The Four Immigrants Manga: A Japanese Experience in San Francisco, 1904-1924
Originally published in Japanese in San Francisco in 1931, The Four Immigrants Manga is Henry Kiyama's visual chronicle of his immigrant experiences in the United States. Drawn in a classic gag-strip comic-book style, this heartfelt tale - rediscovered and translated by manga expert Frederik L. Schodt - is a fascinating, entertaining depiction of early Asian American struggles.
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A "documentary comic book" from 1931, depicting the true adventures of four young Japanese men in America.Library JournalThese poignant tales of four immigrants in turn-of-the-century San Francisco try for irony in depicting the protagonists' attempts to understand the convoluted whims of their American employers. But the humor hovers near slapstick, and the pie is always in the face of the Caucasians. The illustrations are direct and effective; we see how hard it is for Japanese immigrants to reach the top shelf of an American cupboard. The story is bookended by the dates 1904 and 1924, as in 1924 the immigration laws stiffened and some of the protagonists elected to return to Japan. After 18 years of preparation, this book includes extensive notes historically pinpointing several of the cartoons and an introduction providing an overview of the author/illustrator. Though not quite the first "graphic novel" ever, as it is being touted, this book does have historical significance and belongs in libraries specializing in comics, cartoons, and graphic novels, as well as those focusing on California history, immigrant studies, and the Japanese American experience.--Stephen Weiner, Maynard P.L., MA
HENRY KIYAMA AND "THE FOUR IMMIGRANTS MANGA"On the Trail of Henry Kiyama Kiyama and Immigrant History On Translating Kiyama's Book THE FOUR IMMIGRANT MANGA: Episodes Arrival in San Francisco "Schoolboys," Episodes 1-8 Mistaken Identity Working on a Farm, Episodes 1-3 News of a Parent's Death Decadence, Episodes 1-3 The Shoe Salesman The Great San Francisco Quake, Episodes, 1-4 Plain Cook Working in a Store A Crisis over Japanese School Children Japanese Immigrants Arriving via Hawaii, Episodes 1-2 Enjoying an Illumination Show A Visit by the President When the Golden Gate Bank Failed The Panama Pacific International Exposition, 1-4 The Rice of Colusa, 1-4 Picture Brides, 1-4 The Great War in Europe, 1-2 Influenza Prohibition The Turlock Incident The Alien Land Act Meant for Each Other Mutual Downfall Goodbye NOTES AND COMMENTARY BIBLIOGRAPHY
\ Library JournalThese poignant tales of four immigrants in turn-of-the-century San Francisco try for irony in depicting the protagonists' attempts to understand the convoluted whims of their American employers. But the humor hovers near slapstick, and the pie is always in the face of the Caucasians. The illustrations are direct and effective; we see how hard it is for Japanese immigrants to reach the top shelf of an American cupboard. The story is bookended by the dates 1904 and 1924, as in 1924 the immigration laws stiffened and some of the protagonists elected to return to Japan. After 18 years of preparation, this book includes extensive notes historically pinpointing several of the cartoons and an introduction providing an overview of the author/illustrator. Though not quite the first "graphic novel" ever, as it is being touted, this book does have historical significance and belongs in libraries specializing in comics, cartoons, and graphic novels, as well as those focusing on California history, immigrant studies, and the Japanese American experience.--Stephen Weiner, Maynard P.L., MA\ \
