Japanese in Nebraska
Although I live in Hawaii, I have deep roots in Nebraska and travel back frequently.
I am a researcher, historian, and speaker on the early Japanese settlers in Nebraska and serve on the Advisory Board of Japanese Hall, Legacy of the Plains Museum, in Gering, Nebraska. The Japanese Hall was built by early Japanese in the area and now serves to preserve their story. My grandparents and family were members of the Hall.
My paternal grandparents settled in a small town in western Nebraska where my father grew up and I was born and raised. My mother’s family settled in eastern Colorado where there was also a Japanese community. Japanese immigrants came into Nebraska, Colorado, and Wyoming in the early 1900’s, primarily working on the railroad. Some Japanese, like my grandparents, settled and became sugar beet farmers and small business owners.
Although the history of the Japanese in Nebraska follows much of the history of the Japanese experience on the West Coast and Hawaii, there are some important differences. I invite you to learn more about the Japanese in Nebraska!
Past Events
August 8, 2025
Presentation: Early Japanese Settlers in Nebraska, Weaving a Nation, Nebraska Chautauqua, Gering, Nebraska. https://youtu.be/mh8Gfl6q0Gw?si=hj9cnVaNOFDYqjKU
May 6, 2025
Panelist: Sneak Preview of Nebraska Public Media Nebraska Stories
“Rescuing Japanese Hall,” Midwest Theater, Scottsbluff, Nebraska.
June 8, 2024
Presentation: Early Japanese Settlers on the High Plains
Grand Opening Japanese Hall, Legacy of the Plains Museum, Gering, Nebraska.
February 8, 2013
Presentation: Early Japanese Settlers in Alliance and Western Nebraska
Journeys Stories Mini Conference, Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service Museum on Main Street, Knight Museum, Alliance Nebraska.
October 26, 2018
Presentation: Early Japanese in Nebraska, the Issei
Kawasaki Reading Room, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska
March 24, 2018
Presentation: Talking Story about Japanese Settlers in Western Nebraska
Open House at the Japanese Hall, opening ceremony by Consul General of Japan from Chicago, Legacy of the Plains Museum, Gering, Nebraska.
October 31, 2015
Presentation: Crossing Bridges and Building Community, at daylong conference.
“The Japanese In Nebraska,” sponsored by Humanities Nebraska, at Legacy of the Plains Museum, Gering, Nebraska.
August 2, 2015
Panelist at Premier Screening of “The Invisible People,” NET Nebraska Stories on Japanese-Americans in Scottsbluff area
Midwest Theater, Scottsbluff, Nebraska
July 3, 2015
Presentation: Framing the Story: Early Japanese Immigrants in the Merino area
Sterling Public Library, Sterling, Colorado
March 19, 2015
Presentation: Japanese in Alliance and Western Nebraska
Heritage Seekers Program, Knight Museum, Alliance, Nebraska
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