Discover Nikkei
@discovernikkei.bsky.social
A global community sharing the experiences of Nikkei around the world. Publishing daily stories by and about people of Japanese descent who have migrated and settled worldwide. English, 日本語, Español, Português. A project of @jamuseum.bsky.social
Seattle Nikkei Xavier Nishikawa's experience at Mexico's Vibra Joven camp was more than an adventure abroad. He returned home with new friends, new knowledge, and a new perspective on being Nikkei.
Discovering My Global Nikkei Identity in Mexico
Going to Mexico for the first time was something that both frightened and excited me. As a Japanese American from the Seattle area, I had grown up with limited connections to my Nikkei community, and representing the United States and the Nikkei Youth Association (NYA) at Vibra Joven (a Japanese youth camp hosted in Mexico) …
discovernikkei.org
November 26, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Seattle Nikkei Xavier Nishikawa's experience at Mexico's Vibra Joven camp was more than an adventure abroad. He returned home with new friends, new knowledge, and a new perspective on being Nikkei.
Tania Neira Uejo's path has always led back to children's books, as a mother, writer, and editor—and all of these things have brought her back to being Nikkei in Latin America.
The editor who reinvented herself as a children's author
In the publishing world, the role of the editor is often more demanding and less valued than that of the author. Therefore, when Tania Neira Uejo decided to study Peruvian and Latin American Literature at the National University of San Marcos, her career could have taken the fast track of becoming a writer or the …
discovernikkei.org
November 25, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Tania Neira Uejo's path has always led back to children's books, as a mother, writer, and editor—and all of these things have brought her back to being Nikkei in Latin America.
As the protagonist of Alden Hayashi's short story reflects on the immense cultural differences between himself and his mother, an unexpected gift sheds light on the situation.
The Maneki-Neko—Part 3
Read Part 2 That night as I lay in bed staring at the ceiling while Keith was fast asleep, his light snoring mixing with the muffled sound of our neighbor’s TV, I began thinking about my mother and her views on homosexuality. She was raised by Japanese immigrants and, before the opening of Japan to the …
discovernikkei.org
November 24, 2025 at 5:00 PM
As the protagonist of Alden Hayashi's short story reflects on the immense cultural differences between himself and his mother, an unexpected gift sheds light on the situation.
In this week's "Shin Issei Journey" by Arisa Nakamura, Yoko & Ken switch places as Ken struggles with Japanese lessons.
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#comic #cartoon
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Episode 10: Nihongo
A semi-monthly comic that explores the experiences of contemporary Japanese immigrants in the U.S. This week, “Nihongo” Check back twice a month for subsequent entries. Click to enlarge
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November 23, 2025 at 9:23 PM
In this week's "Shin Issei Journey" by Arisa Nakamura, Yoko & Ken switch places as Ken struggles with Japanese lessons.
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#comic #cartoon
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#comic #cartoon
John Kitsuse's name might bring up his sociological research, but he was more than an academic. A father, social butterfly, and respected chef, Kitsuse's life was much more than academia.
Remembering John Kitsuse: Sociologist, Colleague, and Chef—Part 2
Read Part 1 Chicago Tribune, November 4, 1958. The success of The Managed Casualty helped to launch Kitsuse’s career. It also led to a lifelong friendship with Leonard Broom, who remained in touch with Kitsuse throughout his life. In 1957, Kitsuse left Los Angeles and accepted the position of assistant professor of sociology at Northwestern University …
discovernikkei.org
November 23, 2025 at 5:00 PM
John Kitsuse's name might bring up his sociological research, but he was more than an academic. A father, social butterfly, and respected chef, Kitsuse's life was much more than academia.
As World War II progressed, the Vashon Japanese experience military service, leaving their homes behind, and even arson.
Vashon Japanese: Struggles and Resilience in Wartime—Part 2
Read Part 1 Numerous Japanese men from Vashon enlisted in the military, including Masaharu Kunugi, Yonekichi Matsuda, Don Dairoku Matsumoto, James Toshiyuki Matsumoto, Glenn Miyoshi, Masaru Miyoshi, Masao Nakamichi, Tokio Otsuka, Eddie Owada, Sam Isamu Sakamoto, Augie Masaomi Takatsuka, and Tom Torao Yoshimura. They enlisted in military units, including the 442nd Regiment and the Military …
discovernikkei.org
November 22, 2025 at 10:45 PM
As World War II progressed, the Vashon Japanese experience military service, leaving their homes behind, and even arson.
This week's "My Name is Neal" is..."Holiday Annoyances:
Year-round irritations that feel worse during the holidays..." by Neal Yamamoto: discovernikkei.org/e...
#comic #cartoon
Year-round irritations that feel worse during the holidays..." by Neal Yamamoto: discovernikkei.org/e...
#comic #cartoon
Journal Entry #From 10/31 - 1/1: "Frustration Levels Up..."
A weekly visual journal/cartoon about an easily-annoyed fourth generation American of Japanese descent. This week, “Holiday Annoyances: Year-round irritations that feel worse during the holidays...” Check back every weekend for subsequent entries. Click to enlarge
discovernikkei.org
November 22, 2025 at 5:00 PM
This week's "My Name is Neal" is..."Holiday Annoyances:
Year-round irritations that feel worse during the holidays..." by Neal Yamamoto: discovernikkei.org/e...
#comic #cartoon
Year-round irritations that feel worse during the holidays..." by Neal Yamamoto: discovernikkei.org/e...
#comic #cartoon
Even though finding Saito Shosaku's painting was like winning the lottery for Karen Spahn, his story and work is scattered and faded. Still, those that knew him—students, coworkers, family—tell heartwarming stories about him.
Rough Diamond—Part 2
Read Part 1 In her detective-like investigation, Karen Spahn recounts that, over time, she uncovered numerous pieces of information that formed a true puzzle of his life. She contacted people at the Rosario association, but didn't obtain much information. He learned that Saito had taught students at a Japanese elementary school in Escobar, and he …
discovernikkei.org
November 22, 2025 at 1:02 AM
Even though finding Saito Shosaku's painting was like winning the lottery for Karen Spahn, his story and work is scattered and faded. Still, those that knew him—students, coworkers, family—tell heartwarming stories about him.
Even though finding Saito Shosaku's painting was like winning the lottery for Karen Spahn, his story and work is scattered and faded. Still, those that knew him—students, coworkers, family—tell heartwarming stories about him. Originally published in Nikkei Voice.
The Samurai In Our Closet: Uncovering Long Hidden Family History
What if the most powerful story you ever learned was the one your family never told you? For Mandy Shintani’s entire life, there was a secret hidden in the closet of her parents’ home in a small town in Ontario. Safely wrapped up and tucked away was a 450-year-old samurai sword belonging to her father, …
discovernikkei.org
November 21, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Even though finding Saito Shosaku's painting was like winning the lottery for Karen Spahn, his story and work is scattered and faded. Still, those that knew him—students, coworkers, family—tell heartwarming stories about him. Originally published in Nikkei Voice.
When Karen Spahn finds a painting of an iconic Argentine landscape by a Japanese man, it sends her on a journey to track the artist's life and work 100 years after his birth.
Rough Diamond—Part 1
Shortly after beginning her work at the Dr. Pedro E. Martínez Provincial Museum of Fine Arts in Paraná, Entre Ríos, Karen Spahn came across a curious inventory: a name and a title that didn't match. The name "Saíto" (with an accent on the i ) was listed, and next to it, a painting titled "Mists …
discovernikkei.org
November 20, 2025 at 5:00 PM
When Karen Spahn finds a painting of an iconic Argentine landscape by a Japanese man, it sends her on a journey to track the artist's life and work 100 years after his birth.
Sharon Yamato remembers scholar-historian Art Hansen as a close friend and trusted confidante to many JAs. One of the few scholars entrusted with their stories, he shared research, insight, and personal anecdotes—bringing out the best in each narrator.
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@jamuseum.bsky.social
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@jamuseum.bsky.social
Remembering the Great Art Hansen
I had been meaning to write a tribute to the illustrious scholar and historian Art Hansen months ago so he could read it before he died. I knew how valiantly he was battling cancer while staying characteristically positive and astoundingly productive. I also knew I would get a written response from him, and I wanted …
discovernikkei.org
November 19, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Sharon Yamato remembers scholar-historian Art Hansen as a close friend and trusted confidante to many JAs. One of the few scholars entrusted with their stories, he shared research, insight, and personal anecdotes—bringing out the best in each narrator.
discovernikkei.org/e...
@jamuseum.bsky.social
discovernikkei.org/e...
@jamuseum.bsky.social
James Okumura celebrates the legacies of Nisei auto mechanics with his memoir for Cruising J-Town. He shares memories of his father and his ability to fix anything mechanical that could be repaired, including aircraft for Continental Airlines and automobiles.
Beyond Mr. Goodwrench: An Apprentice Mechanic’s Tribute
Author’s Note: After World War II, many Nisei men pursuing their own mechanical interests, sought technical employment opportunities in the 1950s burgeoning US automotive and aerospace industries. Those jobs gave countless people of all backgrounds a chance to pursue their technical dream careers during the 1950s and 1960s. Nisei mechanics supported the economy by keeping …
discovernikkei.org
November 18, 2025 at 5:00 PM
James Okumura celebrates the legacies of Nisei auto mechanics with his memoir for Cruising J-Town. He shares memories of his father and his ability to fix anything mechanical that could be repaired, including aircraft for Continental Airlines and automobiles.
The tension between a Sansei son and his mother rises under the Hawaii sun and watchful eyes of nontraditional maneki-neko in Part 2 of Alden Hayashi's short story. Will these two generations come to an understanding?
The Maneki-Neko—Part 2
Read Part 1 After several Saturdays of futility, we had reached crunch time—the big celebratory kanreki lunch was only a week away so I figured I’d help Mom in her pursuit of that perfect gift. On the top level of the Ala Moana Center, we went from the Ewa end of the large outdoor complex to the …
discovernikkei.org
November 17, 2025 at 5:00 PM
The tension between a Sansei son and his mother rises under the Hawaii sun and watchful eyes of nontraditional maneki-neko in Part 2 of Alden Hayashi's short story. Will these two generations come to an understanding?
Discover Nikkei was saddened to learn of the passing of Arthur A. Hansen, one of the trailblazing historians of Japanese American history. Art was involved in the early discussions for Discover Nikkei and continued to advise us over the past 20 years.
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November 16, 2025 at 5:49 PM
Discover Nikkei was saddened to learn of the passing of Arthur A. Hansen, one of the trailblazing historians of Japanese American history. Art was involved in the early discussions for Discover Nikkei and continued to advise us over the past 20 years.
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Thirty-six Japanese families resided on Vashon Island in the 1940s—what did their lives look like? David Perley explores what Vashon's Nikkei community looked like during wartime.
Vashon Japanese: Struggles and Resilience in Wartime—Part 1
A Brief History of the Vashon Japanese During World War II This article will briefly analyze the history of the Vashon Japanese during World War II. In the early 1940s, approximately thirty-six Japanese families inhabited Vashon Island, situated inside the Puget Sound region of Washington. The Japanese family surnames recorded in the Vashon 1940 census …
discovernikkei.org
November 16, 2025 at 1:58 AM
Thirty-six Japanese families resided on Vashon Island in the 1940s—what did their lives look like? David Perley explores what Vashon's Nikkei community looked like during wartime.
This week's "My Name is Neal" is..."RAGE!! - How I deal with my anger issues..." by Neal Yamamoto: discovernikkei.org/e...
#comic #cartoon
#comic #cartoon
Journal Entry #70 GMs o’Carbs: “I Miss Green Tea Ice Cream...”
A weekly visual journal/cartoon about an easily-annoyed fourth generation American of Japanese descent. This week, “Foods I've given up...” Check back every weekend for subsequent entries. Click to enlarge
discovernikkei.org
November 15, 2025 at 5:00 PM
This week's "My Name is Neal" is..."RAGE!! - How I deal with my anger issues..." by Neal Yamamoto: discovernikkei.org/e...
#comic #cartoon
#comic #cartoon
L.A.'s Yamato, Inc. had a turbulent run in the early 1900s. Its history not only tells the tale of Japanese Americans, but Broadway's evolution to what we know it as today.
The Rise and Fall of Yamato, Inc.
I’m not much of a collector—not like my husband, who has more than one hundred college basketball T-shirts all hung in our second bedroom’s closet. But there has been one item that has stuck since my elementary school years—postcards. First, it was postcards that my friends and acquaintances had sent to me on their summer …
discovernikkei.org
November 14, 2025 at 5:00 PM
L.A.'s Yamato, Inc. had a turbulent run in the early 1900s. Its history not only tells the tale of Japanese Americans, but Broadway's evolution to what we know it as today.
Makoto Shishido might've been born in Japan, but Bolivian music rules his life. Follow his story from humble beginnings in Japan to surprising renown in Latin America.
Makoto Shishido: Japanese musician with a Bolivian heart
"Yo no he nacido para sufrir," one of Kjarkas' most popular songs, begins to beat strongly, and Makoto Shishido—until then in the background with his charango, behind the front line formed by the singers, brothers Elmer and Gonzalo Hermosa—steps forward, takes center stage, and displays his full instrumental talent. He also dances for a while. …
discovernikkei.org
November 13, 2025 at 9:38 PM
Makoto Shishido might've been born in Japan, but Bolivian music rules his life. Follow his story from humble beginnings in Japan to surprising renown in Latin America.
Calvin Naito stresses the importance of learning from history and preserving the principle of "equal justice under law." He notes the parallels between the tensions and issues of the 1940s and 2025.
Turning One of the Worst Wholesale Violations of Civil Rights into a Teachable Moment about “Equal Justice Under Law”
In the 1940s, Americans faced issues related to xenophobia, immigration, the exclusion and detention of individuals in camps, constitutional protections, race relations, and civil liberties. Today, in the year 2025, Americans are dealing with those same exact issues. Closing of the Jerome Concentration Camp, Denson, Arkansas. Residents, carrying their hand luggage, wait at the chair …
discovernikkei.org
November 13, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Calvin Naito stresses the importance of learning from history and preserving the principle of "equal justice under law." He notes the parallels between the tensions and issues of the 1940s and 2025.
Discover Nikkei spoke with Amy “Emiko” Hever, Executive Director of the Major League Baseball Players Trust, about her roots, cross-cultural upbringing, and work in philanthropy and professional sports.
Where Stories Meet: Amy “Emiko” Hever on Heritage, Community, and Social Impact—Part 1
Amy at “work” in Tampa speaking about a clinic they hosted with Pete Alonso, Michael King, and Sean Manaea for young athletes impacted by the ’24 hurricanes. Photo courtesy Amy Hever Discover Nikkei spoke with Amy “Emiko” Hever, Executive Director of the Major League Baseball Players Trust, about her roots, cross-cultural upbringing, and work in philanthropy and …
discovernikkei.org
November 13, 2025 at 2:37 AM
Discover Nikkei spoke with Amy “Emiko” Hever, Executive Director of the Major League Baseball Players Trust, about her roots, cross-cultural upbringing, and work in philanthropy and professional sports.
Family dynamics in multigenerational Nikkei families can be difficult and awkward, even when everyone has the best intentions. Follow the story of Alden Hayashi's Sansei characters as they navigate this, with the help of the always-iconic maneki-neko.
The Maneki-Neko—Part 1
Author’s note: As with many Nisei parents, my mother often had difficulty expressing her love for her children through words, but she had little trouble conveying that love in myriad other ways. I wrote this fictional short story to capture that family dynamic. * * * * * When Keith and I finally bought a …
discovernikkei.org
November 12, 2025 at 1:07 AM
Family dynamics in multigenerational Nikkei families can be difficult and awkward, even when everyone has the best intentions. Follow the story of Alden Hayashi's Sansei characters as they navigate this, with the help of the always-iconic maneki-neko.
Happy Veterans Day to all of those who've served or are currently serving. Hiroshi Onishi pays tribute by sharing the stories of two veterans, Hitoshi Samejima and Kenjiro Akune.
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#veteransday
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#veteransday
Second Generation Japanese Americans and Yokohama During the Occupation - Hitoshi Samejima and Kenjiro Akune
During the occupation, second-generation Japanese Americans, the children of immigrants who had left for North America from this port, came to Yokohama as part of the occupying forces. Hitoshi Samejima in front of the Kamaboko Barracks in Yokohama, October 1945. Born in Pasadena, a suburb of Los Angeles, in 1921, Hitoshi Sameshima was the second …
discovernikkei.org
November 11, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Happy Veterans Day to all of those who've served or are currently serving. Hiroshi Onishi pays tribute by sharing the stories of two veterans, Hitoshi Samejima and Kenjiro Akune.
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#veteransday
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#veteransday
Nisei John Kitsuse endured a difficult youth, between illness and American wartime policies, but he overcame every hurdle to pursue groundbreaking research on Californian Nikkei.
Remembering John Kitsuse: Sociologist, Colleague, and Chef—Part 1
As a recent graduate of University of California Santa Cruz’s (UCSC) Ph.D program, I have recently taken to reflecting on the school’s connection with Asian American studies. Several prominent figures, including Judy Yung, Karen Tei Yamashita, Alice Yang, Christine Hong, Hiroshi Fukurai, Celine Parreñas Shimizu, Michael Jin, and Dana Takagi, have played important roles over …
discovernikkei.org
November 10, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Nisei John Kitsuse endured a difficult youth, between illness and American wartime policies, but he overcame every hurdle to pursue groundbreaking research on Californian Nikkei.
Nisei John Kitsuse endured a difficult youth, between illness and American wartime policies, but he overcame every hurdle to pursue groundbreaking research on Californian Nikkei.
Remembering John Kitsuse: Sociologist, Colleague, and Chef—Part 1
As a recent graduate of University of California Santa Cruz’s (UCSC) Ph.D program, I have recently taken to reflecting on the school’s connection with Asian American studies. Several prominent figures, including Judy Yung, Karen Tei Yamashita, Alice Yang, Christine Hong, Hiroshi Fukurai, Celine Parreñas Shimizu, Michael Jin, and Dana Takagi, have played important roles over …
discovernikkei.org
November 10, 2025 at 1:43 AM
Nisei John Kitsuse endured a difficult youth, between illness and American wartime policies, but he overcame every hurdle to pursue groundbreaking research on Californian Nikkei.
In this week's "Shin Issei Journey" by Arisa Nakamura, "English is so hard!" - Yoko tackles prepositions...
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#comic #cartoon
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#comic #cartoon
Episode 9: On or in?
A semi-monthly comic that explores the experiences of contemporary Japanese immigrants in the U.S. This week’s strip, which was originally published in 2020: “On or in?” Check back twice a month for subsequent entries. Click to enlarge
discovernikkei.org
November 9, 2025 at 5:00 PM
In this week's "Shin Issei Journey" by Arisa Nakamura, "English is so hard!" - Yoko tackles prepositions...
discovernikkei.org/e...
#comic #cartoon
discovernikkei.org/e...
#comic #cartoon