Institute of Texan Cultures' Texans Series
Japan is a string of volcanic islands bordered on one side by the China Sea and on the other by the Pacific Ocean. Because of the mountainous topography, people live mostly along the coastlines. In 1903, Japan had a population of approximately 45 million living and farming a land area approximately the size of Illinois. Overpopulation and limited resources forced many Japanese to look for new places to live.
Many of the early Japanese settlers who came to Texas were educated and successful businessmen in Japan. When invited to start rice farms near Houston, they found people with money to invest and came because there was so little farm land available in Japan. These farmers settled near Webster between Houston and Galveston. Others later settled along the coast and in the Rio Grande Valley.
Nisei and sansei (second- and third-generation Japanese) still live in the Houston area and along the coast. Others, along with more recent Japanese Texans, may now be found in communities throughout the state.
Handbook of Texas
- JapaneseThis articles explores the history of Japanese settlement and culture in Texas.
- World War II Internment CampsThis articles details the dark side of the Japanese-American experience in Texas when the United States government created internment camps for those of Japanese-American descent.
Selected Books
The Train to Crystal City: FDR's Secret Prisoner Exchange Program and America's Only Family Internment Camp during World War II by Call Number: D805.5.C79 R87 2015
Organizations
- Japan-America Society of San AntonioSince its inception in 1985, the Japan America Society of San Antonio (JASSA) leads to connect cultural and business communities in San Antonio with those in Japan through diverse grassroots exchange activities that provide all members and participants various experiences that nurture teamwork, discipline and leadership, and build up an awareness of the management of a growing organization, while, at the same time, disseminating to the world the diverse and intrinsic values of San Antonio.
- Japan America Society of HoustonThe Japan America Society of Houston (JASH) is the leading organization that connects Houston’s diverse community, local businesses, and individuals to advance the mutual interest of American and Japanese people.
- Fort Worth Japanese SocietyThe society's mission is to foster Japanese and American understanding by providing an opportunity to learn about Japan, it's people, language and culture. There are many programs and events sponsored by the society, which include Japanese Language Classes, Japanese Library, Calligraphy, Origami, Ikebana, Folk Dances, Tea Ceremony, Taiko Drum Group, Sister Cities Program, Monthey Activities and Luncheons, as well as other activities.
- Japan-America Society of Greater AustinThe Japan-America Society of Greater Austin (JASGA) is a nonprofit organization that bridges the cultures of Japan and central Texas and works for friendly US-Japan relations. Its mission is to strengthen cooperation and understanding between the people of the US and Japan in providing programs and events that help to expand knowledge, increase personal interaction, and facilitate discussion of important issues.
Museums
- Asia Society of TexasAsia Society Texas Center engages the diversity of Houston through enriching programs and events within the pillars of arts and culture, business and policy, exhibitions, and education and community outreach.
- Japanese Tea GardenNear the San Antonio Zoo and Sunken Gardens amphitheater, the city of San Antonio developed land in the Japanese style. This area has a pagoda, water falls, and koi ponds.
- The Samurai CollectionThe Ann & Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum: The Samurai Collection has been selectively amassed by Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller and their children over the past 25 years. The museum is located in Dallas’ district of Harwood at the historic St. Ann’s School.
Centuries of craftsmanship are represented in the collection, with objects dating from the seventh to nineteenth centuries. Samurai masterpieces, including suits of armor, helmets, masks, horse armor, and weaponry are on display in the Museum. The collection is accompanied by a traveling exhibition consisting of 140 objects that has been seen by over 1.3 million visitors worldwide since 2011.
Festivals
- Asian Festival at the Institute of Texan CulturesThe UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures celebrates the annual Asian Festival, observing the Lunar New Year and celebrating the many rich cultures of Asia.
The daylong event features authentic foods, music, dance, martial arts, shopping, games and entertainment from China, to the Indian Sub-continent, and the island nations of the Pacific. - Jaoan Festival HoustonJapan Festival Houston celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Japan with traditional and contemporary performances of Japanese music, dance and martial arts, Japanese/Japanese-inspired food, as well as demonstrations and displays of Ikebana flower arrangement, tea ceremony, origami, bonsai and more.