In the contemporary era, a new stage of Japan-to-U.S. immigration characterizes relations between the two nations. The relationship between the countries today is much different from the original Issei era more than 100 years ago, as post–World War II alliances and Japanese economic growth have brought new types of immigrants. As of October 2009, there were 384,411 Japanese nationals in the United States; of them 142,017, or 37% were permanent residents. More Japanese citizens live in the United States than any other country by far. Major Japanese corporations operate in the United States with American employees, and appreciation for Japanese popular culture is growing, especially in Pacific Coast states. Japanese business people raising families in the United States are bringing up an American-educated generation with bilingual and bicultural backgrounds. Japanese students attend U.S, high schools, colleges and universities for part of their education. Famous Japanese transplants to the United States include artist and musician Yoko Ono, internationally known violinist Midori Goto, and Olympic figure skater Nagasu Mirai.
Olympic Figure Skater Mirai Nakasu（2009）
Courtesy of MIrai Nagasu Official Website - copyright Leah Adams
Excerpt from Densho Archive
Sean [Yoko Ono’s son] asked me, “We are having a concert in Tokyo. Would you like to come?” That was in 2008. I hesitated as I thought it would be a hassle to go to Japan just for one night. My songs are rather difficult to play for a lot of musicians. And I thought, “It might be too hard for Japanese musicians.” I had no idea who the musicians were either. Then we played together, and they did it perfectly. I was surprised. They really did play along with me. Based on my experience, even internationally well-respected musicians had a hard time to play music along with me. [While we were playing at the concert] I looked at the musicians and saw them all smiling. I thought, “Wow, this is terrific!” They were just enjoying playing music, and were not really trying hard. They turned out to be great musicians. When Sean said, “Mom, let’s record an album,” I said, “Get those people for me,” and they came over.
Rolling Stone Japan, October 2009