The Nisei Experience

Abstract

This chapter looks at the Nisei and their experience growing up in Kona. Due to the strong Japanese community the Issei created, it will explore the extent of the development of dual cultural identity, the ability for the Nisei to switch between mainstream American and Japanese cultural practices, within this generation. To examine the Nisei, this generation will be split into three groups, Early Nisei (N1), Middle Nisei (N2), and Late Nisei (N3). The majority of the N1 Nisei would continue to farm coffee full-time. The N2 Nisei would begin to take jobs outside of farming, however, while continuing to farm part-time as an economic insurance. N3 Nisei would experience greater prosperity, and better educational and employment opportunities.