Filmmaker Cory Shiozaki discusses the Manzanar guayule rubber project and his service during the Vietnam War in Part 2 with Jonathan van Harmelen. The interview highlights wartime ingenuity and the Japanese American scientists who revolutionized extraction rates.

Guayule, Fishing, and Film: An Interview with Filmmaker Cory Shiozaki—Part 2

Read Part 1 JVH: Absolutely! There should be more films that cover the incarceration, whether as a whole or through smaller stories like the Fishing…

discovernikkei.org

Filmmaker Cory Shiozaki discusses uncovering lesser-known stories of the Manzanar concentration camp, ranging from wartime rubber research to secret fishing trips, in a new interview with Jonathan van Harmelen.

Guayule, Fishing, and Film: An Interview with Filmmaker Cory Shiozaki—Part 1

One of the lesser-known stories about Manzanar concentration camp is that of the Guayule (pronounced “why-you-lee”) Lab. Around the time …

discovernikkei.org

For our Nikkei Visions series, Ricardo Takeshita Nishimura examines the "last mile" of heritage, exploring how digital tools and global networks can transform cultural identity into active cross-border collaboration.

The Last Mile of Our Nikkei Identity

We Do Not Need to See the Entire Road There are moments when an idea seems too large for the person imagining it, not because it lacks meaning, but …

discovernikkei.org

In this week's "My Name is Neal" is... “Good Hands, Bad Hands..." by Neal Yamamoto: discovernikkei.org/e... #comic #cartoon #humor

Journal Entry # 5 Saturdays To Go: "31 Days of Ghoulies..."

A weekly visual journal/cartoon about an easily-annoyed fourth generation American of Japanese descent. This week, “Good Hands, Bad Hands...&rd…

discovernikkei.org

From making an award-winning indie movie for just $2,000 to launching the ultra-popular Kaua'i Comic Con, filmmaker Aaron Yamasato’s career has been an wild ride—and it's all fueled by a lifelong love for Kikaida! 🦸‍♂️💥 Read the interview by Lee A. Tonouchi:

It’s All About Kikaida: Filmmaker Aaron Yamasato’s Perfectly Logical Second Career

As one little boy, before having even seen one movie, Aaron Yamasato wuz already sold on his mom’s pitch. “I remember my mother giving me…

discovernikkei.org

From murals and botanical watercolor to children's book illustrations, three Peruvian Nikkei women artists are redefining contemporary creative expression. Learn how Tamie Tokuda, Sachiko Kobayashi, and Nori Kobayashi blend heritage, nature, and hand-crafted art:

Nikkei women artists: unpredictable expression

What is the purpose of art? Many have attempted to answer this, but for those who contemplate, consume, and enjoy it, one of those answers can be sur…

discovernikkei.org

How can music build a community across the Japanese diaspora? 🎸 In Part 2 of this interview, musician Hiroki Tanaka discusses unpacking identity, the process of creating his album Isan, and practicing community. Read the full chat on Discover Nikkei: discovernikkei.org/e... #musician

Unpacking Isan with Musician Hiroki Tanaka—Part 2

“Yamato” (Official Music Video) by Hiroki Tanaka. Directed by Jo Hirabayashi. Read Part 1 The Process of Creation Norm Ibuki (NI): Fo…

discovernikkei.org

In an interview with Norm Masaji Ibuki, musician Hiroki Tanaka discusses his new album, Isan. He shares his perspective on exploring historic Japanese Christian hymns as an atheist and navigating life as a Shin-Nisei. Read part 1:

Unpacking Isan with Musician Hiroki Tanaka—Part 1

It was a full-circle moment of sorts when Toronto musician Hiroki Tanaka contacted me recently about his newest recording, Isan. Hiroki is the son o…

discovernikkei.org

Peruvian Yonsei artist Hitoshi Vargas Hoshi uses his art to explore mixed-race heritage, trans identity, and family history. Read how he is challenging the status quo to build a more inclusive Nikkei community: discovernikkei.org/e... #artist #japaneseperuvian

The artist of diversity

The Yonsei artist Hitoshi Vargas Hoshi discovered at a very young age (he estimates he was five years old) that there were people in the Nikkei commu…

discovernikkei.org

In this week's "Shin Issei Journey" by Arisa Nakamura, Ken's new ochoko cups spark a funny childhood memory for Yoko—and a classic cultural misunderstanding!

Episode 30: Ochoko

A semi-monthly comic that explores the experiences of contemporary Japanese immigrants in the U.S. This week, “Ochoko.” Check back …

discovernikkei.org

In this week's "My Name is Neal" is... “'Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall...' - Twenty-Four Hours in the Life of the Evil Queen's Magic Mirror" by Neal Yamamoto: discovernikkei.org/e... #comic #cartoon #humor

Journal Entry # Created in 1812: "Medieval Alexa..."

A weekly visual journal/cartoon about an easily-annoyed fourth generation American of Japanese descent. This week, “‘Mirror, Mirror, on t…

discovernikkei.org

Survival, memory, & rebuilding in Miami. In Episode 13 of his memoirs, Kensuke Ozaki recounts surviving the historic destruction of 1992's Hurricane Andrew—an experience that vividly brought back memories of post-WWII air raids from his childhood in Kochi, Japan. Read on DN:

Episode 13: Hurricane Strikes

Read Episode 12 Good fortune is often accompanied by misfortune. After a few years in Miami, my work was progressing smoothly. I exported used Japa…

discovernikkei.org

“Okage-sama de”—thanks to you. Brian Shimomura shares a powerful reflection on his family's trek up Yosemite's Half Dome, mapping the physical climb to the resilience passed down through Japanese American generations. Read it on Discover Nikkei: discovernikkei.org/e... #Yosemite #JapaneseAmerican

Okage-sama de: Half Dome

Okage-sama de means “thanks to you.” My Yonsei (fourth) generation exists because of the hard work and sacrifices of others. The Issei, N…

discovernikkei.org

How do sports icons change reality off the field? In a new article, Alvin Yokoyama reflects on how MLB pioneers like Hideo Nomo, Ichiro, and Shohei Ohtani shattered invisible ceilings and expanded what's possible for generations of Nikkei. Read his story:

Watching the Ceiling Disappear

Growing up as a Japanese American in Hawaii meant growing up with one foot in two baseball worlds. A 1986 Fleer baseball card fea…

discovernikkei.org

Intrigued by the history of Japanese immigration to the Amazon, researcher Sachio Negawa traces the mysterious footsteps of Fuyuki Matsuoka—the first hospital director of the Tomé-Açu settlement. Read Chapter 14 of "The Forgotten Nikkei" series:

Chapter 14: Kunio Yanagita's Nephew Who Traveled to the Amazon (Part 1)

Fuyuki Matsuoka (Tomé-Açu Colonial Photography Society, ed., "Tomé-Açu Colonial Settlement 25th Annive…

discovernikkei.org

Hot off the presses is Gwen Muranaka's latest comic on being Nikkei! “Jichan Wisdom.” Gwen shares some "jichan wisdom" in honor of Keiro no Hi (Respect for the Elderly Day).

Jichan Wisdom

It’s a Nikkei Thing! Here are some bits of “jichan wisdom” I’ve received over the years in honor of Keiro no Hi (Respect for…

discovernikkei.org

How much is a problem that never happened worth? 🤔 For Nikkei Chronicles #15, Ricardo Takeshita Nishimura explores Japan’s hidden business value and how the global Nikkei community can bridge the gap. Read & leave a ⭐️—top stories get translated! #NikkeiVision

The Value of Japan That Has Yet to Cross the Border

How much is a problem that never happened worth? When we buy a product, we can compare its price, design, features, or delivery time. It is much har…

discovernikkei.org

In this week's "My Name is Neal" is... “Expressive Drawing: Portraying reactive states in cartoons..." by Neal Yamamoto: discovernikkei.org/e... #comic #cartoon #humor

Journal Entry #1,673rd Lesson: “Once More, With Feeling...”

A weekly visual journal/cartoon about an easily-annoyed fourth generation American of Japanese descent. This week, “Expressive Drawing: Portray…

discovernikkei.org

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:

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

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

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:

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

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.

Discover Nikkei@discovernikkei.bsky.social · 4mo ago

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.

"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...

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

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

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

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

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

In this week's "My Name is Neal" is... “Headgear: Good or Bad?" by Neal Yamamoto: discovernikkei.org/e... #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

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

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