Interviews
Interpretation of Nikkei
It gradually evolved because at first we had the Issei, Nisei, then Sansei, Yonsei, Gosei. Then it got to a point where, you know, it’s got to come to an end somewhere so I think somebody, I don’t know who, must have tried to lump everybody together as Nikkei, which would include not only the Niseis here, but the Japanese from Japan that are living here - any Japanese living in the United States – I’m presuming means Nikkei. Sou deshou?
It’s Japanese, it could be anybody - from Brazil or anywhere, but Nikkei would be the Japanese living in the United States, that’s the way I take it…or it could be Brazil, as far as that goes, you know, but I’d say…not that…Japanese…Nikkei would include - Japanese would include Nikkei, you know when you say Japanese. But Nikkei would break it down further into those living outside of Japan I guess. That’s my interpretation.
Date: March 25, 2005
Location: California, US
Interviewer: Sojin Kim
Contributed by: Watase Media Arts Center, Japanese American National Museum
Explore More Videos
Interest in Japan stemmed from his mother and grandmother’s stories
(b. 1981) Enka Singer
Dreamed of becoming an Enka singer
(b. 1981) Enka Singer
His clothes are part of his identity
(b. 1981) Enka Singer
Hopes everyone pursues their dreams regardless of race or heritage
(b. 1981) Enka Singer
Considers Pittsburg his home, but always wanted to live in Japan
(b. 1981) Enka Singer
The first concert in the United States (Japanese)
(b. 1981) Enka Singer
