Episode 55: Award-Winning Author Naomi Hirahara

Award-winning author Naomi Hirahara joins the podcast to talk about her journey from growing up in the Pasadena area to her career as a reporter and mystery writer. Reflecting on her Japanese American heritage, she shares how her background and rich experiences have shaped her acclaimed works. 

Naomi discusses her transition from reporting to fiction writing, providing keen insights into her creative process and the significance of her characters. She talks about her numerous novels, which often feature compelling themes of resilience, justice, and multiculturalism, and dive into complex historical contexts, from the internment camps at Manzanar to post-war Japanese American communities. She also opens up about her love for sports, diving into her personal experiences as an athlete and sports enthusiast. 

Naomi’s latest project, a historical mystery set in 1903 Pasadena titled “Crown City,” will be published in 2025. 

The featured music on the podcast is courtesy of Pasadena’s own The Nextdoors. Please visit nextdoorsmusic.com and follow them on social media for more information on their next live shows.  

The Crown City Podcast is produced in partnership with Pasadena Media. For more information about this incredible non-profit serving the Pasadena community, please visit www.pasadenamedia.org. 

For more information and to support The Crown City Podcast, please visit us at www.thecrowncitypodcast.com.

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