Sei Fujii facts for kids

Sei Fujii (1882–1954) was a brave human rights activist who fought for the rights of Japanese-American people. He also started a daily newspaper in California in 1931.

Sei Fujii's Early Life and Fight for Justice

Sei Fujii was born in Shūtō, Japan. This area is now part of Yamaguchi. He moved to the United States in 1903. He studied law at the University of Southern California. He even graduated from the USC Gould School of Law.

However, Sei Fujii could not become a lawyer. This was because of a law that stopped people of "Mongolian race" from becoming citizens. Without citizenship, he could not get a law license. After this, he began to fight against unfair treatment for Japanese immigrants. He worked with his friend J. Marion Wright, who was a lawyer. In 1928, the highest court in the US, the Supreme Court, said Japanese-Americans could build hospitals in Los Angeles.

What Happened During World War II?

In 1942, after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the FBI arrested Fujii. He was held at the Tuna Canyon Detention Station. Then, he was sent to other camps. These included a camp in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He was also held at an Army camp in Lordsburg, New Mexico. Sei Fujii was not set free until 1946.

When Did Sei Fujii Finally Get His Rights?

Several years after World War II, a law called the California Alien Land Law of 1913 was removed. This law had stopped Japanese immigrants from buying land. Now, they could finally buy land. In 1952, the law that limited citizenship was also found to be unfair. Because of this, Sei Fujii finally became a US citizen. He was 73 years old. He passed away 51 days later.

Remembering Sei Fujii's Work

Many people have worked to remember Sei Fujii and his fight for justice.

The "Lil Tokyo Reporter" Film

In 2012, a short film called "Lil Tokyo Reporter" was made. This movie was about Sei Fujii's work. It showed his fight for Japanese-American human rights. The film was shown at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival. It won more than 18 awards across the US. Jeffrey Gee Chin directed the film. Actor Chris Tashima played Sei Fujii.

The Sei Fujii Memorial Lantern

In August 2015, the Little Tokyo Historical Society honored Sei Fujii. They put up a special memorial lantern. The lantern was designed by Miles Endo. His grandfather was held in the same camp as Sei Fujii. Many people in the community gave money to help fund this project.

Sei Fujii's Law License After His Death

In 2017, California's highest court made an important decision. They decided to give Sei Fujii a law license. This happened 63 years after he passed away. It is very rare for someone to get a law license after they have died.

The Historic Japanese Hospital

The historic Japanese Hospital was built in 1929. It is located at 101 S. Fickett. In 2016, members of the Little Tokyo Historical Society worked to make it a historic landmark. In 2019, it was officially named a City of Los Angeles Historic Cultural Monument #1131.

The Book "A Rebel's Outcry"

In 2021, the Little Tokyo Historical Society published a book. It is called "A Rebel's Outcry: Biography of Issei Civil Rights Leader Sei Fujii (1882-1954)". This book tells the story of Sei Fujii's life. It includes old photos, articles, and artwork. The book was released in November 2021 in Los Angeles. Another event was held in San Francisco in December 2021.

See also

• Racism in the United States#Asian Americans