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.