Japanese Prostitutes in the North American West, 1887-1920

This insightful exploration reveals the hidden stories of Japanese women involved in the vice industry, particularly in Japanese Prostitutes in the North American West, 1887-1920.

This compelling study of a previously overlooked vice industry delves into the structural forces that contributed to the growth of prostitution in Japan, the Pacific region, and the North American West during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Historian Kazuhiro Oharazeki combines personal narratives with previously unexamined Japanese sources to trace the journeys of these women from their origins in Japan to their new lives in Pacific Coast cities. Through their stories, the book highlights the challenges they faced, including oppression from pimps and customers, as well as resistance from American social reformers and Japanese American community leaders.

In Japanese Prostitutes in the North American West, 1887-1920, Oharazeki examines the complex responses of these women to their difficult circumstances. Despite the significant obstacles in their paths, some managed to leverage their experiences into better job opportunities and improved lives in America. This resilience not only speaks to their strength but also illustrates how their presence in America opened doors for other Japanese women, allowing them to enter the workforce in more socially acceptable ways.

By focusing on this often-invisible underground economy, the book sheds new light on the narratives of Japanese American immigration and labor histories. It provides a unique perspective on the development of the American West, revealing how the experiences of these women contributed to the broader socio-economic landscape of the time.