Interviews
The importance of knowing the Japanese language (Spanish)
(Spanish) Well, from the beginning I had contact with Latinos ... Well everyone ... At that time there was a lot of work. All were devoted to work, but not this ... to generate knowledge of the Japanese language and Japanese culture. At that time it was not essential. But no one can say that it will last long, right? Well, that was my way of thinking. So I always told them to study the language, at least the basics, because if they are now in a job and when they leave that job, or they get fired, to find another one. Because every year that goes by, they (the jobs) require more of the language. Before it was conversation, but later writing, even if [UI], and then they required to write reports. So every time the language was more demanding. But those who were working for many years felt confident and secure that they were going to continue working right? I*: In that way. In that way. Well, as there were also interpreters…The companies that had many foreigners relied on interpreters. * "I" indicates an interviewer (Alberto Matsumoto).
Date: March 24, 2009
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Interviewer: Alberto Matsumoto
Contributed by: Watase Media Arts Center, Japanese American National Museum
Explore More Videos
Having patience in Japan, being both
(b.1964) California-born business woman in Japan. A successor of her late grandmother, who started a beauty business in Japan.
Preserving traditional Japanese culture
(b.1964) California-born business woman in Japan. A successor of her late grandmother, who started a beauty business in Japan.
Working at the magazine
(b.1948) Nikkei from Southern California living in Japan.
The privations of living in post-war Japan, 1952
(b.1925) Nisei of Okinawan descent. Had a 38-year career in Japan as a baseball player, coach, scout, and manager.
School life in Japan (Japanese)
(1928 - 2008) Drafted into both the Japanese Imperial Army and the U.S. Army.
Identity (Japanese)
(1928 - 2008) Drafted into both the Japanese Imperial Army and the U.S. Army.
Yoshitaro Amano’s Business in Japan (Japanese)
(b. 1929) President of Amano Museum
The Image of Japan: Expectations versus Reality (Spanish)
(1958-2014) Former Bolivian Ambassador to Japan
Longing to be an imperial soldier as a youth (Japanese)
(b. 1929) Kibei Nisei
Discover Nikkei Updates
Be in our video celebrating Nikkei worldwide. Click to learn how to submit! Deadline extended to October 15!
Follow us @discovernikkei for new site content, program announcements, and more!