Kendra Arimoto is a writer, performer, and mother on a mission to tell powerful stories thematically focused on Japanese American ancestral memory and intergenerational trauma, identity, and Otherness. Current projects include feature screenplays “Starshine and Clay” (American Zoetrope grand-prize winner; Film First Fund Finalist; PAGE Awards Fellowship Honorable Mention) and “Before I Disappear” (Tribeca Creators Market; Stowe Story Labs); and short film “Pachuke” (Screencraft Film Fund shortlist; Film Independent fiscal sponsorship). Before becoming a full-time writer and parent, she graduated from Stanford University and Smith College.

Updated July 2021

Elise Chang is a junior in high school who has rediscovered a passion for writing. On rainy days here in Baltimore, Maryland, I like to make myself lattes and brainstorm ideas for future stories and poems. When it’s sunny outside, you’ll find me out and about exploring my town, playing badminton, roller skating, and of course, eating good food. The pandemic has made life stressful and uncertain, but writing has helped me get through these tough times and look forward to a brighter future.

Updated June 2021

Emily Beck Cogburn is the author of the novels Louisiana Saves the Library and Ava’s Place. Her short fiction has appeared in a variety of literary journals, most recently In Parentheses. She holds master’s degrees in library science and philosophy. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking and playing in the band Southern Primitives.

Updated June 2021

Moving to the US as a teen, Chiharu Cohen has held various odd jobs before becoming a graphic artist. She currently lives in New York.

Updated June 2021

Jacob Laux was born in St. Paul, Minnesota and raised in Illinois. He earned a bachelor’s degree in English and a master’s degree of professional writing from the University of Southern California. He currently resides in Little Tokyo.

Updated May 2021

Casey Murase will be graduating from Eagle Rock High School and will attend San Diego State University next school year as a speech pathology major. Casey has always had a deep connection to Little Tokyo and has participated in many programs and events that uplift the community and educate others about Japanese American history and culture. Some of her favorite Japanese American programs and events include Kizuna leadership, service learning, and summer camp, Japanese American Optimist basketball, Nisei Week, and Nishi Girl Scouts. Some of Casey’s hobbies include: playing basketball, spending time with friends and family, and traveling.

Updated May 2021

ShoRei has always enjoyed writing since childhood, and still writes letters to their friends from time to time. When ShoRei studied abroad in the United States, they were given an assignment of writing a short story about coyotes in Mexico. While probably the only student enjoying the creative assignment in the class, ShoRei still remembers the smile on their teacher’s face after reading their story. While having fun, their goal is to keep on writing stories that can touch readers’ hearts.

Updated May 2021

Sophiya Ichida Sweet is a Japanese American author and illustrator from Los Angeles. Her children's books Japanese ABC's and Together Again have young fans around the world. Sophiya recently graduated from University of California, Berkeley with an English degree. Sophiya Sweet also composes and produces music, creating songs about Obon festivals and her favorite foods. In her free time, Sophiya enjoys visiting bakeries in Little Tokyo, walking through the Giant Robot Gallery on Sawtelle, and seeing new exhibits at JANM.

Updated June 2021