Changing Customs and Traditions

The Nisei were a transitional generation. This transition extended to customs surrounding weddings and funerals. The older Nisei still practiced many of the traditions they had learned from their parents. The younger Nisei started to question the validity of some of those rituals. Slowly, many of the rituals were dropped or blended with newer ideas.

Weddings used to be arranged by relatives or friends but young people began to choose their own partners. A "go-between" was often still named for the sake of formality.

Funerals were historically conducted with a lot of rituals. The practice of "koden" (monetary offering) was established to help the family defray funeral costs. Though this is often no longer an issue, the offering of koden still takes place. The tradition of an all-night vigil, however, is no longer practiced.