The Four Immigrants Manga: A Japanese Experience in San Francisco, 1904-1924 »

A "documentary comic book" from 1931, depicting the true adventures of four young Japanese men in America.

Library Journal

These 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