Nidoto Nai Yoni
Frontiers in History
National History Day 2023
Two Generations
Courtesy of the Metropolitan Museum of Art
The influx of Asian immigration in the early 20th century saw the arrival of thousands of Issei, first-generation Japanese immigrants, for work on lumber mills, railroads, and mines. Concentrated along the West Coast, this population boomed from just 141 in 1868 to over 100,000 in the 1920s.
Lumber mill, courtesy of Seattle Municipal Archives
Japanese workers, courtesy of University of Washington Libraries
In their new frontier, the Issei encountered hostility and discrimination from their American neighbors.
“America must remain American.”
- President Calvin Coolidge
“We must stop the Japs at every opportunity we get."
- The Seattle Star
Anti-Japanese press segment, 1920, courtesy of Washington State Library
“The Japanese cannot be assimilated. Once a Japanese, always a Japanese....‘East is East, and West is West, and ne’er the twain shall meet.’ Oil and water do not mix.”
- Miller Freeman, Seattle businessman
Despite these external pressures, the Issei endured and pioneered their own unique identity within American society by maintaining cultural traditions. Through the creation of businesses, Buddhist temples, and theaters, distinctly Japanese communities like Seattle's Nihonmachi (Japantown) emerged.
"We were able to maintain our Japanese foods and customs, and on New Year's Day they had mochitsuki and the same kind of customs that they were used to."
- Kara Kondo, resident of Yakima
Nihonmanchi, courtesy of University of Washington
Seattle's Buddhist Temple, courtesy of Densho
Courtesy of University of Washington Libraries
Seattle's Nippon Kan Theater, courtesy of University of Washington Libraries
Issei-owned Restaurant, courtesy of University of Washington Libraries
Courtesy of Bainbridge Island Japanese American Community
However, as the community developed, a differing interpretation of identity emerged from the second-generation "Nisei". From baseball to boy scouts, their American upbringing often pulled the Nisei from the Japanese roots of their parents.
Maryknoll Catholic School, courtesy of University of Washington Libraries
Courtesy of Bainbridge Island Japanese American Community
Boyscout manual owned by Nisei brothers, courtesy of Bainbridge Island Japanese American Community
Bainbridge High's Baseball Team, courtesy of Bainbridge Island Japanese American Community
As a result, although Issei maintained a strong Japanese heritage, their American-born children favored assimilation.
“The character of the second generation is so that we may become loyal and useful citizens who can contribute to the greatness of American life.”
- James Sakamoto, Nisei community leader
Courtesy of University of Washington Libraries
Courtesy of University of Washington Libraries
Nisei-led organizations like the Japanese Americans Citizens League (JACL) popularized the ideology of becoming as "American" as possible. Throughout the 1920s and 30s, these young Japanese Americans sought acceptance from the wider American public by emulating white values and practices.
Amy Du, Antonia Kwan, and Brietta Yi
Senior Division
Group Website
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