Family’s Japanese roots and values

Family’s Japanese roots and values The lack of discussion about family’s incarceration in Amache Her desire to help at-risk and dependent youth Her motto came from her mother Unique perspective that a judge can bring to community organizations How she transitioned from anthropology to law Mother founded Japanese language school in neighbors’ backyard

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It is just part of me, I grew up with my grandparents – they were very proud to be Japanese. I was always very secure in being Japanese and Japanese American. The roots and the values—my family was very proud of their samurai roots. And so they emphasized honor, integrity, your word has to be relied upon, how you conduct yourself, it reflected upon everybody else—not just your family—pride in trying to accomplish things. I think the Japanese roots are also the reason why education was so emphasized.

Date: July 27, 2018
Location: California, US
Interviewer: Kiya Matsuno
Contributed by: Watase Media Arts Center, Japanese American National Museum; Japanese American Bar Association

education identity japanese american roots values