The Hokubei Shimpo, later the New York Nichibei, was a Japanese and English newspaper published in New York, New York from 1945 to 1993.
Isaku Kida joined the Hokubei Shimpo in December 1945. Despite having no previous newspaper experience, he moved up through the ranks, becoming the chief editor in 1949, chief executive in 1952, and finally president, director, general manager, and managing editor in 1977. Isaku’s wife, Emi managed the newspaper’s finances and distribution, and set the type for each issue by hand. The Kidas purchased a Japanese word processor in 1980, which freed up a substantial amount of Emi’s time and allowed her to report on cultural events for the newspaper.

The Kidas lived on a strict budget and relied heavily on donations and advertisements to keep the newspaper in circulation. Isaku contributed to, edited, and published the paper until failing health forced him to retire and cease publication in 1993. Emi worked at the newspaper until it ceased publication in 1993. She remained very involved in Japanese American community activities, in particular with the Japanese American Association of New York, the Japanese American United Church, and the Japanese American Social Services.

Learn more: NYU Archive, Isaku and Emi Kida Papers