Yonsei (fourth-generation Nikkei) facts for kids
This article is about fourth-generation Japanese immigrants or emigrants. For other uses, see Yonsei.
Yonsei (四世, literally, "fourth generation") is a Japanese language term. It describes people whose great-grandparents moved from Japan to another country.
Imagine your great-grandparents were born in Japan. They moved to a new country, like Brazil or the United States. They are called Issei. Their children, born in the new country, are called Nisei (second generation). The children of the Nisei are called Sansei (third generation). And the children of the Sansei are the Yonsei (fourth generation). Yonsei people have a special place in history. Their lives are studied by experts in places like the United States and Japan.
Contents
How Japanese Communities Grew
Japanese people started moving to other countries a long time ago. The first organized group of Japanese emigrants settled in Mexico in 1897.
Many Japanese people also moved to Brazil. This started in 1908. Today, Brazil has the largest Japanese community outside of Japan. About 1.5 million Brazilians have Japanese roots. Other large Yonsei communities grew in the United States.
The word Issei became common in the 1930s. It replaced the older word "immigrant." This change showed how Issei people saw themselves. They felt like they belonged to their new country. The terms Nisei, Sansei, and Yonsei followed this pattern.
Understanding Japanese Culture Abroad
What is Nikkei?
The term Nikkei (日系) was created by experts. It includes all Japanese immigrants and their descendants around the world.
How Generations Differ
The Issei were born in Japan. Their culture was mostly Japanese. But they chose to live in a new country. Their Yonsei great-grandchildren grew up differently. They were born in a new country. Their culture and way of life were shaped by that country.
The Issei always felt a connection to Japan. But they built their homes far away. The Yonsei have only known the country where they were born.
Here is a simple way to understand the generations:
- Issei (一世): People born in Japan who moved to another country.
- Nisei (二世): Children born outside Japan to at least one Issei parent.
- Sansei (三世): Children born to at least one Nisei parent.
- Yonsei (四世): Children born to at least one Sansei parent.
- Gosei (五世): Children born to at least one Yonsei parent.
Each generation, from Issei to Sansei, has different views. These include ideas about rules, family roles, and beliefs.
Famous Yonsei People
Many Yonsei have become well-known in different fields. This list is not complete, but it shows some examples.
- Warren Furutani (born 1947), an American politician.
- Colleen Hanabusa (born 1951), a US Congresswoman.
- Gina Hiraizumi
- Garrett Hongo
- David Horvitz
- Grant Imahara
- Travis Ishikawa
- Brandon League
- Devin Setoguchi
- Don Wakamatsu
- Kristi Yamaguchi (born 1971), an American Olympic athlete and skater. She won a gold medal in 1992.
