Interviews
Learning from Nikkei (Japanese)
(Japanese) Well, in this country, both Canada and America included, I’m constantly wondering about my identity, and where it lies. But, you know, they [Nikkei people] are admirably contributing in this society, to this society, right? I think that’s such an amazing thing. It makes me think that it’s possible to do it, no matter where you are. Also, even in places like these, it’s surprising and refreshing to see that Japanese traditions—the ones that even we were beginning to forget—are still alive and well over here. These days I’m being amazed with these types of experiences all over the place. The strength that was given to me in the ‘70s was definitely about learning how to live my own life. Hearing about women—men, too, of course—making their own decisions, and living with resolve… in the end, being able to think, “Ah, life is wonderful.” I’ve learned a lot since then, though I haven’t quite arrived at such an epiphany yet…
Date: October 7, 2005
Location: California, US
Interviewer: Ann Kaneko
Contributed by: Watase Media Arts Center, Japanese American National Museum
Explore More Videos
Growing up in Waikiki
(b. 1924) Political scientist, educator, and administrator from Hawai`i
The philosophy of playing Taiko
(b.1951) Co-founder and managing director of San Jose Taiko.
Learning Japanese traditions by observing his mother and grandmother
(b. 1981) Enka Singer
Activities growing up in Peru
(1930-2018) Nisei born in Peru. Taken to the United States during WWII.
Nihongo gakko - Preserving Japanese culture (Spanish)
(b. 1969) Former president of Centro Nikkei Argentino.
Not wanting to stand out as a foreigner
Sansei Japanese American living in Japan and Kendo practioner
Have compassion for all of humanity
(b. 1923) Nisei from Washington. Resisted draft during WWII.
Identity crisis (Spanish)
(b. 1969) Former president of Centro Nikkei Argentino.
Why her parents came to Canada
(1918-2004) Interned in Slocan during World War II. Active member of the Japanese Canadian community.
Never sang Enka outside the family
(b. 1981) Enka Singer
Both Japanese and American identities though Japanese dance
(1918-2023) Nisei Japanese kabuki dancer
Family background of Fredrick Yoshihide Sasaki
(b. 1918) Issei businessman in Canada
Anti-Japanese sentiment at the time of World War II
(b. 1918) Issei businessman in Canada
Family life in a Japanese Canadian internment camp in Slocan
(b. 1920) Incarcerated during World War II. Active member of the Japanese Canadian community