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 (334)
Kibei (538)

Related articles from the Densho Encyclopedia :
Harry Ueno

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538 items
Group portrait of Japanese boys (ddr-densho-325-190)
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.
Family traveling back to Japan (ddr-densho-321-919)
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."
Letter to project directors about the
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.
Takami Hibiya reference letter (ddr-densho-381-142)
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."
Takami Hibiya reference letter (ddr-densho-381-141)
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.
Name check for Takami Hibiya (ddr-densho-381-137)
doc Name check for Takami Hibiya (ddr-densho-381-137)
A history of Takami Hibiya's family, education, employment, and community activities.
Memorial table for Takami Hibiya (ddr-densho-381-193)
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.
Investigative report of Takami Hibiya (ddr-densho-381-138)
doc Investigative report of Takami Hibiya (ddr-densho-381-138)
A previously confidential federal investigation of Takami Hibiya's history, family, and American loyalty.
Portrait of girl in kimono (ddr-ajah-6-820)
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
Gila River Relocation Camp Reunion (1997) (ddr-densho-469-10)
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 …
Portrait of two women in kimonos (ddr-densho-494-7)
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)."
Class photograph on a school trip (ddr-densho-494-17)
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."
Meriko and Mitsuko Neeno laughing (ddr-densho-494-21)
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)."
Girls playing the piano (ddr-densho-494-20)
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."
Portrait of Kimiko Uchita (ddr-densho-494-4)
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."
Class photograph from Kokawa Girls High School (ddr-densho-494-5)
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."
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