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Pioneers of San Jose Japantown WWII: 442nd Regimental Combat Team WWII: Military Intelligence Service WWII: Assembly Centers and Internment Camps Post-WWII Resettlement Asahi/Zebras Baseball Farming Exhibit Oral History Project Valley of the Voices - KTEH Documentary Japantown Walking Tours

Pioneers of San Jose Japantown

The Nihonmachi Monterey Market. 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 and social clubs. 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. 


Katsusaburo Kawahara's farm on Senter Road, about one mile south of Kelly Park. 
This picture shows both the horse-drawn farm equipment and the modern Caterpillar tractor.



Mr. Kawakami and his son in front of Dobashi Market.