Monument honoring Japanese immigrants
While visiting Foster Botanic Gardens, we came across this monument honoring the pioneer Japanese laborers. The monument bears an inscription, which I’ve quoted below. It’s very difficult to miss the diverse culture that exists in Hawaii when you visit. During many of our trips, we’d heard about the immigrants who had contributed to that culture and wanted to learn more about them.
To the pioneer Japanese immigrants, who through exemplary industry and great sacrifice added to and enriched our American heritage.Erected in commemoration of the first contract laborers from Japan. August 20, 1960.
Much like the pilgrims who came to America looking for a new life, many of the Japanese did the same. While researching Maui Magic, I read about these men and women and was amazed at what they went through. Japanese men came to Hawaii to work, then sent home for ‘picture brides’. In some ways, this was the equivalent of today’s dating apps, but unlike those dating apps, the women who arrived after their months’ long journey on a ship married as they disembarked in mass ceremonies on the docks.
Those first immigrants endured conditions we would today consider unthinkable. And yet, they endured and thrived. They integrated themselves into a new culture, bringing with them new traditions and language. That diversity is something I truly enjoy about Hawaii, and I look forward to a day when I can return.
Learn more about these early immigrants in this National Geographic article. Want to see more photos from our trip? Here’s a link where you can check out all the entries in our travel journal.
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