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Issei facts for kids

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Issei (一世, literally, "first generation") is a Japanese language term used in countries in North America and South America to name the Japanese people who immigrated. The emigrants or immigrants who were born in Japan are called Issei; and their children born in the new country are called Nisei (second generation). The grandchildren of Issei are called Sansei (third generation).

The character and uniqueness of the Issei is recognized in its social history.

History

Japoneses no brasil
The first Japanese-Brazilian (Nipo-brasileiros) immigrants arriving aboard the Kassato Maru in 1908. They would call themselves Issei.

The earliest organized group of Japanese emigrants settled in Mexico in 1897.

Imigration to Brazil began in 1908. Today, the community established by the Issei has become the largest Japanese emigrant population outside of Japan, including approximately 1.5 million Brazilians. Other Issei established themselves in the United States,

In the 1930s, the term Issei came into common use. The word replaced the term "immigrant" (ijusha). This change in usage mirrored an evolution in the way the Issei looked at themselves. The label Issei also included the idea of belonging to the new country. Other terns like Nisei were modeled after this Issei pattern or template.

Cultural profile

The term Nikkei (日系) was created by sociologists in the late 20th century. The Nikkei include all of the world's Japanese immigrants and their descendants.

The Issei were born in Japan, and their cultural perspective was primarily Japanese; but they were in America by choice. Their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren grew up with a national and cultural point-of-view that was different from their parents.

Although the Issei kept an emotional connection with Japan, they created homes in a country far from Japan.

Generation Cohort description
Issei (一世) The generation of people born in Japan who immigrated to another country.
Nisei (二世) The generation of people born in North America, Latin America, Australia, Hawaii, or any country outside of Japan either to at least one Issei parent.
Sansei (三世) The generation of people born to at least one Nisei parent.
Yonsei (四世) The generation of people born to at least one Sansei parent
Gosei (五世) The generation of people born to at least one Yonsei parent

The Issei, Nisei and Sansei generations reflect distinctly different attitudes to authority, gender, non-Japanese involvement, and religious practice, and other matters.

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