Japanese America
Welcome to "Japanese America," where the Japanese American National Museum unveils captivating stories that add a Nikkei slant to the American narrative. In each episode, we explore the unique experiences, challenges, and triumphs of Japanese Americans, illuminating their rich contributions to the mosaic of American life. From historical milestones to contemporary perspectives, join us for an insightful journey through the curated collection of the Japanese American National Museum, showcasing the diverse tapestry of a community that has shaped the American story in extraordinary ways. Welcome to "Japanese America," where each story unfolds like a chapter in a living history book.
Episodes
Celebrate the holidays through a Japanese American lens! 🎄🥢 From quirky Christmas traditions in Japan to the rich flavors of New Year’s osechi, this episode uncovers the meaning behind festive rituals. Featuring moving performances from "Unforgotten Voices From Heart Mountain: An Oral History of the Incarceration," co-authored by Joanne Oppenheim and Nancy Matsumoto, and the diary of Stanley Hayami, we hon...
Join hosts Koji and Michelle as they explore the fusion of Japanese and American cultures through food in the latest episode of the Japanese America Podcast. They delve into their Thanksgiving traditions, unique culinary experiences, and the impact of Japanese cuisine on identity. Koji shares a personal essay about his relationship with food, including his thoughts on natto, while Michelle reflects on her family'...
In this episode, we ride through the heart of Southern California’s Japanese American car culture with Dr. Oliver Wang, curator of the Cruising J-Town exhibition at the Japanese American National Museum. From the sleek lines of import tuners to the slow roll of classic cruisers through Little Tokyo, we explore how cars became more than machines—they became mirrors of identity, pride, and belonging.
Through personal sto...
In this episode of the Japanese America Podcast titled "Legacy of Hope: Clara Breed's Letters and the Art of Compassion," hosts Koji and Michelle embark on a touching exploration of the enduring power of empathy and small acts of kindness. They begin by sharing personal anecdotes about the impactful teachers in their lives, setting the stage for the inspiring story of Clara Breed, a courageous children&...
In this engaging episode of the Japanese America Podcast, hosts Michelle and Koji take listeners on a nostalgic journey through the vibrant summer festivities of Japanese American culture. They share delightful anecdotes from events like Obon and Nisei Week, highlighting the unique traditions and foods that make these celebrations special. The episode features a captivating interview with Helen Ota, the 2025 Nisei Wee...
In this episode of the Japanese America podcast, we delve into the fascinating journey of Junki Yoshida, the mastermind behind Yoshida Sauce. Through humorous and candid storytelling, Mr. Yoshida recounts his remarkable transformation from a rebellious youth in Japan to a successful entrepreneur in the United States. As an immigrant facing numerous challenges, he carved a niche for himself by popularizing Japanese fla...
In this engaging podcast episode, hosts Michelle and Koji explore the unique journey of Japanese immigrants adapting to life in the U.S. They delve into the cultural crossroads and identity challenges faced by these individuals, from nostalgic childhood dreams influenced by American commercials to the bittersweet farewell to Japanese citizenship. Through humorous anecdotes and heartfelt stories, listeners gain insight...
In this poignant episode of the Japanese American Podcast, we explore the incredible journey of Holocaust survivor Solly Ganor and his unexpected salvation by Japanese American soldiers during World War II. Through Solly's harrowing experiences on a death march from the Dachau death camp, listeners are introduced to the 522nd Field Artillery Battalion—soldiers who defied prejudice and became beacons of hope for m...
In this captivating episode of "Bridging Generations: The Cultural Impact of Baseball in Japanese American Life," hosts Koji and Michelle explore the profound connections between baseball and cultural identity within the Japanese American community. They delve into personal stories, from Koji's admiration for Hideo Nomo to Michelle's son's early baseball antics, highlighting how the sport serv...
In this poignant episode of the Japanese America Podcast, hosts Koji and Michelle delve into the incredible story of Grace Obata-Amemiya, a Japanese American woman whose resilience during World War II serves as a testament to strength and hope. Grace's journey from an aspiring public health nurse to enduring the hardships of the concentration camps highlights the often-overlooked contributions of Japanese America...
In this engaging episode of the Japanese America podcast, hosts Michelle and Koji dive into the captivating world of Japanese stationery with special guest Mark Sakaguchi from Kinokuniya Bookstore (https://usa.kinokuniya.com/) and Yuri Aida from Designphil America, Inc (https://travelerscompanyusa.com/). They explore the allure of Japanese pens, notebooks, and accessories, which have evolved from being perceived as ch...
In this enlightening podcast episode, "Acts of Kindness and Resistance: Japanese American Incarceration and Holiday Traditions," the hosts delve into the poignant history of Japanese American incarceration during World War II. They explore the powerful themes of kindness and resistance, highlighting the unwavering support of the Quakers and the American Friends Service Committee, who stood by the Japanese Am...
In this insightful podcast episode, we delve into the incredible stories of Japanese American Nisei veterans who displayed extraordinary bravery and patriotism during World War II. Led by David Ono, a renowned anchor from KABC-TV, the episode highlights the heroics of units like the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the 100th Infantry Battalion, and the Military Intelligence Service. These soldiers faced significant preju...
In this captivating episode, we delve into the rich tapestry of Asian American art and identity, exploring the journey of Eric Nakamura, the visionary behind Giant Robot. From his rebellious beginnings as a zine creator to establishing a cultural hub that fuses Asian American identity with punk rock culture, Eric shares his inspiring story of family heritage and creative passion. The discussion highlights the evolving...
In this captivating episode, we explore the profound impact of baseball on the Japanese-American community. From personal stories of youth baseball to the inspiring journey of special guest Joshua Morey, who played professionally in Japan, the episode delves into the cultural significance of the sport. We highlight the Manzanar Baseball Project, an initiative to revive a historic baseball diamond that once brought sol...
Hosts Koji and Michelle delve into the intricate nature of genuine apologies and the actions that must accompany them to signify real growth and understanding. They share personal stories, such as Koji's challenging week with a broken-down car and a bat incident, and Michelle's temporary homelessness due to fumigation, to illustrate the complexity of apologies in everyday life. The discussion then shifts to ...
It's the app that helps you dream the way you want to dream...
Fascinated by nightmares, journalist Jessica Suzuki pursues the truth behind a popular vivid dreaming app. Lucidity allows users to experience their wildest dreams and beyond, but Jessica discovers that for some users, it's just the beginning of their worst nightmare.
The show is released today. You can find the show wherever you normally...
Hosts Michelle and Koji explore parenthood, cultural heritage, and resilience through personal narratives and historical references. In part three, Koji’s grandparents' attempt to stay in the United States after renouncing their citizenship with the help of civil rights lawyer Wayne Collins and their friends/family.
ABOUT OUR READER
Derek Mio is an actor and comedian from Huntington Beach, CA. He portrays real-life...
This episode delves into the complex intergenerational impacts of identity and citizenship within a Japanese American family, particularly focusing on the decisions made by Koji’s grandfather, Takaiichi Sakai, during his incarceration in a WWII concentration camp. Featuring actor Derek Mio, the episode combines personal stories with historical analysis, exploring themes of loyalty, cultural belonging, and the heavy co...
Hosts Koji and Michelle delve into the complexities of Japanese American identity through Koji’s unique family story. They examine why he was sent from Hawaii to America’s concentration camps and how they answered the contentious loyalty questionnaire. The episode provides a multifaceted look at the Japanese American experience, from the pride in samurai ancestry to the moral dilemmas posed by questions of allegiance ...
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