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 (344)
Kibei (538)

Related articles from the Densho Encyclopedia :
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538 items

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/

img Portrait of girl in kimono (ddr-ajah-6-820)

Caption below photo: Born in Alameda, but Raised in Japan. Includes biographical information about Hatsuyo Ozeki's time in Japan

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-ajah-6-820/

img Group photo of Kibei club (ddr-densho-493-187)

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-493-187/

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/

img Class photograph from Kokawa Girls High School (ddr-densho-494-5)

Girl on far left center circled in red is Meriko Maida. Caption on webpage: "Kokawa Girls High School, Wakayama Prefecture, 1937-38" and "Meriko said she was allowed certain privileges as a foreigner. For example, she had a permanent, strictly forbidden to native Japanese."

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-494-5/

img Portrait of Meriko in a kimono (ddr-densho-494-8)

Caption on webpage: "On to Tokyo" and "It is possible that Meriko was shopped around for marriage possibilities, hence the traditional dress."

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-494-8/

img Family portrait (ddr-densho-494-22)

Standing: Meriko Maida (left), and Takahashi (right). Crouched: Miyuki (left) and Ikuko (right). Caption on webpage: "Family matters, 1938" and "Meriko in a school uniform, standing with cousins identified as Takahashi, Miyuki, and Ikuko."

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-494-22/

doc Japanese American Courier Vol. 14, No. 723 (November 21, 1941) (ddr-densho-96-758)

Selected article titles: "Tough Task Ahead for Envoy Kurusu" (p. 1), "Pink Tea" (p. 2), "Sports" (p. 3), "Party Honors 'Nisei' in U.S. Army" (p. 4)

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-96-758/

doc Japanese American Courier Vol. 12, No. 583 (March 18, 1939) (ddr-densho-96-618)

Selected article titles: "Scrap Iron Trade Declared General" (p. 1), "Pink Tea" (p. 2), "Hang-Overs" (p. 3), "Hoopster League Program Set for Collins Tonight" (p. 4)

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-96-618/

doc Japanese American Courier Vol. 6, No. 272 (March 25, 1933) (ddr-densho-96-305)

Selected article titles: "2nd Generation Has Good From Business Slump" (p. 1), "Sport Scope" (p. 2), "Pink Tea" (p. 3), "Out-of-Town News" (p. 4)

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-96-305/