What was the nature of the "Gentlemen's Agreement" between the U.S. and Japan?

The "Gentlemen's Agreement" between the United States and Japan was indeed an informal agreement primarily aimed at addressing the issue of Japanese segregation and discrimination in the U.S., particularly in California. This agreement was established around 1907-1908 as a response to rising anti-Japanese sentiment and discriminatory practices in American schools and society.

Under this arrangement, Japan agreed to limit the emigration of its citizens to the United States, particularly laborers, while the United States agreed to address and alleviate the segregation of Japanese students by stopping the discriminatory practices that kept them from attending public schools alongside white students. Although it was not a formal treaty, this understanding helped ease diplomatic tensions between the two nations during a period of growing nationalism and colonial ambition.

Understanding the context of the time is important; the agreement reflected the complicated relationship between the U.S. and Japan, as both nations were grappling with issues of immigration, racial equality, and international diplomacy. This informal nature was significant because it illustrated how diplomatic relations could be managed outside of formal treaty mechanisms while still being impactful in addressing pressing social issues.