Life Before World War II
Japanese American farmers transformed barren plots of land on the West Coast into lush farms. In the process, they earned the envy of all farmers. Although Japanese residents in California controlled less than two percent of the total farmland before 1940, they produced a third or more of the state’s truck crops, like fruits and vegetables. Despite restrictive laws, the Issei married, had children, and became economically stable in America as merchants, tradesmen, and farmers. By 1940, the American-born children of the Issei, known as Nisei, were coming of age, ranging from young teens to early 20s. The Nisei, or “second generation,” spoke English and exemplified the American lifestyle and culture.
Munemitsu Family - Westminster, CA
Janice Munemisu's great-grandparents came to California from Japan in 1921. By the 1930's they had two sons and a farm in Westminster, CA.
