Vicky K. Murakami-Tsuda
@vkmVicky K. Murakami-Tsuda is the Communications Production Manager at the Japanese American National Museum. She loves working on the Discover Nikkei project, because it gives her the opportunity to learn so many new and interesting stories, and connect with people around the world who share similar interests.
She is a “self-proclaimed” yonsei from Southern California who comes from a large extended family. A long time ago (when she had more free time and energy), she was also an artist who explored Japanese American culture and history through her artwork. When not working, she enjoys eating, cheering on her beloved Dodgers, bowling, reading, playing games on her phone (Wordl anyone?), and binge-watching movies and shows.
Updated May 2022
Stories from This Author
Oshogatsu Traditions in the United States
Nov. 21, 2007 • Susan Chen , Vicky K. Murakami-Tsuda
In the Western world, New Year’s Eve is a big day for parties to celebrate the end of a year and the fresh start of a new one. In Japan, the beginning of the New Year, or Oshogatsu, is when friends and family gather together for what is considered to be the most important holiday of the year. It is celebrated throughout the country and by Nikkei around the world with symbolic food, decorations, activities, and other traditions to wish …
on returning to my JA bowling roots
Oct. 17, 2007 • Vicky K. Murakami-Tsuda
Today, basketball and golf are the sports of choice in Japanese American communities, at least it seems to be in Southern California. However, back in the 1950s, ‘60s, and ‘70s, JA bowling leagues were all the rage. In it’s heyday, you almost had to be on a waiting list to join a team. Leagues were often scheduled back-to-back on the same night. In 2000, the Japanese American National Museum had an exhibition called More Than a Game: Sport in the …
on Southern California Obon Festivals
Aug. 9, 2007 • Vicky K. Murakami-Tsuda
I feel very fortunate to live in an area that has so many Obon festivals that are relatively accessible if you’re willing to drive. There are three in the Little Tokyo area alone. In addition, I’ve attended or have heard of others at Gardena Buddhist Church, San Fernando Valley Hongwanji Buddhist Temple, Senshin Buddhist Temple, Pasadena Buddhist Church, Oxnard Buddhist Temple, Venice Hongwanji Buddhist Temple, West Covina Buddhist Temple, West Los Angeles Buddhist Temple, and Orange County Buddhist Church. I …
on Unearthing My Family's Values
June 13, 2007 • Vicky K. Murakami-Tsuda
This Father’s Day my sister and I will be bringing my father to the Japanese American National Museum for the opening of the Landscaping America: Beyond the Japanese Garden exhibition. I am always excited by new exhibitions at the Museum. As someone who works with the project teams to create web components, I get to learn a lot of new and really interesting facts and stories, and then share them with the world. This exhibition captures a very personal interest, …
on J-Town Memories
April 27, 2007 • Vicky K. Murakami-Tsuda
Growing up, we would come into Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo district to visit my Murakami Ba-chan who lived in Little Tokyo Towers. We’d take the elevator up to her small apartment with the display case full of kokeshi dolls, then take her out to dinner at Aoi restaurant on First Street. As young kids, my sister and I would always make a stop at the Sanrio store to spend the few dollars we had saved. We loved the stickers, stationery, …
Sakura: Beautiful Flowering Trees of Japan
April 20, 2007 • Leslie Yamaguchi , Vicky K. Murakami-Tsuda
The cherry blossom, known as sakura, is the national flower of Japan. Different from the fruit-bearing trees found in other countries, these flowering trees are enjoyed mostly for their beautiful blossoms and the beauty of the falling snow-like petals. Because the blossoms only last for a few days in the spring, many travel to common viewing sites where a festive atmosphere is enjoyed by all; friends and families gather, bringing picnic baskets and sake to be shared with music and …
Japanese American Baseball
April 11, 2007 • Vicky K. Murakami-Tsuda
Baseball, the quintessential American sport, has enjoyed immense popularity in Japan, as witnessed by the country’s recent championship at the inaugural World Baseball Classic. But did you know the role Japanese Americans played as early ambassadors of the sport? The game in its modern form was invented by Alexander Cartwright in 1845. Although a pick-up style game had been played by children in North America from the mid 1700s, prior to Cartwright, there were no formalized rules of play. The …
on the Women Who Inspire Me
March 7, 2007 • Vicky K. Murakami-Tsuda
My grandmother and Yuri Kochiyama are two of the many women who, in their own ways, have helped shape who I am. March is Women’s History Month in the United States, so I’ve decided to take some time to reflect on the topic of women—not so much about feminism vs. femininity, but about real women in my family and those that I encounter in my life. Those women who inspire my dreams and aspirations, show me strength, and give me …
on a New Year and New Beginnings
Jan. 5, 2007 • Vicky K. Murakami-Tsuda
Shinnen Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu! Happy New Year!It’s a new year and a time for new beginnings and opportunities. This is the first of my new column series. I’ve never tried formally writing something like this before, so we’ll see how it goes. I’ll be reflecting on a variety of topics—cultural, historical, or just miscellaneous. Expect to see something from me here every other month (if it turns out well, or if I have more I want to expound upon, maybe …
