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Nisei Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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nisei

[ni-sei ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

Japanese Americans

Nisei is a term that refers to the second generation of Japanese immigrants in the United States, specifically those born in the U.S. to Japanese parents. This group played a significant role in American history, particularly during World War II, when many Nisei faced discrimination and internment. The term has also been used to describe the cultural identity and experiences of these individuals, who often balanced the values of their immigrant parents with those of American society. Nisei have made notable contributions to various fields, including arts, politics, and military service.

Synonyms

Japanese American (2nd generation), second-generation Japanese American.

Examples of usage

  • Many Nisei served in the U.S. military during World War II.
  • The Nisei community has a rich cultural heritage.
  • Nisei often faced unique challenges growing up in a bicultural environment.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • Nisei faced significant challenges during World War II, with over 120,000 Japanese Americans interned in camps, many of whom were nisei.
  • Post-war, nisei played a crucial role in the civil rights movement, advocating for inclusion and rights for Asian Americans.
  • The nisei experience has been preserved in various historical institutions, highlighting their contributions to American society.

Cultural Significance

  • Nisei have contributed richly to American culture, especially in arts, sports, and business, often blending their heritage with American traditions.
  • The nisei generation has been instrumental in creating a shared identity among Japanese American communities, focusing on cultural preservation.
  • Celebrations like Nisei Week in Los Angeles honor the contributions of nisei while fostering intergenerational understanding.

Literature and Media

  • Nisei stories have been depicted in numerous books and films, exploring their challenges and triumphs in American society.
  • Prominent nisei figures like author Yoshiko Uchida have used their narratives to raise awareness about their communities' struggles and cultural legacies.
  • Documentaries such as 'Nisei Soldier' highlight the remarkable service of nisei who fought in World War II for a country that interned their families.

Psychology and Identity

  • Nisei often navigate complex identities, balancing their cultural heritage with the expectations of mainstream American society.
  • Studies show that nisei can experience a unique form of bicultural stress, feeling pressure to embody both their Japanese roots and American upbringing.
  • The nisei generation has played a key role in shaping the identity of subsequent generations, including the sansei (third generation).

Origin of 'nisei'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'nisei' comes from Japanese, where 'ni' means 'second' and 'sei' means 'generation.'
  • In Hawaiian Pidgin English, nisei has influenced many local terms related to identity and culture.
  • Nisei is part of a generational naming pattern in Japanese, which includes 'issei' (first generation) and 'sansei' (third generation).

The term 'Nisei' originates from the Japanese language, where 'ni' means 'two' and 'sei' means 'born' or 'generation'. It was first used in the early 20th century to describe the children of Japanese immigrants who moved to the U.S. in search of better opportunities. As the Japanese community grew in the United States, especially in states like California, the need to distinguish between the first generation of Japanese immigrants (Issei) and their American-born children became essential. Nisei individuals often faced significant challenges, particularly during the 1940s when anti-Japanese sentiment was rampant due to World War II. Government policies led to the internment of Nisei families, and many young Nisei enlisted in the military to demonstrate their loyalty to the United States. Over time, the Nisei have cultivated a distinct cultural identity that bridges their Japanese heritage and American upbringing, contributing to the rich tapestry of Asian American history.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,554, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.