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 (255)

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255 items
Mas Akiyama Segment 6 (ddr-densho-1000-188-6)
vh Mas Akiyama Segment 6 (ddr-densho-1000-188-6)
Methodist influence in Spokane, Washington, prewar

This interview was conducted as part of a project to capture stories of the Japanese American community of Spokane, Washington. Densho worked in collaboration with the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture.

Ryo Imamura Segment 10 (ddr-densho-1000-27-10)
vh Ryo Imamura Segment 10 (ddr-densho-1000-27-10)
Similarities and differences between Jodo Shinshu Buddhism and Judeo-Christianity; Japanese American Buddhists' values: understated, anonymous service
Ryo Imamura Segment 31 (ddr-densho-1000-27-31)
vh Ryo Imamura Segment 31 (ddr-densho-1000-27-31)
Present day relations between Japanese American Christian community and Japanese American Buddhist community
Ryo Imamura Segment 19 (ddr-densho-1000-27-19)
vh Ryo Imamura Segment 19 (ddr-densho-1000-27-19)
Buddhist philosophy of non-attachment to "forms": Buddhist 442nd soldiers' acceptance of a Christian chaplain
Ryo Imamura Segment 8 (ddr-densho-1000-27-8)
vh Ryo Imamura Segment 8 (ddr-densho-1000-27-8)
Similarities and differences between Jodo Shinshu Buddhism and Judeo-Christianity
Ryo Imamura Segment 9 (ddr-densho-1000-27-9)
vh Ryo Imamura Segment 9 (ddr-densho-1000-27-9)
Some of the unique characteristics of Japanese American Buddhist churches
Ryo Imamura Segment 30 (ddr-densho-1000-27-30)
vh Ryo Imamura Segment 30 (ddr-densho-1000-27-30)
Discussion of prewar discrimination against Buddhists and social pressures to convert to Christianity
Ryo Imamura Segment 6 (ddr-densho-1000-27-6)
vh Ryo Imamura Segment 6 (ddr-densho-1000-27-6)
Role of early Buddhist ministers as community leaders, advocating social justice
Ryo Imamura Segment 18 (ddr-densho-1000-27-18)
vh Ryo Imamura Segment 18 (ddr-densho-1000-27-18)
Reconciling wartime killing by Buddhist 442nd Regimental Combat Team soldiers with Buddhism's doctrine of nonviolence
Ryo Imamura Segment 3 (ddr-densho-1000-27-3)
vh Ryo Imamura Segment 3 (ddr-densho-1000-27-3)
Issei values, community service and compassion: grandparents' ministry, caring for the children of Issei farm laborers
Ryo Imamura Segment 28 (ddr-densho-1000-27-28)
vh Ryo Imamura Segment 28 (ddr-densho-1000-27-28)
How Buddhist beliefs impact individual viewpoint and perception of the incarceration experience
Ryo Imamura Segment 13 (ddr-densho-1000-27-13)
vh Ryo Imamura Segment 13 (ddr-densho-1000-27-13)
The emergence of two distinct groups within the Buddhist church: traditional and progressive
Ryo Imamura Segment 15 (ddr-densho-1000-27-15)
vh Ryo Imamura Segment 15 (ddr-densho-1000-27-15)
Reflecting on the need for a broader, more inclusive vision of Buddhism, father's influence
Ryo Imamura Segment 12 (ddr-densho-1000-27-12)
vh Ryo Imamura Segment 12 (ddr-densho-1000-27-12)
Evolution and adaptation within the Japanese American Buddhist Church: the challenge of introducing new ideas and practices into existing traditions and rituals
Ryo Imamura Segment 4 (ddr-densho-1000-27-4)
vh Ryo Imamura Segment 4 (ddr-densho-1000-27-4)
Contrasting role of prewar Buddhist churches with those of today
Ryo Imamura Segment 14 (ddr-densho-1000-27-14)
vh Ryo Imamura Segment 14 (ddr-densho-1000-27-14)
Discussion of increasing Caucasian membership in Buddhist churches
Ryo Imamura Segment 2 (ddr-densho-1000-27-2)
vh Ryo Imamura Segment 2 (ddr-densho-1000-27-2)
Parents' backgrounds, a family history revolving around the Buddhist ministry
Ryo Imamura Segment 5 (ddr-densho-1000-27-5)
vh Ryo Imamura Segment 5 (ddr-densho-1000-27-5)
Grandfather's role as Jodo Shin Buddhist minister to early plantation laborers in Hawaii
Ryo Imamura Segment 11 (ddr-densho-1000-27-11)
vh Ryo Imamura Segment 11 (ddr-densho-1000-27-11)
Evolution and adaptation within the Japanese American Buddhist Church: the challenge of introducing new ideas and practices into existing traditions and rituals
Ryo Imamura Segment 7 (ddr-densho-1000-27-7)
vh Ryo Imamura Segment 7 (ddr-densho-1000-27-7)
Philosophy and ideology of Jodo Shinshu Buddhist sect, "...[T]o see others as enlightened"
May Y. Namba Interview Segment 6 (ddr-densho-1000-171-6)
vh May Y. Namba Interview Segment 6 (ddr-densho-1000-171-6)
Religion as a child; father's involvement in community activities
Mii Tai Interview Segment 7 (ddr-densho-1000-186-7)
vh Mii Tai Interview Segment 7 (ddr-densho-1000-186-7)
Involvement in the Methodist church while growing up

This interview was conducted as part of a project to capture stories of the Japanese American community of Spokane, Washington. Densho worked in collaboration with the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture.

Mae Kanazawa Hara Interview Segment 21 (ddr-densho-1000-168-21)
vh Mae Kanazawa Hara Interview Segment 21 (ddr-densho-1000-168-21)
Active involvement in church music program; singing in the church choir
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