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https://www.discovernikkei.org/en/interviews/clips/396/

Thoughts on post-9/11 atmosphere: what it means to be American

This is my personal opinion, but people, majority of people, unfortunately, I don't think understand what Americanism is or being patriotic is. It's certainly not just waving your, waving a flag or saluting the flag. That, that's not Americanism. Unfortunately, the media lead the people in thinking that's the way to be an American. I think American or a citizen of any country should be concerned with their well-being of their people and of the soundness and solvency of the country itself.


identity patriotism

Date: November 5, 2001

Location: Washington, US

Interviewer: Alice Ito

Contributed by: Denshō: The Japanese American Legacy Project.

Interviewee Bio

Nisei male. Born 1923 in Seattle, Washington. Spent prewar childhood in South Park and Belltown areas of Seattle. Incarcerated at Puyallup Assembly Center, Washington, and Minidoka incarceration camp, Idaho. Refused to participate in draft, imprisoned at McNeil Island Penitentiary, Washington, for resisting the draft. Resettled in Seattle.

*The full interview is available Denshō: The Japanese American Legacy Project.

Robert (Bob) Kiyoshi Okasaki
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Grandmother's influence on decision to go to Japan

(b.1942) Japanese American ceramist, who has lived in Japan for over 30 years.

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Masakatsu Jaime Ashimine Oshiro
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A Possible Path towards Happiness… (Spanish)

(1958-2014) Former Bolivian Ambassador to Japan

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Masako Iino
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What is Nikkei? (Japanese)

Tsuda College President, researcher of Nikkei history

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Masako Iino
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Learning from Nikkei (Japanese)

Tsuda College President, researcher of Nikkei history

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James Hirabayashi
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Nickname

(1926 - 2012) Scholar and professor of anthropology. Leader in the establishment of ethnic studies as an academic discipline

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James Hirabayashi
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Context affects meaning

(1926 - 2012) Scholar and professor of anthropology. Leader in the establishment of ethnic studies as an academic discipline

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James Hirabayashi
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Testing assumptions of Japanese scholars

(1926 - 2012) Scholar and professor of anthropology. Leader in the establishment of ethnic studies as an academic discipline

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Steve Kaji
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FOB's

Hawaii born Nikkei living in Japan. English Teacher at YMCA.

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Venancio Shinki
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Prejudice in Japanese school (Spanish)

(b. 1932-2016) Peruvian painter

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Mike Shinoda
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Connecting to Japan

(b. 1977) Musician, Producer, Artist

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Yuri Kochiyama
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Patriotism versus loyalty

(1922–2014) Political and civil rights activist.

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PJ Hirabayashi
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Feeling empowered by taiko

Co-founder and creative director of San Jose Taiko

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PJ Hirabayashi
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Sense of lineage between Sansei and Issei through Taiko

Co-founder and creative director of San Jose Taiko

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Ann K. Nakamura
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Image of Americans

Sansei from Hawaii living in Japan. Teacher and businesswoman.

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Robert (Bob) Kiyoshi Okasaki
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Japanese influence growing up

(b.1942) Japanese American ceramist, who has lived in Japan for over 30 years.

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