Religion and churches

Religion and churches played an important role in the formation and development of West Coast Japanese American communities. While Buddhism is frequently seen as most prominent, Christianity was also influential. Initially focused on helping new male immigrants adjust to life in the United States, churches soon began catering to increasing numbers of families. By the mid-1930s, Japanese Americans' religious affiliations were split fairly evenly between Christianity and Buddhism.

Religion and churches (286)

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286 items

doc Japanese American Courier Vol. 2, No. 81 (July 13, 1929) (ddr-densho-96-110)

Selected article titles: "Hamaguchi Faces Large Opposition in Japanese Diet" (p. 1), "Courier All Stars Will Play Hi-Line in Contest Sunday" (p. 2), "Pink Tea" (p. 3), "Church Federation Sponsors Classes at Whidbey Island" (p. 4)

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-96-110/

doc Japanese American Courier Vol. 11, No. 560 (October 8, 1938) (ddr-densho-96-595)

Selected article titles: "Noted Old Peking Starts Life Anew" (p. 1), "Pink Tea" (p. 2), "Hang-Overs" (p. 3), "Chairman Called to Ponder Plans of Youth Session" (p. 4)

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-96-595/

doc Japanese American Courier Vol. 12, No. 586 (April 8, 1939) (ddr-densho-96-621)

Selected article titles: "Anti-Fishing Bill Yet in Committee" (p. 1), "Pink Tea" (p. 2), "Hang-Overs" (p. 3), "Japanese Church Easter Services Set for Throngs" (p. 4)

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-96-621/

doc Japanese American Courier Vol. 1, No. 5 (January 28, 1928) (ddr-densho-96-33)

Selected article titles: "Rising Generation Should Take Stock of Themselves Now" (p. 1), "Sport Scope" (p. 2), "Pink Tea" (p. 3), "Steele McKaye's Contributions to the Modern Stage" (p. 4)

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-96-33/

doc Japanese American Courier Vol. 7, No. 336 (June 23, 1934) (ddr-densho-96-370)

Selected article titles: "Y.P.C.C. Leaders Prepare Agenda for This Autumn" (p. 1), "Pink Tea" (p. 2), "Hang-Overs" (p. 3), "Out-of-Town News" (p. 4)

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-96-370/

doc Japanese American Courier Vol. 4, No. 171 (April 4, 1931) (ddr-densho-96-202)

Selected article titles: "Rumors Rampant as Weak Health Confines Premier" (p. 1), "24 Hoop Squads to Get Together for Gala Mixer" (p. 2), "Pink Tea" (p. 3), "Special Services in Churches Set to Mark Easter" (p. 4)

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-96-202/

doc Japanese American Courier Vol. 4, No. 183 (June 27, 1931) (ddr-densho-96-214)

Selected article titles: "New, Old Trends in Politics Blend in Modern Japan" (p. 1), "Hiroshima Tossers Due Here July 24 to Meet Titlists" (p. 2), "Pink Tea" (p. 3), "Rev. Hatanaka is Japan Delegate to Church Meet" (p. 4)

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-96-214/

doc Japanese American Courier Vol. 11, No. 535 (April 16, 1938) (ddr-densho-96-570)

Selected article titles: "Japan Following Path of Nations" (p. 1), "Pink Tea" (p. 2), "Hang-Overs" (p. 3), "Elaborate Easter Services Set in Seattle Churches Tomorrow" (p. 4)

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-96-570/

doc Japanese American Courier Vol. 11, No. 567 (November 26, 1938) (ddr-densho-96-602)

Selected article titles: "Nippon Could Use China's Products" (p. 1), "Pink Tea" (p. 2), "Hang-Overs" (p. 3), "Conference Open with Heavy List from N.W. Points" (p. 4)

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-96-602/

doc Japanese American Courier Vol. 10, No. 470 (January 16, 1937) (ddr-densho-96-505)

Selected article titles: "Japan's Catholic Martyrs Will Be Honored Friday" (p. 1), "Pink Tea" (p. 2), "Hang-Overs" (p. 3), "Out-of-Town News" (p. 4)

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-96-505/

doc Notes: "I don't believe in nationalism, but I have a steadfast loyalty to USA" (ddr-densho-468-175)

Three handwritten notecards with thoughts on nationalism, religion, and morality

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-468-175/

doc New Year's Postcard to Mas Yamamoto from M. Yamamoto (ddr-densho-492-21)

Postcard from M. Yamamoto to Mas Yamamoto wishing them a happy new year. The front of postcard includes a photograph of a large group of people outside a church.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-492-21/

img Hilo Japanese Church Gathering 1906 (ddr-densho-492-22)

Photograph of a large group. Written on the front of the photograph is "Church / Hilo Japanese Gathering / 1906" in blue ink. Written on the back is "Hilo Boarding School / T. Yamamoto" in pencil.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-492-22/

doc "My Life Begins" (ddr-densho-446-350)

My Life Begins (autobiography): Ai Chih's parents, conversion to Christianity, education in Japan, arrival in US on student visa, U of Chicago, Robert Cashman, Keimer Shou, Japanese Christian Church (Chicago), War, Ordination, Meeting Ryo, Marriage, Navy-Columbia U, War Dept.-D.C., MD, US Strategic Bombing Survey, UNRRA

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-446-350/

doc The dogma of organization (ddr-densho-468-167)

Typed draft of essay or diary. The draft explores how the socialist party shares the weaknesses of organized religion

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-468-167/

doc A.D. 1977: Japanese Christians in America: The Church That Survives Hate (ddr-densho-446-394)

Article in the July/August 1977 issue of A.D. 1977 on the experience of Japanese Christians in America through the end of WWII.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-446-394/

img 12 people outside church (ddr-densho-492-20)

Photograph of 12 people standing outside a building with a Japanese plaque above the door. Written on the photograph in the upper right corner is "Hilo Church" in blue ink.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-492-20/