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https://www.discovernikkei.org/en/users/traciakemi/

@traciakemi
Nima of the month: June 2022, January 2017

Author of “Navigating With(out) Instruments,” a book of poetry, micro essays and notes to self—which is being taught in contemporary literature, ethnic, and Asian American studies courses at the university level, and has gained critical acclaim from a wide spectrum of poets, authors, artists, musicians, academics, community leaders & activists.

tkk also narrates for audiobooks from time to time, and recently recorded her 13th title, “The Fervor,” by Alma Katsu, acknowledged by The New York Times’ “6 Audiobooks to Listen to Now.” Her other recordings include “The Memory Police” (Yoko Ogawa); “The Swimmers” (Julie Otsuka); “Intimacies” (Katie Kitamura); and “Temple Alley Summer,” by Sachiko Kashiwaba and Avery FIscher Udagawa, which garnered tkk a Earphone Award and an Audie Award nomination.

traci is the Director/Co-Founder of Tuesday Night Project; a core artist of Vigilant Love; a longtime supporter of Okaeri; and a lead organizer with the Nikkei Progressives/NCRR Reparations Committee and the newly formed National Nikkei Reparations Coalition.

tkk is a performer and principal writer for PULLproject Ensemble, co-led by aerial artist Kennedy Kabasares, and together with composer Howard Ho and their creative team, developed “TALES OF CLAMOR,” which premiered at the Aratani Theatre Black Box in 2019, and was recently awarded a National Theatre Project grant from NEFA (New England Foundation for the Arts), which support further development of the play and capacity to tour beginning in 2023.


Nikkei Interests

arts communities families festivals food governments human geography Japanese diaspora Japantowns performing arts politics religions spirituality visual arts

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Nikkei Uncovered: a poetry column
Jackpots and Blurry Photos
This month, we have the privilege of sharing poetry from the West Coast—a trio of pieces on her mot…

Oct. 16, 2025


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Nikkei Uncovered: a poetry column
Moving Through
This month, I am happy to present poetry from Risa Naomi-Mun Kurosaki, a queer Yonsei artist I’ve h…

Sept. 18, 2025


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Nikkei Uncovered: a poetry column
Existence
To exist is to remember. To exist is to resist. Susan Kito Ito’s poem (also featured in The Gate of…

Aug. 21, 2025


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Nikkei Uncovered: a poetry column
Arrival
This month, we’re happy to feature two poems from San Francisco-based poet Lauren Ito. These poems …

July 17, 2025


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Nikkei Uncovered: a poetry column
Wishes and Ghost Guards
This month, as we feel the burdens and responsibilities of the world’s weight all around us, poetry…

June 26, 2025




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Nikkei Uncovered: a poetry column
Surging
It’s hard to believe that this month we celebrate the 100th edition of Nikkei Uncovered: a poetry c…

March 20, 2025



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