When the Issei (first generation) came to the US, they found comfort and fellowship in the Japanese American community, as well as a haven from discrimination. A uniquely Japanese American organization, known as kenjinkai, was a social group of families from the same region in Japan. Picnics quickly became a favorite activity among these groups as a way to socialize with their fellow hometowners. The following is a poem written by an Issei: ⠀⠀⠀⠀Picnic ⠀⠀⠀⠀Looking up at the sky ⠀⠀⠀⠀I feel young again. Image: Photo of a family having a picnic, eating watermelons and smiling. Japanese American National Museum, Gift of the Taketaro Azeka Family (92.126.61) #SmithsonianSummer @SitesExhibitions @SmithsonianChannel