Japanese immigrants had a different experience in America compared to European immigrants. Many Europeans were seen as more American, while Asians faced unfair treatment and prejudice. Their different looks, languages, and cultures made it hard for them to fit in with others. This led to many challenges as they tried to start new lives in America. Ellis Island was an important place for these immigrants. It was where they arrived in America and hoped to begin their new lives. However, not all dreams came true at Ellis Island. For Japanese immigrants, it was a place of both hope and sadness, where their futures were affected by the rules and policies at that time.

For many Japanese immigrants, the decision to leave their homeland was a complex one, shaped by economic hardship and political issues. In the late 19th century, Japan was undergoing modernization, which led to economic obstacles for many rural farmers and workers. The promise of better jobs and the chance for a fresh start in the United States was a powerful motivator. The idea that one could move the a certain area and have a better life instantly shined a light for those who were hit hardest by the modernization in japan. I came from a family of farmers who saw this as an opportunity for a better life in america

The journey to America was long and very tough. I traveled on a ship that crossed the Pacific Ocean for weeks or even months. The conditions on the ship were often cramped and dirty, which made it hard to stay healthy. Many people got seasick, did not eat enough, and even became sick from diseases. This long trip took a big toll on everyone’s health. When I finally arrived in the United States, I had to go through a difficult immigration process at Ellis Island. The island was crowded, and many immigrants faced tough questions and medical checks. For Japanese immigrants, who usually spoke little English, these inspections were especially scary. It was a challenging start to their new lives in America. 

When we arrived at the dock, a man in a uniform patted us down as if we were suspicious. Because we looked different, many Asians faced extra challenges, like being wrongly accused of being sick. Almost as soon as we got there, most Asian immigrants were taken away and kept in isolation for three months. During this time, people saw us as a danger, and they yelled hurtful things at us. Even if we didn’t understand their words, we could feel the anger behind them. After three months, I was moved to a hotel where I lived with a family friend and two others. I worked at a railroad site during the day, but I was often treated poorly by others, as if I were less than human. To cope with this, I sometimes covered my face with a cloth to hide my features and avoid unwanted attention. It was a difficult time, filled with many challenges, as I tried to find my place in a new and often unwelcoming America.

After a year of the constant discrimination, low pay, bad working conditions, and unsanitary streets I slowly started to want to go home or not go to work. my daily life would be to go to work and on my days off I would go to an English and talk to other Asian immigrants. during my time at my house I would do the job of washing dishes and shopping from time to time. after work I would go straight home and ignore any people on the way the the strain on doing to same thing almost every day and getting yelled and insulted made me feel like what I did was and I want making any progress and it was all pointless

I realized I wasn’t spending enough time helping out in my area, and things were getting worse. My house was often messy, and I struggled to keep it clean. Sometimes, I got into trouble with others for trying to throw my trash in their areas. The streets around me became dirty, and my home started to smell bad because of all the trash. I also received postcards from my family in Japan, and they were excited about coming to America to live with me. But instead of feeling happy, I worried about how we would manage with more people in the house. I thought about how much more cleaning and cooking I would have to do. It felt overwhelming to think about taking care of everyone while I was already struggling with my own mess.

The biggest challenge I faced was racial discrimination. Many people would harass me and yell hurtful insults as I tried to get home from work. This made simple tasks feel dangerous and stressful. Every day, I had to be careful and ignore their hateful words. On top of that, my family had no money, which created even more problems. We struggled to pay for rent and buy food, making our lives even harder. The stress of not having enough money added to the pain of feeling unwelcome in a new country. I often worried about how we would survive each day, feeling both scared and alone in this new world.

Working life as an immigrant at Ellis Island was filled with many hazards and risks. The workplaces often had unsafe conditions, making it dangerous for everyone. I faced many inhumane rules, like not being allowed to take breaks during long hours of work. This meant we had to keep working even when we were tired or sick. The unhealthy conditions caused a lot of stress, and many workers, including myself, felt faint or close to passing out. It was hard to stay strong and focused when our bodies were pushed to the limit, making every day a struggle just to keep going.