Japanese Immigrants
Reasons for Immigration
In the years that followed Perry's arrival, Japan underwent a tremendous social transformation, and for many Japanese the U.S. increasingly became a model not only of modern military might, but also of a desirable way of life. Japanese people saw the United States as a place where they could start a new life and began to leave Japan for the United States. Many settled in Hawaii, which was not yet a state, but some also came to the mainland, specifically the west coast.
Many families in Japan followed the practice of primogeniture which is when the eldest son inherits the entire estate. Because of this practice, second and third sons often came to the United States to seek their fortunes. The promise of economic prosperity and the hope for a better life for their children were two additional reasons Japanese immigrants came to our shores.
In 1853, Commodore Matthew Perry of the United States Navy sailed gunships into Tokyo harbor, forcing a reclusive nation to open itself up to trade with the U.S., and incidentally providing the people of Japan with an unprecedented glimpse of an alien culture. Since 1639, Japan had maintained an official policy of isolation from Europe and most of its colonies, and emigration was strictly controlled.
How many of you go home from school and watch Poke`mon or Yu Gi Oh? These cartoons are examples of Japanese contributions to our society that affect you. Have you ever seen a Samurai sword, or eaten at a Japanese restaurant where the chef cooks right at your table? There are many more examples that could not be mentioned here. Without Japanese culture being infused into our American culture you would never have experienced any of these things.
Customs and Practices
When they first arrived, the Japanese gained their initial foothold in agriculture by working as agricultural laborers for lower wages than whites, and then acquiring farms by paying more than whites for the land. Once established, it became clear that they were formidable competitors. On farms where laborers were paid by the amount they collected (half were), the Japanese earned substantially more through harder work and longer hours. As their reputation spread, the hourly pay of Japanese rose, and soon overtook that of the whites.
Many Japanese also went into business. By 1924, urban Japanese immigrants began to open businesses such as restaurants, laundries, cleaning establishments, grocery stores, service stations, theaters, and barber shops. Contract gardening also became an important and common occupation because of a growing demand; gardening called for little capital and provided substantial autonomy.
The descendants, of Japanese immigrants, are now closely assimilated into Western culture, although some families and urban groups observe ancestral customs. Traditional decor, beliefs, and customs are on the increase. Japanese food has remained a very obvious cultural element, both in the form of family cooking and commercial restaurants. Many traditional recipes are prepared in The United States today.