(Japanese) I sometimes gave a talk about [Nikkei] identity to Nikkei students, particularly from the perspective of being Nikkei. But I believe the environments that they grew up and the values that they inherited from their parents or their father or grandfather taught are different for each person. so I have never defined “this is what Nikkei identity is,” nor do I think someone should. In particular, Nikkei living in Japan have both Japanese and foreigner at the same time. They have Japanese roots, but they suddenly come to Japan and form their new identities in Japan. Or I could probably say that they’re in the process of forming their own identity. I don’t think it’s good to push one single definition onto somebody like them. so they have to take the time to find their own place and really need to think about how we should approach these matters.
Date: September 22, 2019
Location: California, US
Interviewer: Yoko Nishimura
Contributed by: Watase Media Arts Center, Japanese American National Museum
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