Japanese Americans comprise multiple generations, with a first wave of immigrants entering the United States in the 1800s. The current generation of Japanese American descendants today includes over five generations. The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore the ethnic identity of fourth- and fifth-generation Japanese American adults. Forty participants were interviewed as part of a larger study and deemed exempt by institutional review board. Results indicate that ethnic identity for multigenerational Japanese American adults is complex, with factors that include the impact of historical and intergenerational ties to World War II, continuance of family and cultural traditions, and identity as American but perceived as “forever foreigner.” Family counselor recommendations include considering historical background of Asian American and minority groups, rethinking educational curriculum through transformative social and emotional learning.

日裔美国人由多代人组成，第一批移民于1800年代进入美国。今天的这一代日裔美国人的后代包括五代以上。这项定性研究的目的是探讨第四代和第五代日裔美国成年人的种族身份。作为一项较大研究的一部分，对40名参与者进行了采访，并被机构审查委员会认为是豁免的。结果表明，多代日裔美国成年人的种族认同很复杂，其影响因素包括与第二次世界大战的历史和代际联系，家庭和文化传统的延续以及作为美国人但被视为“永远外国人”的身份。