Hawaiian Japanese Americans

Definition

Hawaiian Japanese Americans are individuals of Japanese descent who were born or have lived in Hawaii, forming a unique cultural community within the broader Asian American experience. This group played a significant role in Hawaii's economy and culture, especially during the early 20th century, and was particularly affected by events like World War II, when they faced discrimination and challenges related to Executive Order 9066.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Before World War II, Hawaiian Japanese Americans made up about 40% of Hawaii's population and significantly contributed to the islands' agricultural workforce.
2. Despite being American citizens, many Hawaiian Japanese Americans faced suspicion and discrimination during the war due to their ethnic background.
3. Unlike their counterparts on the mainland U.S., Hawaiian Japanese Americans were not subjected to mass internment but still experienced societal pressures and restrictions.
4. The experiences of Hawaiian Japanese Americans during World War II contributed to the complex understanding of loyalty and identity in the face of national crisis.
5. Post-war, many Hawaiian Japanese Americans became influential in local politics and businesses, contributing to the multicultural identity of modern Hawaii.

Review Questions

• How did the experiences of Hawaiian Japanese Americans differ from those of Japanese Americans on the mainland during World War II?
  • Hawaiian Japanese Americans faced a different experience during World War II compared to their mainland counterparts primarily because they were not subjected to mass internment. While they encountered discrimination and suspicion due to their ethnicity, many continued working in essential industries like sugarcane and pineapple production, which were critical for Hawaii's economy. This allowed them to maintain some degree of economic stability while navigating social challenges.
• Discuss the impact of Executive Order 9066 on the Hawaiian Japanese American community specifically during World War II.
  • Executive Order 9066 primarily targeted Japanese Americans on the mainland for internment; however, it also created an atmosphere of fear and suspicion that affected Hawaiian Japanese Americans. Many faced increased scrutiny from government officials and local communities, leading to social tensions. While they were not forcibly relocated en masse, this executive order shaped their identity as loyal Americans who had to prove their allegiance amidst widespread prejudice.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of World War II on Hawaiian Japanese Americans' political and social standing in post-war Hawaii.
  • The long-term effects of World War II on Hawaiian Japanese Americans significantly altered their political and social standing within Hawaii. After the war, many in this community emerged as leaders in politics and business, actively participating in shaping Hawaii's multicultural identity. The challenges they faced during the war fostered a sense of unity and resilience that contributed to their increased visibility and influence in Hawaiian society, ultimately helping to pave the way for greater civil rights advocacy for all Asian Americans.

Related terms

Nisei:

Nisei refers to the second generation of Japanese immigrants in America, born in the United States to immigrant parents, and many Hawaiian Japanese Americans identify as Nisei.

Internment Camps: Internment camps were facilities where Japanese Americans were forcibly relocated during World War II, impacting many from Hawaii and leading to significant losses in their livelihoods.

Pineapple and Sugarcane Industry: The pineapple and sugarcane industries were vital to Hawaii's economy, with many Hawaiian Japanese Americans working in these sectors, shaping their community's economic base.