often struggled to fit in both in Japan, where they were viewed as outsiders, and the U.S., where they were considered "too Japanese" by their Nisei peers. Because of their knowledge of both cultures and languages, the Kibei in particular were targeted by the government as "disloyal" during World War II. Ironically, the Kibei were heavily recruited for the Military Intelligence Service because of their linguistic abilities.

Identity and values (200)
Kibei (481)

Related articles from the Densho Encyclopedia :
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481 items

img Portrait of two Japanese boys (ddr-densho-325-210)

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-325-210/

img Portrait of Japanese boys (ddr-densho-325-209)

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-325-209/

img Group portrait of Japanese boys (ddr-densho-325-190)

Each student's name is written on the photograph. From left to right Imao, Shiyouiti, Sumito, and Minoru. On the far right is a line of smudged Japanese text.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-325-190/

img Family traveling back to Japan (ddr-densho-321-919)

Caption in album: "Mom leaving for Japan / Kiku / Born: Napa, California / 1907 / Spent 10 years in / Hakata, Fukuoka, Japan."

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-321-919/

img Page of Hisa Nimura Horiuchi Scrapbook (ddr-densho-325-32)

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-325-32/

img Portrait of Japanese boy in coat (ddr-densho-325-192)

Mushao Horiuchi

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-325-192/

doc Takami Hibiya's individual record (ddr-densho-381-133)

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-381-133/

doc Letter to project directors about the "Kibei problem" (ddr-densho-381-23)

Myer describes Kibei as a "complex problem" in his letter to the project directors. He encloses a report from January 28, 1944, detailing differences between Kibei and Nisei, reasons Kibei were sent for education in Japan, and Kibei reactions to being detained in concentration camps.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-381-23/

doc Takami Hibiya reference letter (ddr-densho-381-142)

A reference letter from Frank H. Hattori to Dillon S. Myer about Takami Hibiya. Hattori mentions Takami's work in the housing division at Minidoka and states that he is "very much Americanized."

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-381-142/

doc Takami Hibiya reference letter (ddr-densho-381-141)

A reference letter from Lorne Huycke to Dillon S. Meyer for Takami Hibiya. Huycke speaks about his contact with Takami at the Minidoka Project, where they worked together in the Housing Department.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-381-141/

doc Name check for Takami Hibiya (ddr-densho-381-137)

A history of Takami Hibiya's family, education, employment, and community activities.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-381-137/

doc Takami Hibiya's United States citizen of Japanese ancestry form (ddr-densho-381-135)

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-381-135/

doc Takami Hibiya's curriculum vitae (ddr-densho-381-151)

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-381-151/

img Memorial table for Takami Hibiya (ddr-densho-381-193)

A table decorated with a portrait of Takami Hibiya, the Seal of the Emperor of Japan medal, flowers, and a white cloth.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-381-193/

doc Investigative report of Takami Hibiya (ddr-densho-381-138)

A previously confidential federal investigation of Takami Hibiya's history, family, and American loyalty.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-381-138/

doc Draft letter from Ai Chih Tsai (ddr-densho-446-27)

Arrangements for young people of First Baptist Church of Cicero to entertain Nisei US soldiers on July 18, 1942. Request for list of interested soldiers to send invitations.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-446-27/

doc Southern California Nisei Directory 1934-1935 (ddr-densho-480-1)

A directory of Japanese American citizens and businesses in Southern California.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-480-1/

doc Letter from Joseph Conard to Joseph Ishikawa (ddr-densho-468-115)

Explanation of Student Relocation program policies regarding Kibei

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-468-115/

doc Gila River Relocation Camp Reunion (1997) (ddr-densho-469-10)

A memory book from the Gila River Relocation Camp Reunion from June 6-8, 1997. Pictures of the Gila River Reunion Committee, reunion, and reunion registrants are included. The book also includes a note from the advisor Sei Dyo, a transcript of a speech delivered by California Assemblyman Nao Takasugi, a reunion update, and a directory of …

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-469-10/

img Portrait of two women in kimonos (ddr-densho-494-7)

Memiko (Nagase) Kato (left) and Meriko Maida (right). Caption on webpage: "Family matters, 1938" and "Meriko was asked to escort the daughter of a family friend back to the United States where both had been born: Memiko Nagase (later Kato)."

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-494-7/

img Class photograph on a school trip (ddr-densho-494-17)

Meriko Maida (back) and Kimiko Uchita (front) circled in red. Caption on webpage: "Kokawa Girls High School, Wakayama Prefecture, 1937-38" and "Meriko and Kimiko probably bonded as soon as they recognized each other as native English speakers."

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-494-17/

img Meriko and Mitsuko Neeno laughing (ddr-densho-494-21)

Photograph of Mitsuko "Mitzi" (Neeno) Nishimoto (left) and Meriko Maida (right) sharing a laugh. Caption on webpage: "Leaving San Francisco \ Meriko traveled second class" and "With her Los Angeles friend Mitsuko Neeno (later Nishimoto)."

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-494-21/

doc From the scrapbook of Meriko Maida, dedicated to her Japan stay, 1937-39 (ddr-densho-494-50)

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-494-50/

img Girls playing the piano (ddr-densho-494-20)

Portrait of Meriko Maida seated a piano and Kimiko Uchita standing behind her. Caption on webpage: "Kokawa Girls High School, Wakayama Prefecture, 1937-38" and "Did Meriko play the piano? She does for the camera, at least."

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-494-20/

img Portrait of Kimiko Uchita (ddr-densho-494-4)

Caption on webpage: "Kokawa Girls High School, Wakayama Prefecture, 1937-38" and "A student in Meriko's class was also an American: Kimiko Uchita, Seattle, WA."

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-494-4/