KIBEI Meaning and
Definition
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Kibei is a term that originated in the United States and refers to a person of Japanese descent who was born in the United States or another foreign country, but was sent to Japan at a young age for education or cultural immersion purposes. The term "kibei" is derived from the Japanese words "ki" (return) and "bei" (America), which collectively mean "return to America." It is primarily used to describe a specific group of individuals who have had experiences living in both Japan and the United States.
A kibei individual typically spends a significant portion of their formative years in Japan, often attending school and acquiring fluency in the Japanese language, customs, and norms. As a result, they often develop a strong sense of Japanese identity and can have a unique cultural perspective that combines elements from both Japan and the United States. They may also face challenges in assimilating into American society upon returning, as their experiences and perspectives can differ from those of other Japanese Americans.
The term "kibei" gained prominence primarily during World War II when many kibei individuals were interned along with other Japanese Americans in the United States. In contemporary usage, the term is less common but is still recognized as an important aspect of Japanese American history and community.
Common Misspellings for KIBEI
- jibei
- mibei
- libei
- oibei
- iibei
- kubei
- kjbei
- kkbei
- kobei
- k9bei
- k8bei
- kivei
- kinei
- kihei
- kigei
- kibwi
- kibsi
- kibdi
- kibri
- kib4i
Etymology of KIBEI
The word "kibei" is derived from the Japanese language. It is a combination of two kanji characters: "ki" (帰), which means "to return" or "to go back", and "bei" (米), which refers to "America" or "American". Together, "kibei" translates to "returnee to America" or "one who has returned to America". The term specifically refers to a person of Japanese descent who was born in the United States but sent to Japan for their education and later returned to America. Kibei were a distinct group within the Japanese American community in the early to mid-20th century.
