What do you like most about Discover Nikkei?

What I like the most about Discover Nikkei is all the opportunities I am given to explore the diversity of the Nikkei community. From writing chronicles to interviewing fellow Peruvian Nikkei people, I believe all these different stories have taught me different things about myself and my community and have made me closer to it. Even though I feel like I haven’t been here for too long, I believe that Discover Nikkei has made me experience writing in a different way, which makes me feel more fulfilled. For a few articles I’ve written, I’ve reconnected with people I hadn’t reached out to in years, and I’ve also met new people whose life stories have made me see a wider scope of the history of both Japanese immigration and the Nikkei community worldwide.

How do you connect to your Nikkei identity?

Responding to this question used to be something that I struggled with. Despite being heavily connected to the community from having Nikkei friends, studying in Nikkei schools, and participating in events, I often didn’t feel as connected as others. This is something I’ve heard a few other people my age say they have experienced, since the further we get from the initial immigration generation, the more some traditions get lost. However, now I’ve realized that I connect to my identity in different ways. The shared experiences I have with others from my generation might not be similar to the ones our parents or grandparents had, but we still have a lot in common and that makes us feel connected. I also feel connected with my identity by learning more about other people’s life stories, because they often make me realize I’m not the only one with some experiences.

What do you like most about volunteering for Discover Nikkei?

My favorite part of volunteering for Discover Nikkei has been listening to the life stories of other people of Japanese descent. It has been inspiring for me to hear their perspectives and recognize not only their successes but also their tremendous resilience in the face of adversity. Through these stories, I have learned so much more about my culture and the people in my community. I am very grateful to be a part of the Discover Nikkei project and to contribute to this space of remembrance of grief, tragedy, love, and human connection. It has been a gift being able to hear the voices of my community and an honor to help preserve their echoes.

How do you connect to your Nikkei identity?

In addition to being a part of the Discover Nikkei community, I have remained connected to my Nikkei identity in personal ways. Ever since I was born, my family has always celebrated Oshogatsu together with my Japanese grandparents where we enjoy each other’s company with traditional New Year’s food. I also love visiting Little Tokyo and attending events at the Japanese American National Museum. Through my academic studies, my connection to my culture has evolved to include a growing critical awareness of my cultural history and how it relates to the present. Educating myself on past and current injustices as well as the Japanese American community’s resilience has helped me to understand my cultural heritage as part of my Nikkei identity.

What do you like most about Discover Nikkei?

I love that Discover Nikkei is a place to freely express who you are, your experiences, and your story. It gives us a chance to learn from each other and grow as a community. I can relate to a lot of the stories that people talk about on Discover Nikkei, and it feels good knowing that my feelings are validated and shared.

How do you connect to your Nikkei identity?

I go to Little Tokyo often. I like going to the cafes, the shops, and bakeries and supporting the small businesses. It’s especially nice in the mornings. Little Tokyo has been special to me since childhood, almost like a second home