Desert Exile: The Uprooting of a Japanese American Family Themes

Desert Exile: The Uprooting of a Japanese American Family Themes

Issei and Nisei

"Issei" is the name of first-generation Japanese-American immigrants. Typically Issei immigrated to the United States in the early part of the 20th century. Often poor, these immigrants, like so many others, struggled to make a life for themselves in a country that was often suspicious of them. They faced a wide range of trials, but through hard work and thrift, many became quite prosperous. Dwight and Iku Uchida were among the more prosperous Issei. Many of the Issei remained deeply connected to Japan, not only through relatives but culturally.

"Nisei" is the name for the children of the Issei. The Nisei typically identified primarily as Americans and often knew little Japanese. In any event, they considered their primary culture as American and their primary language as English. Since they were born in the United States, all Nisei were American citizens. Despite feeling most at home in the United States, the...
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