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In the early 1900s this was the story of many picture brides who came to America. They left their home country of Japan to start a new life. The opportunities that America had to offer were so much more than Japan that the often rough seas and long passage was well worth the voyage to get to America. To these women, Japan had nothing more to offer them. In their home towns they were faced with economic challenges in which there was no way out. Women came to America for the increased possibility of independence. They didn’t have to worry about the overbearing and strict mother-in-law nor did they have to worry as much about finding a job. In America the job opportunities were endless. Or so they thought. However, these picture brides had to face a harsh reality. These women, completely unexposed to American culture would have to get new clothes to fit in and learn a completely new way of life and language. It was extremely difficult for them for they did not have any family with them to support them through their difficult times. The plan for many of these picture brides was to earn enough money and return home to their family. An Okinawan song, "My Mother Dear", recounts the conversation between a mother and her child and the hopes of returning home.
Let me take my leave, my mother.
Earn money and come home, my child,
As I stay home and pray to the gods.
To this Hawaii from the far away Okinawa
We have come all the way for the sake of money.
Thinking it’d only be a few years we came,
But we have now grown our roots deep
and with green leaves.- from Japanese American History
"I believe we all go to America for one of the following reasons:
- 1. Hopes of becoming rich.
- 2. Curiosity of this civilized country called America.
- 3. Fear of mother-in-law in Japan.
- 4. Sexual anxiety in those who have passed marriage-age.
- 5. Dreams of an idyllic, romantic life in the new land.
- 6. Lack of ability to support self.
- 7. Filial obedience: sacrificing self to obey parents’ wishes." - Quote from Shika Takaya 1917 journal entry
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