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My Name is Neal

Journal Entry #25 Squares of Crap: "No Fun Here..."

A weekly visual journal/cartoon about an easily-annoyed fourth generation American of Japanese descent. This week, "2020 Bingo (U.S.A version)" Check back every weekend for subsequent …

community en ja es pt

Nikkei Chronicles #8—Nikkei Heroes: Trailblazers, Role Models, and Inspirations

The Great-Grandmother Damashii

I often could feel the presence of another person, even though nobody was there and would frequently hear voices that only I could hear. It …

war en

MAINICHI GAMAN: Broom, Mop, and Apron

For many centuries, women fought for gender equality, especially in the political forum. As early as the late 1800’s, women in Canada struggled to gain …

culture en

Writing-to-Rediscover & Writing-to-Redress—Mira Shimabukuro Visits JANM

  “FIRST OF ALL, DO I THINK THAT IT WAS CONSTITUTIONAL? NO I DO NOT… DO I THINK RACIAL PQEDD PREDJUDICE WAS INVOLVED? YES I …

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Nikkei Uncovered: a poetry column

Homeland

This month we feature Suma Yagi, an 89-year-old Nisei based in Seattle whose family was sent to Minidoka during World War II, and Toshi Washizu, …

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Nisei Saves! Mottainai

I read on the Discover Nikkei website about a Japanese American granddaughter having to clear out her Nisei grandmother’s house when she passed away. To …

identity en ja es pt

Nikkei Chronicles #5—Nikkei-go: The Language of Family, Community, and Culture

Grasping Grandma’s Japanese Accent—My First Step in Discovering Nikkei-go

I live on a farm in the Imperial Valley, which is located in the southeastern corner of California. My Issei grandparents established our farm before …

identity en ja es pt

Nikkei Chronicles #4—Nikkei Family: Memories, Traditions, and Values

Walk It Off: True Grit & Gaman

“Walk it off.” When I was growing up, that was my father’s solution for almost every problem: A fight with my younger brother? Go outside. …

identity en

Nanka Nikkei Voices

Legacies

For Japanese Americans of my generation (second generation Nisei over 60), the source of our moral and cultural values is both clear and easily defined. …

culture en

Too Much Mottainai?

After our mother passed in 2013, my siblings and I were faced with the daunting task of cleaning out her house. That included her garage …