Discover Nikkei

https://www.discovernikkei.org/en/interviews/clips/749/

Her interests in Japanese culture (Spanish)

(Spanish) I am Argentine because I was born here. But it is true that I have a significant affinity for Japanese culture and, in part, I feel Japanese. That is, in contrast with my sister, who, for example, has no interest in Japanese culture, nor does she study the Japanese language, or have any interest in visiting Japan. And nor has she ever planned to visit Japan. I believe that this tendency [toward Japanese culture] is much stronger in me. Japanese culture interests me so much. I want to understand my Japanese grandfather; [in my efforts] to try to understand [my grandfather], it is necessary for me to study Japanese culture, especially because I live in Argentina immersed in an absolutely western culture. I watch Japanese movies or read Japanese novels, although in translation. I study Japanese, and I realize that the vision of the Asian world is absolutely distinct. I cannot deny that I have a very strong attraction to this other vision of the world.


culture families identity

Date: July 12, 2006

Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina

Interviewer: Takeshi Nishimura, Ricardo Hokama

Contributed by: Centro Nikkei Argentino

Interviewee Bio

Paula Hoyos Hattori is a sansei born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She is a student of letters and dance. Her father is a descendant of Argentine Indians, while her mother is a Nisei, a daughter of Japanese parents. Paula’s particular profile (half Argentine, half Japanese) provides a distinctive vision because of the fusion of these two cultures. (July 12, 2006)

Yamashiro,Michelle

American values she aligns with

Okinawan American whose parents are from Peru.

Yamashiro,Michelle

Working together in Okinawa using three languages

Okinawan American whose parents are from Peru.

Yamada,Mitsuye

Expressing herself through poetry

(b. 1923) Japanese American poet, activist

Matsumoto,Juan Alberto

About Escobar (Spanish)

(b. 1962) Nisei Japanese Argentinian, currently residing in Japan

Teisher,Monica

Her definition of Nikkei

(b.1974) Japanese Colombian who currently resides in the United States

Naganuma,Kazumu

His sister Kiyo was like a second mother to him

(b. 1942) Japanese Peruvian incarcerated in Crystal City

Ninomiya,Masato

How he met his wife

Professor of Law, University of Sao Paulo, Lawyer, Translator (b. 1948)

McKenna,Sabrina Shizue

Impact of Coming Out on Her Family

(b. 1957) Jusice of the Supreme Court of Hawaii.

Sakata,Reiko T.

Parent’s Marriage

(b. 1939) a businesswoman whose family volunterily moved to Salt Lake City in Utah during the war.