Pioneers of San Jose Japantown

Pioneers: The Japanese pioneers of San Jose were called the Issei (first generation). The agricultural industry drew them to the Santa Clara Valley. In 1890, the Issei arrived in search of seasonal work but eventually a permanent Japanese farming community was established. These immigrants were seeking an escape from their economic burdens in Japan.

Japantown (also known as "Nihonmachi"): San Jose's Japantown began in 1900 as the Valley's Japanese farming community became established. It was a comfortable place for the Issei to gather together to survive in a society hostile to their presence. It was a place to find not only Japanese foods and products, but also boarding houses, employment agencies, social clubs, bath houses, merchandise stores, and restaurants. San Jose Japantown is one of only three surviving Japantowns in the United States. See Japantown Walking Tours

The photo display provides a sense of the adjustments the Issei made in their new country and the institutions and businesses that were important to Japanese pioneers.