4.1 Origins and spread of anti-Japanese sentiment

Anti-Japanese sentiment in America grew from a toxic mix of racial prejudice, economic fears, and cultural differences. These attitudes were fueled by sensationalist yellow journalism and exacerbated by global events like Japan's victory in the Russo-Japanese War.

The hostility towards Japanese immigrants and their descendants had far-reaching impacts. It led to discriminatory laws, social isolation, and economic hardships for Japanese American communities, setting the stage for the eventual internment during World War II.

Origins of Anti-Japanese Sentiment

Factors in anti-Japanese sentiment

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• Racial prejudice and xenophobia intensified existing anti-Asian sentiment from Chinese Exclusion Act, fueled fears of "Yellow Peril" (perceived threat of East Asian peoples to Western world)
• Economic competition arose as Japanese immigrants succeeded in agriculture (truck farming, fruit orchards) threatened white labor market
• Cultural differences created barriers due to language (Japanese vs English) and religious practices (Buddhism, Shintoism vs Christianity)
• Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905) Japan's unexpected victory increased fears of Japanese military power in Pacific
• Immigration patterns showed increased Japanese immigration to U.S. West Coast (California, Oregon, Washington)
• Gentlemen's Agreement of 1907 attempted to limit Japanese immigration through diplomatic channels
• Alien Land Laws restricted land ownership by Japanese immigrants (California 1913, other states followed)

Yellow journalism's role

• Sensationalist newspaper headlines exaggerated Japanese "threats" to American society and economy
• Political cartoons depicted Japanese stereotypes with exaggerated features (slanted eyes, buck teeth)
• Inflammatory articles about Japanese immigrants portrayed them as untrustworthy and un-American
• Propagation of racial pseudo-science claimed Japanese were biologically inferior or incompatible with Western civilization
• Fear-mongering about Japanese espionage suggested widespread spy networks in Japanese American communities
• Misrepresentation of Japanese cultural practices painted them as alien and threatening to American values
• Emphasis on economic competition inflated fears of Japanese taking jobs and businesses from white Americans
• Portrayal of Japanese as unassimilable reinforced notion that they could never become true Americans

Contexts of anti-Japanese hostility

• Economic factors during Great Depression intensified competition in agricultural sectors where Japanese excelled (produce farming, floriculture)
• Social contexts led to segregation and discrimination in housing creating Japanese enclaves (Japantowns)
• Political climate saw rise of nativism and isolationism resulting in anti-immigration legislation (Immigration Act of 1924)
• International tensions grew due to Japan's expansionist policies in Asia (invasion of Manchuria 1931, Second Sino-Japanese War 1937)
• Labor movement opposition as unions took stance against Japanese workers viewing them as unfair competition
• California's influence on national policy pushed state-level anti-Japanese measures to federal stage

Impact on Japanese American communities

• Social isolation and segregation led to formation of tight-knit Japanese communities in urban areas (Little Tokyo in Los Angeles)
• Economic hardships included job discrimination and boycotts of Japanese-owned businesses forcing many into ethnic economies
• Educational challenges arose with segregated schools in some areas limiting opportunities for Japanese American youth
• Psychological effects manifested as internalized racism and pressure to assimilate to prove American loyalty
• Community responses included formation of Japanese associations (Japanese Association of America) to advocate for rights
• Legal battles against discriminatory laws challenged Alien Land Laws and other restrictive measures in courts
• Impacts on family structures seen in picture brides phenomenon as way to circumvent immigration restrictions
• Cultural preservation efforts maintained Japanese language schools and cultural traditions within communities
• Long-term consequences led to atmosphere of suspicion culminating in World War II internment of Japanese Americans