The Japanese Migration to Guam and Legacy of Kazuji Shimizu By Monica Okada Guzman Galaide Group monicaguzman@galaidegroup.com and Frank SN Shimizu Chairman, Guam Nikkei Association fsns@ambrosguam.com Abstract: On May 3rd, 1868 a British ship left Japan bound for Guam. Aboard were 43 individuals who ranged in age from teens to adults. On June 8th, 1868 they arrived in Agaña as the first Japanese immigrants to Guam. In the late-1800’s 53 Japanese individuals settled in Guam, assimilating to the culture and intermarrying. Their CHamoru-Japanese descendants include prominent figures in the island. Although a majority of these descendants have lost touch with their Japanese families, there is a desire to rekindle these familial relationships and to become reacquainted with their Japanese heritage. The Guam Nikkei Association provides an avenue for this connection. The legacy of Kazuji Shimizu lives on in the family and business enterprises that have contributed to Guam’s economy and furthering Japanese American CHamoru ties. This presentation will focus on migration to Guam, the Guam Nikkei Association, and the contributions of the Japanese-CHamoru family of Kazuji Shimizu.
Editor’s Note: This paper, presented at the Marianas History Conference, was not made available for publication. Presentation slides on following page.