A group called "Seattle Yonsei" was recently formed to help serve the local community. Members from various backgrounds come together, mainly from the younger generation with Japanese roots.

The person who started the organization is David Yamashita. He has been actively involved in the Japanese community, including through his involvement with the NVC Foundation. The impetus for founding the organization came from learning about the experiences of second-generation Japanese who returned to Seattle from World War II and the Japanese American internment camps.

The group's activities include organizing community events through basketball and serving brunch every Saturday at a homeless shelter for veterans in Pioneer Square.

"Even though the Nisei fought in the U.S. military, they had difficulty finding employment or getting loans after returning home, and they faced racial discrimination. They were not welcomed by the local community, so it seems that they bonded with each other," Yamashita said. The current NVC Memorial Hall became their physical and psychological anchor. It was through community activities there that the Nisei developed strong bonds.

"I wanted to be able to show more respect for my Nisei grandparents," Yamashita said. The dedication and sacrifice of the Nisei allowed Yamashita and other younger generations of Japanese to build a social status. "We're now able to live without facing much discrimination."

Thanks to the second generation... It's easy to forget, but there's a strong desire to "not forget."

"When I think about what they did, I feel encouraged and inspired," says Yamashita.

Seattle has a deep connection with the second generation, and he believes that continuing to work to preserve their legacy is a way of contributing.

There are currently about 20 members. Although the group's name includes "fourth generation," participants come from a wide range of backgrounds. "I think the history of Japanese Americans and second generation Japanese Americans is interesting even for people of other races," he says.

Still, the group name "Yonsei" seems to come from Yamashita's strong desire for identity. "I want the Yonsei to realize that they have a common bond. Many of the Nisei returned to Seattle and resettled there. The Sansei grew up in Seattle but moved to the Seattle suburbs, such as Bellevue and Renton. Many of the Yonsei have moved even further away," he says.

"I want to maintain connections among the fourth generation as much as possible," he says. "By doing so, I think we can continue to preserve our roots as a wonderful legacy."

The group has two goals: first, to pay tribute to Nisei veterans and preserve their history, and second, to actively work to contribute to the local community.

While words like "second generation" and "third generation" are often heard, the fact that "fourth generation" and "fifth generation" are rarely heard is seen as the current state of Japanese society. "Through our group's activities, we hope to deepen awareness of the fourth generation and to promote the fourth generation community."

For more information about Seattle IV, please visit www.seattleyonsei.com .

*This article is reprinted from the October 13, 2015 edition of the North American Newspaper .

© 2015 The North American Post / Fumika Iwasaki