Who are the Nisei in the context of Japanese immigration to the United States?

The term "Nisei" specifically refers to the children born to Japanese immigrants in the United States. This group emerged as a distinct cultural and social identity during the early 20th century, particularly after significant waves of Japanese immigration to the U.S. in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Nisei played a critical role in the Japanese American experience, especially during World War II when they faced significant challenges, including internment.

Understanding the roots of the term helps clarify its distinction from other terms related to immigration. For instance, first-generation immigrants would refer to the Issei, the first wave of Japanese individuals who immigrated to the U.S. Japanese citizens living abroad simply denotes individuals who maintain their citizenship while living outside Japan, and American-born individuals of Japanese descent could describe both Nisei and subsequent generations without the specific heritage emphasis that the term Nisei carries. The correct answer is therefore focused on the particular identity of Nisei as children of Japanese immigrants in America.