Japanese language schools

Each day, after public school ended, Nisei (second-generation) children attended Japanese language schools for an hour's instruction in Japanese language and culture. Issei (first-generation) parents wanted their children to learn Japanese to help them succeed in the community and if they ever moved to Japan. The Nisei were moderately interested at best, and language acquisition was spotty. Japanese language schools were considered suspect after the attack on Pearl Harbor, and their principals were among the first arrested.

Education (363)
Japanese language schools (240)

Related articles from the Densho Encyclopedia :
Japanese language schools, Takie Okumura

Filters

Facilities

Format

Genre

Usage

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

Gallery view
List view

240 items

doc Tomoye Nozawa's Dharma School? Certificates (ddr-densho-423-589)

1928-1930

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-423-589/

doc Certificate from San Francisco Gakuen Language School (ddr-densho-423-330)

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-423-330/

doc Certificate from San Francisco Gakuen Language School (ddr-densho-423-317)

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-423-317/

img Inaugural opening of Elk Grove Japanese School (ddr-csujad-55-1588)

Sepia-toned photograph of a group of students and adults at the inaugural opening of the Elk Grove Japanese language school. Photograph includes identification of some individuals. From left to right, Yamada, Hatsutaro Ishigaki, Kanjiro Omae, George Haruto Omae, Harry Kaname Omae, Frank Yamada, George Shigeru Matsumoto, Shigeo Sakamoto, Makishima, Robert Masaru Matsumoto, Tsunematsu Sugimoto, Elwood Norio …

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-1588/

img Japanese language school in Marysville, California (ddr-csujad-55-2611)

Group photograph at the groundbreaking ceremony for a Japanese language school in Marysville, California. Names are provided with the photo. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_2775

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-2611/

img Elk Grove Japanese Language School (ddr-csujad-55-2592)

A photograph of Elk Grove Japanese Language School. Bill Matsumoto is second boy from right post. Teacher is sitting in dotted white collar dress. Janie's grandfather, Bill's father with white hair. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_2756

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-2592/

doc Marysville reunion 1991 (ddr-csujad-55-2697)

Pamphlet of "the third post-evacuation Marysville area Japanese American reunion" held September 27-29, 1991. Features the Japanese language school, Marysville Gakuen, built in 1926. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_2861

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-2697/

img Elk Grove Japanese Language School (ddr-csujad-55-2593)

A photograph of Elk Grove Japanese Language School. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_2757

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-2593/

doc Community analysis report, no. 3 (March 1943) (ddr-csujad-55-1657)

Report, "Japanese groups and associations in the United States," on Japanese social, economic, religious, and nationalistic groups and associations in the United States. Covers Kenjinkai or prefectural associations, Junior Kenjinkai, Nihonjinkai or Japanese associations, Seinenkai or young people's societies, Fujinkai or women's societies, Japanese Chambers of Commerce, hotel associations, California Farmers Association, Japanese Labor Association, Ko …

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-1657/

img Seattle Japanese Language School 1933 Graduation (ddr-densho-477-67)

Photograph of the 1933 graduating class from the Seattle Japanese Language School. The caption on the top of the photograph reads "Japanese School Graduation / March 26, 1933" in black ink, written on a piece of paper or tape. There are paper flags pointing out Mitsuko (Nakahara) Isoshima and Helen Shimizu. Their is a caption along …

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-477-67/

doc Oxnard Buddhist Church 50th Anniversary Supplement (ddr-densho-469-11)

Supplement to the Oxnard Buddhist Church's 50th-anniversary booklet. Includes lists of the items donated to the church, uchishiki, and the names of individuals who donated to the church and the Oxnard Buddhist Women's Association.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-469-11/

img Group photo of language class at Temple (ddr-ajah-3-205)

Photo cut down center. Caption below photo: Buddhist Temple of Alameda, CA Japanese language school. The photos were cut this way before they were scanned in 2022. Phot at left, standing at the far right of the second row in pigtails is Miyoshi Yamashita, who was born on October 3, 1913, making this photo circa id …

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-ajah-3-205/

img Group posing outside building (ddr-ajah-3-251)

Caption below photo: Buddhist Temple of Alameda, CA. Appears to be graduates of the Japanese language school at 2320 Buena Vista Avenue, next door to the temple. Circa late 1940s or 1950s

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-ajah-3-251/

img Group of students on Temple stage (ddr-ajah-3-343)

Caption below photo: Japanese language school children, Buddhist Temple of Alameda, CA, Spring 1955

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-ajah-3-343/

img Two men and three woman on steps of wooden building (ddr-densho-464-131)

Inscription on front: Japanese School Graduation / Jimmy K., Rev. Koi[?], Me, Tomiye, Marie / 1939

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-464-131/

doc Japanese American Courier Vol. 14, No. 697 (May 24, 1941) (ddr-densho-96-732)

Selected article titles: "Young Folks Set Graduate Record at High Schools" (p. 1), "Pink Tea" (p. 2), "Hang Overs" (p. 3), "Plan Honors for Eldest Japanese at Party Sunday" (p. 4)

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-96-732/

doc Japanese American Courier Vol. 2, No. 70 (April 27, 1929) (ddr-densho-96-99)

Selected article titles: "Equable Tonnage for All Powers Plan is Offered" (p. 1), "Sport Scope" (p. 2), "Pink Tea" (p. 3), "Special Program to Mark Opening of New Building" (p. 4)

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-96-99/

doc Japanese American Courier Vol. 2, No. 88 (August 31, 1929) (ddr-densho-96-117)

Selected article titles: "Japan and China Persist in Parley to Conclude Pact" (p. 1), "Kurata in Victory Over Fuji to Win Kumagae Net Cup" (p. 2), "Pink Tea" (p. 3), "Schools to Open Again as Vacation Ends for Kiddies" (p. 4)

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-96-117/

doc List of names on Japanese School of Centerville letterhead (ddr-ajah-7-15)

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-ajah-7-15/

doc Ryo Tsai Draft Narrative re: Origin of NKHA Exhibit (ddr-densho-446-448)

Ryo Tsai explained how the Nippon Kan Heritage Association (NKHA) Exhibit was conceived and implemented. It was shown at Nippon Kan on Mar 17, 1985 and later at the Seattle Public Library.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-446-448/

img Japanese Language School graduation (ddr-densho-458-93)

Eight kids and two adults in a framed folder, during the Japanese Language School Graduation in Redwood City, California, with a Japanese and an American flag behind them. Front row-left to right: Eiko Honda, Juichi Higaki, Mr. Kono, Kiyoko Kono, Namiko Honda. Back row-left to right: Kenji Yamane, Naomi Higaki, Pete Kashima, Hiroshi Nakano, Elmer Adachi. …

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-458-93/

img How the Ku Klux Klan & Alameda Housewives tried to stop the Alameda Japanese School in 1926 (ddr-ajah-6-237)

Document with photos, clippings and text with history of opposition to the Alameda Japanese School

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-ajah-6-237/

img Woman speaking in front of film crew at Japanese Language School reunion (ddr-densho-506-101)

A Japanese Language School alum speaking in front of a film crew and audience at the Japanese Language School Reunion.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-506-101/

img Tom Ikeda speaking in front of displays at Japanese Language School Reunion (ddr-densho-506-89)

Tom Ikeda speaking audience in chair circle at the Japanese Language School.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-506-89/

img Japanese Language School Reunion attendees hanging out (ddr-densho-506-126)

Photo of staff and attendees talking to each other with food and drink at the Japanese Language School Reunion.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-506-126/