Nikkei Farmers of the Hood River Area

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Loading Hay on the Hamada Farm

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Some came from traditional farming backgrounds in Japan, but not everyone had experience. They took what work they could get. Mostly young, single men, the first Issei were employed at hard labor. Shinbo –- the Japanese principal of patience, endurance, and perseverance –- guided their paths.

By 1900, 2,500 Japanese resided in Oregon. In 1905, 26 percent of the Issei in Oregon were employed by the railroad and more than one-third were working the land.

Photo: Courtesy of Chiz Tamura.

Content © Oregon Nikkei Legacy Center.