Japanese America on the Eve of the Pacific War: An Untold History of the 1930s

This book provides the first English translation of Yasuo Sakatas seminal essay, arguing that the 1930s is a chronological and conceptual "missing link" between the pre-1924 immigration exclusion and the mass incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II. It pays tribute to Sakatas role as a historian and explores topics from diplomacy, geopolitics, and trade to immigrant and ethnic nationalism, education, and citizenship.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 01 February 2024
Publisher: Hoover Institution Press,U.S.

The period between the 1924 US Immigration Act and the 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor is a significant yet often overlooked chapter in Japanese American history. This book presents the first English translation of Yasuo Sakata's groundbreaking essay, which argues that the 1930s serve as a crucial "missing link" between two primary areas of research in Japanese American history: the pre-1924 immigration exclusion and the mass incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II.

The anthology pays homage to Sakata's esteemed position as a leading historian of early Japanese America and transpacific migration, while also offering a platform for younger scholars to engage with his contributions and establish a new field of study in Japanese American history. Original and translated essays from scholars with diverse backgrounds and generations delve into various topics such as diplomacy, geopolitics, trade, immigrant and ethnic nationalism, education, and citizenship. These essays collectively aim to stimulate further research and writing by employing a rigorous and meticulous analysis of primary-source materials, a endeavor that Sakata tirelessly pursued in both the United States and Japan.

The 1924 US Immigration Act, which limited the number of immigrants from Asia and established discriminatory policies, marked a turning point in Japanese American history. The 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, which led to the internment of Japanese Americans in concentration camps, further exacerbated their struggles and trauma. This book seeks to shed light on this forgotten period and provide a deeper understanding of the experiences and challenges faced by Japanese Americans during this time.

By presenting the first English translation of Yasuo Sakata's seminal essay, this anthology contributes to the ongoing effort to reclaim and honor the history of Japanese Americans. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in learning more about this marginalized community's rich and complex history.

Weight: 540g
Dimension: 153 x 229 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780817926052