Intermarriages and Hapas: An Overview
by George Kich, Ph.D., Larry Hajime Shinagawa, Ph.D., Rebecca Chiyoko King, Ph.D. and Shizue Seigel

“What Are You?”
by George Kich, Ph.D.

Significant Events Affecting Intermarriages and Interracial People.
compiled by Shizue Seigel, George Kich and Randall Senzaki

Uncles Gunjiro’s Girlfriend: The True Story of the First Hapa Baby
by Brenda Wong Aoki

Truth, Jazz and the American Way
by Anthony Brown, Ph.D.

Hapa Issues Forum
by Jeff Yoshimi

“Mixed” Blessings
by Ann Colla

NJAHS News
Letter to Editor
Suggested Readings

New Members and Donations

Exhibits and programs

Past Present Future

The State of California is one of the most multi-ethnic and multi-cultural states in the United States. Despite this status and possibly because of it, the history of this state is pockmarked with historical incidents of blatant governmental discrimination. The story of “Hapa” was first discussed in this magazine in the Summer/Fall issue of 1996, by Greg Mayeda. The immediate past issue of this magazine dealt with the alien land laws of California and this issue is devoted to exploring “Hapa” or “Doubles”, persons born of a relationship between a Japanese American person and another of a different race. Prior California law (now repealed) prohibited interracial marriages between Caucasians and other races as discussed by Brenda Wong Aoki in her article. Out-marriage in the Japanese American community is now at a rate of 50% and some of the issues and their scope are covered by George Kitahara Kich, Rebecca Chiyoko King, Larry Shinagawa and Shizue Seigel in their overview article. On a personal level, Ann Colla and Anthony Brown tell their individual stories as to how their daily living is impacted by the “Hapa” story. In conclusion, Jeff Yoshimi discusses how and why the Hapa Issues Forum was organized.

The people of California are once again facing controversy over racially and ethnically tinged issues such as affirmative action, bi-lingual education and ethnic studies. In 1991, San Jose was one of the first large cities where the minority population exceeded the caucasian population. In the early part of the 21st century, which is just a few years from now, it is expected that the minority population in California will surpass the Caucasian population. It remains to be seen what social and political impact this population mix will have and what role the “Hapa” will play.

We wish to receive comments from our readers on this issue or any other subject matter and suggestions for subject matter to be covered in future issues. The next three issues will cover religion in the internment camps, different and unusual occupations and the history and stories of Stockton and environs.

“Tak” Takei, Chair
Editorial Board