Gentlemen’s Agreement with Japan

Definition

The Gentlemen’s Agreement with Japan was an informal agreement between the United States and Empire of Japan whereby the U.S would not impose restriction on Japanese immigration or students, and Japan would not allow further emigration to the U.S.

Analogy

Think about it as two friends agreeing not to invite more people to a party without checking with each other first.

Related terms

Immigration Act of 1924: Also known as Johnson-Reed Act, this federal law limited annual number of immigrants who could be admitted from any country. It's like setting a maximum capacity for how many people can attend an event.

Issei: This term refers to first generation Japanese immigrants in North America. They're like pioneers who are first from their group to venture into new territory.

Picture Brides: These were immigrant women (usually from Japan) who came to marry men they only knew through photos exchanged between them or their families. Picture it as an old-fashioned version of online dating.