Photo by Yoshio Okumoto - Heart Mountain Interpretive Center

Photo by Yoshio Okumoto - Heart Mountain Interpretive Center

Abstract:

The first Japanese immigrants to the United States of America were known as Issei, or “first generation.” A group of colonists arrived in California from Japan as early as 1869. By the mid-1800s, the first major influx of immigrants was recorded as Japanese laborers began working in Hawaii sugarcane fields and California farms.

According to the 1900 U.S. Census, 24,326 Japanese lived in America, primarily on the West Coast. The first Japanese to come to America were male. In fact, the 1900 census shows that only 410 of 24,326 Japanese immigrants were female. Of that total number, 393 were listed in Wyoming. By 1910, the total population of Japanese in America had grown to 72,157, with more than 1,596 of that number living in Wyoming. In the below video clip from the Japanese American Experiences Electronic Field Trip, student reporter Ryo briefly describes the Issei experience in Hawaii and the United States and how his family emigrated from Japan (The National WWII Museum).

*We call the first generation of immigrants to America Issei. The Nisei are the children of Issei, born in this country. Nisei were the first Japanese American citizens. Some second generation were sent back to Japan for schooling. We call them Kibei. Sansei are the children of Nisei, and Yonsei are the children of Sansei.

Video: The First-Generation Japanese American (Issei) Experience in Hawaii and the United States - YouTube

Teacher Resource Guide: Heart Mountain - Coming to America - Teacher Resource Guide.pdf

Additional Wallop Resources:

Notable Issei of Heart Mountain Part I - Nyogen Senzaki - SS4

Notable Issei of Heart Mountain Part II- Satoru "Shisei" Tsuneishi - SS2

Notable Issei of Heart Mountain Part III- Clarence Hachiro Uno SS5