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Leaving Japan
Times are tough in Japan. My familys farmland was expensive, and we only got poor harvests from the land. In America, there was free land, and fertile land, what a paradise. My parents saw there was no future for me here, so they sent me to go to America. One day, when i was succesful, i would summon my parents to come to America with me, and we would be happily reunited. I am Hiroshi Takishima, and i am going to America. -
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Japanese Immmigration Timeline
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A Stormy Ride
On the boat ride over to America a terrible storm hitts the sea. On the top deck people are tossed over into the ocean by the strong waves. On the lower decks the conditions are terrible. There are leaks everywhere. Everything is wet. We are all misrable and cold. I can not wait to get off this boat. -
Sick In America
When we reach Angel Island i fall terribly ill. The doctors dont know what it is, but i am being kept in Quarantine. I have a terrible headache and i am constantly throwing up.They say it is doubtfull i will ever become an American citizen. At this point i will be lucky if i survive. -
No Good Jobs
I am held sick on Angel Island for weeks, but i recover. I slowly make my way through the island, but I eventually become an American! However, my enthusiasm is short lived. I can not find a good job of any kind. Either they are full or they do not accept Asians. The only job I find is a low paying job in a sweatshop. I dont even have a place to sleep yet. -
Prejudice in San Fransisco
America is not what i dreamed of. I have a low paying job, no home, and i am all alone. I sleep in stables and begg on the streets, but i dont even have enough to buy food. I hear rumors about Washington. I know i need to get there. They are saying they are just giving out free land, and plenty of it. I need to get to Washington. -
My Horse
I dont know how i will get to Washington, but i will. I save my money up for months. I need a horse. Washington is to far to walk. I dont buy my own food, all i do is steal, i keep the money to buy a horse. Finally i have enough, and I set off for the great state of Washington. -
Free Land in Washington
I reach Washington with time to spare. They still have land! I must be win the race to claim the land still. My horse is a loyal one, and i know we can win. I race but it goes all wrong. I think i lose, no land for me...but i see new territory and claim it as my own. It isnt the best land around, but its something. I have a home. -
I Meet My Wife
It has been five years since i won the land and my farm is coming along. I just had a great harvest, and my spirits are high. Thats when i meet Kayoko, at the market selling my crops. I introduce myself and we immediatly fall for each other. -
Asian Exclusion Act
My farm is amazing, and I have become quite successful. I finally send for my mother and she is on her way from Japan. I can hardly contain my excitment. When she reaches america my happines is crushed. They will not let her through.The asian exclusion act keeps her away. I have to watched as she is loaded back onto the boats and sent back to Japan. -
I Settle Down
Kayoko and i eventually are married, and we have four children. We keep working the farm, and are very wealthy because of it. We live in a large house i built, and we are happy. My poor old mother never comes to America, and i never see her again. but i write her everyday. I have accomplished my goal. I am happy.
