Discover Nikkei
@discovernikkei.bsky.social
A global community sharing the experiences of Nikkei around the world. Publishing daily stories by and about people of Japanese descent who have migrated and settled worldwide. English, 日本語, Español, Português. A project of @jamuseum.bsky.social
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What is your vision for the Nikkei community? 🌟 Submissions are open for the 15th Nikkei Chronicles: “Nikkei Vision: Bridging Generations, Empowering Community.” Share stories of heritage & new traditions! Accepted stories published rolling basis. Guidelines & prompts: 5dn.org/vision
How do we reckon with history to build community?
Historian Scott Kurashige discusses his book "American Peril" with Discover Nikkei, breaking down the structural roots of anti-Asian racism and the vital power of multiracial coalitions.
Read the interview:
Historian Scott Kurashige discusses his book "American Peril" with Discover Nikkei, breaking down the structural roots of anti-Asian racism and the vital power of multiracial coalitions.
Read the interview:
Reckoning with History to Build Community: Scott Kurashige on American Peril
The Stop Asian Hate movement swept the country on online platforms and into the public sphere due to the rise of anti-Asian violence during the pande…
discovernikkei.org
September 18, 2026 at 10:43 PM
How do we reckon with history to build community?
Historian Scott Kurashige discusses his book "American Peril" with Discover Nikkei, breaking down the structural roots of anti-Asian racism and the vital power of multiracial coalitions.
Read the interview:
Historian Scott Kurashige discusses his book "American Peril" with Discover Nikkei, breaking down the structural roots of anti-Asian racism and the vital power of multiracial coalitions.
Read the interview:
This month’s “Nikkei Uncovered” poetry column, curated by traci kato-kiriyama, features LA-based writer, Mia Nakaji Monnier. She shares her poem, "On the Day You Were Born" written from a mother to her newborn.
Parenting, Pressure Points, and Portals
This month we have a lovely bilingual piece from LA-based writer, Mia Nakaji Monnier. From a mother to a newborn child - part letter, part response, …
discovernikkei.org
September 17, 2026 at 6:48 PM
This month’s “Nikkei Uncovered” poetry column, curated by traci kato-kiriyama, features LA-based writer, Mia Nakaji Monnier. She shares her poem, "On the Day You Were Born" written from a mother to her newborn.
What is your vision for the Nikkei community? 🌟 Submissions are open for the 15th Nikkei Chronicles: “Nikkei Vision: Bridging Generations, Empowering Community.” Share stories of heritage & new traditions! Accepted stories published rolling basis. Guidelines & prompts: 5dn.org/vision
September 16, 2026 at 10:48 PM
What is your vision for the Nikkei community? 🌟 Submissions are open for the 15th Nikkei Chronicles: “Nikkei Vision: Bridging Generations, Empowering Community.” Share stories of heritage & new traditions! Accepted stories published rolling basis. Guidelines & prompts: 5dn.org/vision
Meet Kenneth Masao Nishimoto, the visionary USC architect who shaped Southern California modernism. From wartime incarceration to designing the iconic Japanese minka farmhouse at Descanso Gardens, Naomi Hirahara shares his remarkable journey.
Read the full story:
Read the full story:
A Visionary USC Architect: Kenneth Masao Nishimoto and His Descanso Minka
When I was doing research celebrating the Japanese Garden at Descanso Gardens, a sprawling Los Angeles County–operated botanic property located…
discovernikkei.org
September 16, 2026 at 10:27 PM
Meet Kenneth Masao Nishimoto, the visionary USC architect who shaped Southern California modernism. From wartime incarceration to designing the iconic Japanese minka farmhouse at Descanso Gardens, Naomi Hirahara shares his remarkable journey.
Read the full story:
Read the full story:
Reposted by Discover Nikkei
Along with my usual political writings, I contribute articles to @discovernikkei.bsky.social. Wonder how anime first made its way to the US? My article tells the story of three Japanese American businessmen who brought Toei's first full length anime film, The White Snake Enchantress, to the US.
Highlighting the pivotal role of Nisei in distributing the 1961 Japanese animated film "Panda and the Magic Serpent" to American audiences. He explores the history of early Japanese animation in the U.S. and its cultural impact through the lens of Japanese American heritage.
The Nisei Who Brought Anime to the U.S.—The Story of Panda and the Magic Serpent
David Yonezaki, Facscination for Everybody Two years ago, I wrote a story for the Los Angeles Review of Books covering the career of David Tsutomu Yokozeki. Yokozeki, an ambitious attorney in Frank Chuman’s legal firm, made a name for himself in Hollywood by forming the first Nisei production studio—Nacirema Productions (American spelled backwards). Using his …
discovernikkei.org
June 13, 2026 at 8:59 PM
Along with my usual political writings, I contribute articles to @discovernikkei.bsky.social. Wonder how anime first made its way to the US? My article tells the story of three Japanese American businessmen who brought Toei's first full length anime film, The White Snake Enchantress, to the US.
Reposted by Discover Nikkei
"As I explained to practically every visitor I met those six months: Cruising J-Town wasn’t a car exhibition; it was always an exhibition about people and their community in which cars helped tell everyone’s stories and histories."
@discovernikkei.bsky.social: discovernikkei.org/en/journal/2...
@discovernikkei.bsky.social: discovernikkei.org/en/journal/2...
Reflecting on Cars, Community, and Cruising J-Town
Oliver Wang, curator of Cruising J-Town (Oliver Wang)
A year ago this week, the Cruising J-Town exhibition opened at the M…
discovernikkei.org
August 18, 2026 at 9:51 PM
"As I explained to practically every visitor I met those six months: Cruising J-Town wasn’t a car exhibition; it was always an exhibition about people and their community in which cars helped tell everyone’s stories and histories."
@discovernikkei.bsky.social: discovernikkei.org/en/journal/2...
@discovernikkei.bsky.social: discovernikkei.org/en/journal/2...
Discover how traditional Sukiya architecture met modern design and accessibility to create Musoan, the tea house at the Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix. Architect Hiroo Kurano shares the cross-cultural story behind building this unique landmark. Read more:
The Design and Accomplishments of Musoan, the Tea House at the Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix—Part 2
Front Entrance of the Contemporary Sukiya Architectural Style Tea House Musoan (Photo courtesy of Hiroo Kurano)
Read Part …
discovernikkei.org
September 15, 2026 at 4:59 PM
Discover how traditional Sukiya architecture met modern design and accessibility to create Musoan, the tea house at the Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix. Architect Hiroo Kurano shares the cross-cultural story behind building this unique landmark. Read more:
The Tessaku Translation Project returned to the National Archives to digitize critical records from the Tule Lake concentration camp. Read about the research team's latest efforts and the hurdles they faced to preserve Japanese American history:
Tessaku Year 2—Mores Trials and Tribulations at the Archives
Last year, in August 2025, I was fortunate to be invited by UC Berkeley scholar Andrew Way Leong to help scan documents at the National Archives. Our…
discovernikkei.org
September 15, 2026 at 12:17 AM
The Tessaku Translation Project returned to the National Archives to digitize critical records from the Tule Lake concentration camp. Read about the research team's latest efforts and the hurdles they faced to preserve Japanese American history:
In this week's "Shin Issei Journey" by Arisa Nakamura, Yoko reflects on her first days in Seattle—back when seeing a squirrel felt unique enough to snap photos and send to friends in Tokyo.
It turns out city wildlife is all about perspective! 🐿️🐈 #comic #cartoon
It turns out city wildlife is all about perspective! 🐿️🐈 #comic #cartoon
Episode 29: Urban Wildlife
A semi-monthly comic that explores the experiences of contemporary Japanese immigrants in the U.S. This week, “Urban Wildlife”
Check bac…
discovernikkei.org
September 14, 2026 at 2:07 AM
In this week's "My Name is Neal" is... “Headgear: Good or Bad?" by Neal Yamamoto: discovernikkei.org/e...
#comic #cartoon #humor
#comic #cartoon #humor
Journal Entry # Size 7½: "I Like Flat Caps..."
A weekly visual journal/cartoon about an easily-annoyed fourth generation American of Japanese descent. This week, “Headgear: Good or Bad?&rdqu…
discovernikkei.org
September 13, 2026 at 12:15 AM
In this week's "My Name is Neal" is... “Headgear: Good or Bad?" by Neal Yamamoto: discovernikkei.org/e...
#comic #cartoon #humor
#comic #cartoon #humor
Kensuke Ozaki reflects on his eventful life in this series compiled by Ryusuke Kawai. In Episode 12, he tries it all, from brokering submarines for Taiwan to exporting winter vegetables from the Dominican Republic.
Episode 12: From Bananas to Submarines
Based in Miami, my work involved trade between Japan and the United States and Central and South America, as well as trade between countries other th…
discovernikkei.org
September 11, 2026 at 6:34 PM
Kensuke Ozaki reflects on his eventful life in this series compiled by Ryusuke Kawai. In Episode 12, he tries it all, from brokering submarines for Taiwan to exporting winter vegetables from the Dominican Republic.
What was life like on a WWII Japan-U.S. exchange ship? In Episode 8 of "My Grandfather, Kyohei Takahashi," Naoki Kawamura draws from Shigehito Tsuru's diary to reveal the daily routines, lectures, and conditions aboard the M.S. Gripsholm in 1943.
Episode 8: From the Exchange Ship's Voyage Diary - Life and Interactions on Board
M.S. Gripsholm, 1943. (Photo courtesy: US Navy, National Archives at College Park, Maryland)
Read Episode 7
Because diplo…
discovernikkei.org
September 11, 2026 at 4:00 PM
What was life like on a WWII Japan-U.S. exchange ship? In Episode 8 of "My Grandfather, Kyohei Takahashi," Naoki Kawamura draws from Shigehito Tsuru's diary to reveal the daily routines, lectures, and conditions aboard the M.S. Gripsholm in 1943.
Four interns from the Getty Marrow Undergraduate internship and Tanaka summer internship share their invaluable takeaways from their summer at @jamuseum.bsky.social :
Reflecting on the Summer with the 2026 JANM Interns
The interns take a selfie in front of JANM with their favorite museum mannequin, nicknamed Clementine after Clement Hanami, JANM&r…
discovernikkei.org
September 10, 2026 at 6:27 PM
Four interns from the Getty Marrow Undergraduate internship and Tanaka summer internship share their invaluable takeaways from their summer at @jamuseum.bsky.social :
Discover the fascinating history behind Musoan, the advanced tea house at the Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix. Architect Hiroo Kurano shares how this landmark beautifully blends traditional Japanese craftsmanship with American accessibility standards.
The Design and Accomplishments of Musoan, the Tea House at the Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix—Part 1
Tea House Musoan in the Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix (The tea house is located at the center of the garden.) (Photo court…
discovernikkei.org
September 8, 2026 at 5:28 PM
Discover the fascinating history behind Musoan, the advanced tea house at the Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix. Architect Hiroo Kurano shares how this landmark beautifully blends traditional Japanese craftsmanship with American accessibility standards.
Discover the untold stories of Japanese American WWII incarceration through the eyes of two summer interns at @jamuseum.bsky.social. Claire Kim Littman and Jacob Chong share their journey inventorying a powerful collection of artwork from the camps.
Expanding Narratives: Stories Yet to Be Told
Introduction to the World War II Art Collection
A photo of various artworks being organized by interns. Photo by Jacob Chong.&nbs…
discovernikkei.org
September 7, 2026 at 11:15 PM
Discover the untold stories of Japanese American WWII incarceration through the eyes of two summer interns at @jamuseum.bsky.social. Claire Kim Littman and Jacob Chong share their journey inventorying a powerful collection of artwork from the camps.
How do centuries-old traditions—from sword-making to family recipes—survive in a changing world? Ricardo Takeshita Nishimura explores the preserving and adapting of traditions in his Nikkei Vision submission. #NikkeiVision #traditions
When a Tradition Stays Alive
Imagine a Nikkei kitchen. A grandmother is preparing kamaboko while her granddaughter watches. The recipe already exists. Someone wrote down the ingr…
discovernikkei.org
September 6, 2026 at 3:36 PM
How do centuries-old traditions—from sword-making to family recipes—survive in a changing world? Ricardo Takeshita Nishimura explores the preserving and adapting of traditions in his Nikkei Vision submission. #NikkeiVision #traditions
In this week's "My Name is Neal" is... “Anatomy of the Artist: The long-term effects of a cartooning lifestyle..." by Neal Yamamoto: discovernikkei.org/e...
#comic #cartoon #humor
#comic #cartoon #humor
Journal Entry # By-Products of 40+ Years: "Could Be Worse..."
A weekly visual journal/cartoon about an easily-annoyed fourth generation American of Japanese descent. This week, “Anatomy of the Artist: The …
discovernikkei.org
September 6, 2026 at 2:12 AM
In this week's "My Name is Neal" is... “Anatomy of the Artist: The long-term effects of a cartooning lifestyle..." by Neal Yamamoto: discovernikkei.org/e...
#comic #cartoon #humor
#comic #cartoon #humor
A beautiful tribute to Rosa Chibusa, co-founder of Tochatour, who transformed tourism into a mission of spreading joy & fulfilling dreams for the Japanese-Brazilian community. Her legacy lives on through her family and a community rejuvenated by travel.
Read more:
Read more:
The Legacy of an Eternal Smile
--image transcript-- She turned her love of travel into a mission to spread happiness. Now, she continues her most beautiful journ…
discovernikkei.org
September 4, 2026 at 11:14 PM
A beautiful tribute to Rosa Chibusa, co-founder of Tochatour, who transformed tourism into a mission of spreading joy & fulfilling dreams for the Japanese-Brazilian community. Her legacy lives on through her family and a community rejuvenated by travel.
Read more:
Read more:
Lee A. Tonouchi interviews poet Frances H. Kakugawa who shares stories of growing up in Kapoho, Hawaii, her poetry, and important lessons she shares with caregivers.
Read on Discover Nikkei:
Read on Discover Nikkei:
Entering Another World: How Poet Frances H. Kakugawa Learned for be one Compassionate Caregiver
Frances H. Kakugawa writes about caring for those who have Alzheimer’s.
Growing up in da 1930s, Frances H. Kakugawa,…
discovernikkei.org
September 3, 2026 at 6:42 PM
Lee A. Tonouchi interviews poet Frances H. Kakugawa who shares stories of growing up in Kapoho, Hawaii, her poetry, and important lessons she shares with caregivers.
Read on Discover Nikkei:
Read on Discover Nikkei:
A beautiful tribute to Seitoku Kian, a Nikkei merchant who built a life in Peru while traveling the world through maps and books, inspiring his family to cross oceans. 🌊🇵🇪🇯🇵
Read the full essay:
Read the full essay:
My grandfather, the merchant who dreamed of the world—Seitoku Kian
My grandparents, Seitoku Kian and Yoshiko Tobaru, in their youth
A Nisei from Huacho who learned to travel with his imagin…
discovernikkei.org
September 2, 2026 at 11:16 PM
A beautiful tribute to Seitoku Kian, a Nikkei merchant who built a life in Peru while traveling the world through maps and books, inspiring his family to cross oceans. 🌊🇵🇪🇯🇵
Read the full essay:
Read the full essay:
In his moving essay, Troy Kasuga shares how an international youth exchange in Mexico transformed his perspective on his heritage and helped him truly embrace his Nikkei identity. Read his story: discovernikkei.org/e... #NikkeiVision #Identity #VibraJoven #Community
Roots and Reflections: My Journey into Nikkei Identity
As a Nisei born to Japanese parents, I had never really identified myself as either Nikkei or Japanese. I was fortunate enough to see Japanese herita…
discovernikkei.org
September 2, 2026 at 12:53 AM
In his moving essay, Troy Kasuga shares how an international youth exchange in Mexico transformed his perspective on his heritage and helped him truly embrace his Nikkei identity. Read his story: discovernikkei.org/e... #NikkeiVision #Identity #VibraJoven #Community
Read Part 3 of Claire Kim Littman's article on her great-grandmother, progressive Nisei journalist Mary Oyama Mittwer. Claire is the 2026 Tanaka Summer Intern for CMA at @jamuseum.bsky.social and explores Mary's post-war career and lasting legacy.
“One Who Is on the Other Side”: Mary Oyama Mittwer’s Life of Advocacy—Part 3
Read Part 2
Mary’s Post-War Career and Community Involvement
Mary Oyama Mittwer’s Remington Quiet-Riter typewriter. …
discovernikkei.org
August 31, 2026 at 3:26 PM
Read Part 3 of Claire Kim Littman's article on her great-grandmother, progressive Nisei journalist Mary Oyama Mittwer. Claire is the 2026 Tanaka Summer Intern for CMA at @jamuseum.bsky.social and explores Mary's post-war career and lasting legacy.
Before World War II, a thriving community of Japanese immigrant families farmed the coast of what is now Crystal Cove State Park. Edna Horiuchi shares their legacy, from building a local language school to facing forced wartime evacuation.
Crystal Cove Japanese Community 1927 - 1942
Road to Capistrano. Barse Miller. Photo Courtesy of The Buck Collection, Laguna Beach, CA.
The Crystal Cove Beach is …
discovernikkei.org
August 30, 2026 at 3:58 PM
Before World War II, a thriving community of Japanese immigrant families farmed the coast of what is now Crystal Cove State Park. Edna Horiuchi shares their legacy, from building a local language school to facing forced wartime evacuation.
Kensuke Ozaki reflects on his eventful life in this series compiled by Ryusuke Kawai. In Episode 11, he focuses on exporting to the Dominican Republic.
Episode 11: Focusing on Dominican Trade
Read Episode 10
Selling high-quality used Japanese products
Based in Miami since the 1980s, I took on various projects and challenges. I even went …
discovernikkei.org
August 29, 2026 at 9:48 PM
Kensuke Ozaki reflects on his eventful life in this series compiled by Ryusuke Kawai. In Episode 11, he focuses on exporting to the Dominican Republic.
In this week's "My Name is Neal" is... “Questions My Mother Asks Me While Watching Television" by Neal Yamamoto: discovernikkei.org/e...
#comic #cartoon #humor
#comic #cartoon #humor
Journal Entry # Circa 2026: "She Likes Westerns..."
A weekly visual journal/cartoon about an easily-annoyed fourth generation American of Japanese descent. This week, “Questions My Mother Asks Me…
discovernikkei.org
August 29, 2026 at 4:00 PM
In this week's "My Name is Neal" is... “Questions My Mother Asks Me While Watching Television" by Neal Yamamoto: discovernikkei.org/e...
#comic #cartoon #humor
#comic #cartoon #humor