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 (200)
Kibei (480)

Related articles from the Densho Encyclopedia :
Harry Ueno

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480 items
Hiroko Nakashima Segment 25 (ddr-densho-1000-69-25)
vh Hiroko Nakashima Segment 25 (ddr-densho-1000-69-25)
Always planning on returning to the U.S., having to wait out the war
Takashi Matsui Interview Segment 16 (ddr-densho-1000-45-16)
vh Takashi Matsui Interview Segment 16 (ddr-densho-1000-45-16)
A Kibei perspective on U.S. military service and serving the occupation forces
Takashi Matsui Interview Segment 10 (ddr-densho-1000-45-10)
vh Takashi Matsui Interview Segment 10 (ddr-densho-1000-45-10)
Comparing education in the United States and Japan: military focus in Japan
Takashi Matsui Interview Segment 3 (ddr-densho-1000-45-3)
vh Takashi Matsui Interview Segment 3 (ddr-densho-1000-45-3)
A Kibei's story: leaving the United States to be educated in Japan
Roy H. Matsumoto Interview Segment 46 (ddr-densho-1000-153-46)
vh Roy H. Matsumoto Interview Segment 46 (ddr-densho-1000-153-46)
Feeling discriminated against as a Kibei

Although Mr. Matsumoto does not identify himself as a Kibei (American-born person of Japanese ancestry sent to Japan for formal education and socialization when young and later returned to the U.S.), some of his life experiences are similar to those who do identify themselves as such.

Roy H. Matsumoto Interview Segment 21 (ddr-densho-1000-153-21)
vh Roy H. Matsumoto Interview Segment 21 (ddr-densho-1000-153-21)
Difficulty of attending high school back in the U.S.: having to quickly learn U.S. history

Although Mr. Matsumoto does not identify himself as a Kibei (American-born person of Japanese ancestry sent to Japan for formal education and socialization when young and later returned to the U.S.), some of his life experiences are similar to those who …

George Fugami Segment 19 (ddr-densho-1000-7-19)
vh George Fugami Segment 19 (ddr-densho-1000-7-19)
Deciding to return to the United States: no desire to be drafted into the Japanese army
George Fugami Segment 8 (ddr-densho-1000-7-8)
vh George Fugami Segment 8 (ddr-densho-1000-7-8)
Returning to Japan, a daughter's promise fulfilled and grandson's dismay
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