Coming to Hawaii before July 1, 1924, when the Japanese Exclusion Act became effective, the experiences of the Issei or first generation are described. Divided into four parts, this book examines the experiences of Japanese immigrants in Hawaii from 1885 through 1970. Part 1, "The Formation and Stabilization of the Issei Community," explores the general background of the Japanese immigrants as contract laborers in the following chapters: (1) "The Early Years of Japanese Immigration to Hawaii"; (2) "Prefectural Groups in Hawaii"; (3) "Immigrants from Fukushima-ken"; and (4) "Immigrants from Okinawa-ken." Part 2, "Work," deals with the major occupations of the Issei in the following chapters: (5) "Plantation Laborers"; (6) "Japanese in Other Major Industries and Commerce"; and (7)"Issei in Professions." Part 3, "Family and Social Life," discusses stabilizing influences on the Japanese community in the following chapters: (8) "The Growing Independence of the Immigrants"; (9) "The Emerging Issei Community"; (10) "Religion"; and (11) "Major Organizations and Institutions." Part 4, "The Impact of War," looks at the position of the Issei in the two world wars in the following chapters: (12) "World War I and Hawaii's Japanese"; (13) "Prelude to War with Japan"; (14) "The Japanese Community During World War II"; and (15) "The Issei Community in Postwar Years." Notes and a 60-item bibliography are included. (AF)