The Negative Impact Of Japanese Migration To The Hawaiian Islands

Introduction:
“Everyone in this world is somehow connected.” says Richard Simmons. I think that this is very true, and that everything we do not only affects us, but also others. Though we are 3,850 miles away from the Land of the Rising Sun, our actions have affected each other for centuries. The Japanese and Hawaiian cultures have impacted each other greatly. During the next 3 minutes, I will be talking to you about Japanese immigration, food and culture, and creating the nisei market. Now, let’s talk about the Japanese immigration to the Hawaiian Islands.

Body:

1st Main Point: In 1868, in the beginning of the Meiji Era, 148 Japanese men set sail from Yokohama. Destination: “Hawaii Paradise.” The men believed that Hawaii, or the “Heavenly Place,” would be their
The people in Japan have depended on rice for about two thousand years, and it still plays a vital part in their diets today. It was so important, that the Japanese word for rice, “gohan,” is also used to mean “meal.” During the summer months, the people of Japan pray for rain so that the rice may grow. It has been idolized as the core of any Japanese meal. Rice, along with sake and mochi, are all powerful symbols in Japan. Other dishes the Japanese men brought with them when they migrated to Hawaii was Japanese plums (ume), tofu, and bento boxes. But believe it or not, America also had it’s lasting impression on Japan. In World War II, during the food shortage of the 1940s, the American Occupation brought about a powerful Western influence to the people of Japan. 1971 marks the beginning of Japan catching up with the rest of the world culinary-wise. It’s amazing how much we’ve affected each other over the times. Hawaii even introduced hula to the Japanese! Since we’ve talked about food and culture, I will lastly talk about creating the nisei