Japanese Immigrants

1. Japanese Immigrants Past and Present Lifestyles

2. History of Japanese Immigrants The Pre-World War II Japanese Immigrants came over in the late 1800’s. The influence of the Japanese in America slowly grew until the start of the War. At this time all of the Japanese people that were living in America were sent to interment camps. They were forced to sell their houses for and possessions for much less than they were worth. For the duration of the war they lived in these camps, and were finally set free after everything was over. Many Japanese served in the war and many went back home, but there were also a substantial amount that stayed in America and tried to make their lives work. A museum in Portland, Oregon keeps some of the old Japanese-American lifestyle alive. Oregon Nikkei Legacy Center

3. Japanese Immigrants Today There are many Japanese people in America today. Since English is required in most Japanese schools, many Japanese students come to America to see the sights. Many exchange students come to PSU for a year as a requirement. There are of course many Japanese-Americans who have come to live and work as citizens. Many new Japanese people are arriving and many Japanese families have deep roots in America. Since there is a lot of American culture already imbedded into Japanese Pop culture, many Japanese want to experience the real thing. Also, since Japan is one of the top traders with America, many people go to America to become fluent in English and make a living in the business world as a translator.

4. Immigrant Adaptation There are a few places that new Japanese-Americans go when they need help getting to be comfortable with America. Travel Portland or POVA is one of the leading companies to help any visitor or resident feel at home in Portland. The Japanese consulate is also a place they go to ask questions. A member on the POVA staff was kind enough to let me speak with him about the information the company usually gives people who do not know their way around. Since many Japanese people come to America through the college, many of them stay together in groups for a while until they get accustomed to the geography of Portland.