A Connection to My Heritage—The Impact of a Name

Sept. 4, 2024 • Mai Omoto

My name is Mai Omoto. I've never had an English name. With a name like mine, my identity as a Japanese American is evident at first glance. I've always felt connected to my cultural heritage. My mother is a Nisei, or second-generation Japanese American, and my father is half Nisei Japanese American and half Sansei (third generation) Chinese American. My parents infused aspects of Japanese culture within my upbringing. Growing up, I participated in typical Japanese American customs, like saying …