Podcasts about Japanese American National Museum

The island of Alameda has produced some great baseball players. Hall of Fame hitter Willie Stargell even has a street named after him! Some of those ballplayers were Japanese American. In the years between World War I and World War II, the Alameda Taiiku-Kai thrived with great players like Sai Tawata leading the team and the community. Bay Curious listener Sam Hopkins saw a plaque commemorating the team's home plate and wanted to learn more about the team's history. Additional Resources: Rediscovering a Japanese-American Baseball Team in Alameda, Nearly Lost to Time Read the transcript for this episode Sign up for our newsletter Enter our Sierra Nevada Brewing Company monthly trivia contest Got a question you want answered? Ask! Your support makes KQED podcasts possible. You can show your love by going to https://kqed.org/donate/podcasts Special thanks to the Japanese American National Museum for use of the Topaz prison camp clip. That documentary was a gift of Dave Tatsuno, in Memory of Walter Honderich. This story was reported by Brian Watt. Bay Curious is made by Katrina Schwartz, Gabriela Glueck and Christopher Beale. Additional support from Olivia Allen-Price, Jen Chien, Katie Sprenger, Maha Sanad, Alana Walker, Holly Kernan and everyone on Team KQED.

Send us a textIn 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 many. Joined by guest Naoyuki Ikeda, the episode delves into the inner conflicts faced by these Japanese American soldiers, who were fighting abroad while their families faced internment back home. Featuring real stories of courage and kindness, including the actions of Sergeant Imamura and Chiune Sugihara, this episode highlights the complexities of wartime morality and the profound impact of individual acts of bravery. For more information about the Japanese American National Museum, please visit our website at www.janm.org. This episode the wonderful voice work of actor and friend of the podcast Naoyuki Ikeda.Here are some of the links we used to help us write this episode:https://www.sollyganor.com/ https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/sugihara/readings/ganor.html https://www.instagram.com/holocaustmuseum/p/C7pm-LxsAKy/?img_index=1 https://442sd.org/history/eric-saul-on-solly-ganor-and-the-holocaust/ https://blogs.chapman.edu/holocaust-education/2015/09/28/witness-heart-mountain/https://www.sollyganor.com/unlikely-liberators-virtual-exhibitCREDITSThe music was created by Jalen BlankWritten by Koji Steven SakaiHosts: Michelle Malazaki and Koji Steven SakaiAdditional Voice by Naoyuki IkedaEdited and produced by Koji Steven Sakai in conjunction with the Japanese American National Museum

LA Mayor Karen Bass has released her next budget. To help close a massive deficit, the city may have to lay off around 5% of the city workforce. LA’s Japanese American National Museum is refusing to follow the Trump administration’s orders to end DEI efforts. Now it's at risk of losing $2 million of federal funding. The documentary “One to One” follows John Lennon and Yoko Ono through a tumultuous period in their lives and American politics, reassessing Ono’s artistry and her influence on Lennon.  YouTube turns 20 this year. The popular video site democratized content on the web, but also inflamed culture wars, radicalized users, and further polarized an already divided society.

Send us a textIn 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 serves as a bridge between generations. Special guest Jason Murai, president of the Japanese American Baseball Organization, shares insights into the Sansei Baseball League's vital role in fostering cultural identity and community spirit. Through engaging anecdotes and reflections, the episode underscores baseball's enduring impact on Japanese American heritage, resilience, and representation in sports, celebrating figures like Shohei Ohtani who inspire future generations.For more about the Sansei baseball league go to:  https://www.sanseibaseball.com/ To see some of JANM's baseball related programs click on this YouTube playlist https://www.youtube.com/@janmdotorg/search?query=baseball : For more information about the Japanese American National Museum, please visit our website at www.janm.org. CREDITSThe music was created by Jalen BlankWritten by Koji Steven SakaiHosts: Michelle Malazaki and Koji Steven SakaiEdited and produced by Koji Steven Sakai in conjunction with the Japanese American National Museum

Send us a textIn 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 American women during the war. Through personal anecdotes, Grace shares her unwavering positive outlook amidst adversity, embodying the philosophy of "shikata ga nai" or "it cannot be helped." As the episode honors Women's History Month, it pays tribute to the bravery of women who served in the Women's Army Corps and Army Nurses Corps, while also weaving in moments of humor and gratitude. Join this heartfelt exploration of the enduring spirit of women who faced unimaginable challenges with grace and strength.You can watch Grace's public program here: https://youtu.be/wSD_1VuNeWIFor more information about the Japanese American National Museum, please visit our website at www.janm.org. CREDITSThe music was created by Jalen BlankWritten by Koji Steven SakaiHosts: Michelle Malazaki and Koji Steven SakaiEdited and produced by Koji Steven Sakai in conjunction with the Japanese American National Museum

Send us a textIn 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 and Yuri Aida from Design for America Inc. They explore the allure of Japanese pens, notebooks, and accessories, which have evolved from being perceived as cheap to becoming celebrated for their impeccable quality and craftsmanship. The episode offers insights into the cultural significance and growing popularity of Japanese stationery in the United States, highlighting unique products like washi tapes and the beloved Mitsubishi Jetstream pen. With an upcoming stationery festival in Santa Monica, listeners are invited to embrace the artful lifestyle inspired by these exquisite writing tools. Join Michelle, Koji, and their guests as they share personal stories, explore trends, and celebrate the meticulous art behind Japanese stationery.For more information about the Japanese American National Museum, please visit our website at www.janm.org. CREDITSThe music was created by Jalen BlankWritten by Michelle MalazakiHosts: Michelle Malazaki and Koji Steven SakaiEdited and Produced by Koji Steven Sakai in conjunction with the Japanese American National Museum

When the US turned to Japan for workers in the late 19th Century, they probably never foresaw that one day soon they would imprison those who arrived, their successors, and their families, en masse in camps around America.To hear about the Japanese American experience through history, Don is speaking to Kristen Hayashi. Kristen is Director of Collections Management & Access and Curator at the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles.Together, Kristen and Don explore the initial migration from Japan, the work offered, and the treatment of these first generations of Japanese Americans in life and under the law. They also discuss the contradictions of the Second World War - when some 120,000 people were forcibly moved to internment camps whilst, in Europe, an all Japanese American unit became the most decorated unit of its size in US history.Produced by Sophie Gee. Edited by Aidan Lonergan. Senior Producer was Charlotte Long.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  You can take part in our listener survey here.All music from Epidemic Sounds/All3 MediaAmerican History Hit is a History Hit podcast.

Send us a textIn 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 American community through advocacy and educational support. As the episode unfolds, listeners are treated to heartwarming stories of small gestures, such as receiving an avocado from a friend, and the rich tapestry of cultural traditions, including Japanese New Year's customs. The narrative celebrates figures like Gordon Hirabayashi and Ralph Lazo, who bravely opposed injustice, and educators like Claire Breed, who supported interned children. The episode concludes with a heartfelt thank you to listeners and a promise of fresh stories in the upcoming season.To listen to the original public program, you can listen to it here: https://youtu.be/xHWcpw8SlFkFor more information about the Japanese American National Museum, please visit our website at www.janm.org. CREDITSThe music was created by Jalen BlankWritten by Koji Steven SakaiHosts: Michelle Malazaki and Koji Steven SakaiEdited and Produced by Koji Steven Sakai in conjunction with the Japanese American National Museum

What are the top three items on your bucket list? Let us know in the comments!Nadine Sachiko Hsu is a dynamic and multi-passionate entrepreneur, CEO, and former professional race car driver. A mother of four, Nadine has carved her own path from being a teen mom to an accountant, and eventually becoming one of the first women to drift in the USA. She competed in the professional drifting series, Formula Drift, placing and winning numerous competitions, and even stunt doubling for Neela in Fast & The Furious: Tokyo Drift. Nadine has graced the covers of *LA Weekly* and multiple automotive industry magazines, and is a brand ambassador for top brands like Yokohama, Kumho, and Sparco. Today, she is the author of the "Sachiko Goes Racing" children's book series, inspired by her journey as a professional drift racer. She donates books and holds readings for the Asian Youth Center and other community organizations.Alongside her racing career, Nadine runs Sachiko Studio, a luxury portrait photography studio in Arcadia, CA, specializing in high-end indoor and outdoor experiences for busy women and families. The studio is recognized as a top portrait studio in the San Gabriel Valley. During COVID-19, she launched #thefrontstepsprojectsgv, raising $1,900 for Foothill Unity Food Bank. She currently partners with A Stable Space to provide maternity photo shoots for mothers in need and hosts creative workshops for moms. Nadine is also a proud member of the all-mom hip-hop crew, Fred's Moms (@fmoms_626).A seasoned accountant with 25 years in the industry, Nadine has worked with tech startups, apparel brands, entertainment, and real estate companies. In 2008, she founded Sachiko Accounting, a boutique firm that serves startups and small businesses.In addition to her career in accounting and photography, Nadine is the founder of *Drifting Pretty*, an organization dedicated to advancing women in motorsports. Over the past two decades, she has mentored over 50 aspiring female racers and continues to inspire others through her Drifting Pretty podcast, where she interviews women who are paving the way in various industries.She has an upcoming exhibition at the Japanese American National Museum, starting in July of 2025. Check what it will be about here: https://www.janm.org/exhibits/cruising-j-townInstagram: @driftqueen                    @driftingpretty                    @sachikostudio___________________Music CreditsIntroEuphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OGStingerScarlet Fire (Sting), Otis McDonald, YouTube Audio Library__________________My SGV Podcast:Website: www.mysgv.netNewsletter: Beyond the MicPatreon: MySGV Podcastinfo@sgvmasterkey.com

ICYMI: Hour Two of ‘Later, with Mo'Kelly' Presents – ‘Friday Nights' with L.A. Radio Legend Nautica De La Cruz checking out the ‘Japanese American National Museum' AND highlighting today's ‘Hidden Gem,' Slyvia Contreras and the ‘Sages & Seekers' “mission to bring teens (Seekers) and older adults (Sages) together to share their unique gifts through authentic conversation” … PLUS – Mark Rahner has a review of the new ‘Paramount Pictures' release ‘Gladiator II;' Director/Producer Ridley Scott's “epic historical action sequel to 2000s Gladiator” in ‘The Rahner Report' - on KFI AM 640…Live everywhere on the iHeartRadio app

ICYMI: ‘Later, with Mo'Kelly' Presents – ‘Friday Nights' with L.A. Radio Legend Nautica De La Cruz checking out the ‘Japanese American National Museum' AND highlighting today's ‘Hidden Gem,' Slyvia Contreras and the ‘Sages & Seekers' “mission to bring teens (Seekers) and older adults (Sages) together to share their unique gifts through authentic conversations” - on KFI AM 640…Live everywhere on the iHeartRadio app

Send us a textIn 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 prejudice and the injustice of incarceration, yet they chose to serve the United States with unparalleled valor, as exemplified by their swift capture of a strategic hill in Italy. The episode also honors figures such as Senator Daniel Inouye, whose leadership and courage left an indelible mark on history. Through poignant storytelling and personal reflections, the podcast not only celebrates these unsung heroes but also explores the broader Japanese American experience, emphasizing the enduring legacy of the Nisei soldiers and their significant contributions to America's diverse heritage.ABOUT USDavid Ono is the co-anchor for ABC7 Eyewitness News at 4 pm and 6 pm and was recently named Anchor of the Year in the U.S. by Broadcast and Cable.David joined ABC7 in 1996 and, during that time, has witnessed history worldwide, covering Hurricane Katrina, Haiti's earthquake, and Japan's tsunami. He traveled across Europe and Asia, chronicling the brave acts of the Nisei soldier from World War II.David has produced multiple award-winning documentaries, two of which have made their way to the Smithsonian Institution.David has won 12 Edward R. Murrow awards, 31 Emmys, 2 RTDNA National Unity Awards, 6 AAJA National Journalism Awards, and was honored with the Distinguished Journalist Award by the Society of Professional Journalists. He has also received both the Journalist of the Year as well as the Lifetime Achievement Award from the LA Press Club.For more information about the Japanese American National Museum, please visit our website at www.janm.org. CREDITSThe music was created by Jalen BlankWritten by Koji Steven SakaiHosts: Michelle Malazaki and Koji Steven SakaiEdited and Produced by Koji Steven Sakai in conjunction with the Japanese American National Museum

Send us a textIn 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 perceptions of Asian Americans in art and entertainment, noting a shift from stereotypes to a broader acceptance of diverse talents. We celebrate the rise of Asian American artists and their impact on the art scene, featuring dynamic talents like James Jean and Mike Shinoda. Through engaging narratives and personal anecdotes, this episode offers a vibrant exploration of artistic expression, cultural narratives, and the power of community in shaping a creative legacy.Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant_Robot_(magazine)#:~:text=Giant%20Robot%2C%20named%20after%20the,technology%2C%20food%2C%20and%20skateboarding. ABOUT USWelcome 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 Japanese Americans' unique experiences, challenges, and triumphs, illuminating their rich contributions to the mosaic of American life. From historical milestones to contemporary perspectives, join us for an insightful journey 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.For more information about the Japanese American National Museum, please visit our website at www.janm.org. CREDITSThe music was created by Jalen BlankWritten by Koji Steven SakaiHosts: Michelle Malazaki and Koji Steven SakaiEdited and Produced by Koji Steven Sakai in conjunction with the Japanese American National Museum

Send us a textIn 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 solace to Japanese Americans during WWII. Through discussions on representation, challenges, and the transformative power of baseball, this episode showcases how the sport bridges generations and cultures, fostering a sense of belonging and resilience within the community. Tune in for heartfelt stories, insightful conversations, and a celebration of baseball's enduring legacy.ABOUT OUR GUESTJoshua Morey is the chairperson of Ori-gen and president of The J Morey Company Inc. Ori-gen amplifies the voice of diverse communities throughout America by providing resources, services, and perpetuation planning for independent agents and brokers from diverse backgrounds. Morey serves on the board of directors for the U.S.-Japan Council, JANM, the Little Tokyo Community Council, and the Japanese Evangelical Mission Society. He was recently featured on the cover of Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America's national magazine. He is co-founder of KODO Insurance Services (Insuretech) and chairman of the board of Arrowood Insurance Services. He has a BA in Business Economics, from Wheaton College and a MA in Intercultural Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary. In his free time he loves playing baseball and spending time with his wife and three kids.ABOUT USWelcome 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 Japanese Americans' unique experiences, challenges, and triumphs, illuminating their rich contributions to the mosaic of American life. From historical milestones to contemporary perspectives, join us for an insightful journey 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.For more information about the Japanese American National Museum, please visit our website at www.janm.org. CREDITSThe music was created by Jalen BlankWritten by Koji Steven SakaiHosts: Michelle Malazaki and Koji Steven SakaiEdited and Produced by Koji Steven Sakai in conjunction with the Japanese American National Museum

When the US turned to Japan looking for workers in the late 19th Century, they probably never foresaw that one day soon they would imprison those who arrived, their successors, and their families, en masse in camps around America.To hear about the Japanese American experience through history, Don is speaking to Kristen Hayashi. Kristen is Director of Collections Management & Access and Curator at the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles.Together, Kristen and Don explore the initial migration from Japan, the work offered, and the treatment of these first generations of Japanese Americans in life and under the law. They also discuss the contradictions of the Second World War - when some 120,000 people were forcibly moved to internment camps whilst, in Europe, an all Japanese American unit became the most decorated unit of its size in US history.Produced by Sophie Gee. Edited by Aidan Lonergan. Senior Producer was Charlotte Long.Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Get a subscription for $1 per month for 3 months with code AMERICANHISTORY sign up at https://historyhit.com/subscription/ You can take part in our listener survey here.

Send us a Text Message.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 the historical significance of the Civil Liberties Act of 1988, which provided reparations to Japanese Americans incarcerated during World War II. Special guest Keiko Agena enriches the conversation by reading a part of the Act, emphasizing the importance of government acknowledgment and reparations. The episode offers a nuanced exploration of how official apologies can pave the way toward healing and understanding for marginalized communities, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the power of words and deeds.ABOUT OUR READERKeiko Agena is best known for her series regular roles on the shows PRODIGAL SON where she played Dr. Edrisa Tanaka and GILMORE GIRLS, where she played Lane Kim for seven seasons and reprised the role in the Netflix GILMORE GIRLS revival. In between Agena has been a series regular on HULU's THE FIRST and recurring on BETTER CALL SAUL, DIRTY JOHN, DOOM PATROL and 13 REASONS WHY. As a guest star she has appeared on such shows as SHAMELESS, SCANDAL and NCIS LOS ANGELES to name a few. Keiko has recently published an Artist Workbook titled NO MISTAKES through Penguin/Random house which is available wherever books are sold. As an improviser she's performed numerous shows at UCB Sunset, UCB NY and IO WEST.ABOUT USWelcome 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 Japanese Americans' unique experiences, challenges, and triumphs, illuminating their rich contributions to the mosaic of American life. From historical milestones to contemporary perspectives, join us for an insightful journey 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.For more information about the Japanese American National Museum, please visit our website at www.janm.org. CREDITSThe music was created by Jalen BlankWritten by Koji Steven SakaiHosts: Michelle Malazaki and Koji Steven SakaiEdited and Produced by Koji Steven Sakai in conjunction with the Japanese American National Museum

Joshua Morey is the Chairperson of Ori-gen and President of The J Morey Company Inc. Ori-gen amplifies the voice of diverse communities throughout America by providing resources, services, and perpetuation planning for indepedent agents and brokers from diverse backgrounds. With offices in Hawaii, Los Angeles, Orange County, Torrance, and San Jose, California, Ori-gen represents a wide variety of personal, business, and specialty insurance from 40+ national and international carriers. He is a founding Board Member of the Asian American Insurance Network and Asian's in Insurance Podcast, and advisory council member of the Equity in Infrastructure Project. In addition Mr. Morey serves on the Board of Director's for the US Japan Council (Executive Committee), Japanese American National Museum, Little Tokyo Community Council, and was featured on the cover of Rough Notes, and IIABA's national magazine. He is co-founder of KODO Insurance Services (Insurtech) and Chairman of the Board of Arrowood Insurance Services. He has a B.A. in Business Economics, from Wheaton College and a M.A. in Intercultural Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary. In his free time he loves playing baseball and spending time with his wife and three kids. Highlights from the Show Josh is a fourth generation Japanese American, with his great grandfather having immigrated in the late 1800s, and setting up an import-export business in Little Tokyo in Los Angeles The family lost everything when Japanese Americans were sent to incarceration camps during WWII Finding insurance the Japanese American community was next to impossible, so they started their own, and Josh's family started an agency, The J Morey Company, to serve the community, which he runs today Josh's story in taking over is similar to a lot of multi-generational insurance agencies, where the next generation may not be interested in taking over, can't afford to buy the business, or the business is no longer viable, which threatens the legacy of so many family businesses Rather than selling to another agency, Josh worked with a consultant to find a path to keep the business in the family despite not having the financing in place to buy the business That's what sparked the founding of Ori-gen, as a platform to continue the legacy of these companies It's not just about keeping the agencies going, but to support the communities that rely on these agencies in the way his ancestors and their communities needed each other after WWII Josh has also tried to drive more minority involvement in the insurance industry overall, which stems from his sense that this is the best industry and best country in the world That includes engaging the Asian and Pacific Islander community through AAIN (Asian American Insurance Network, where he's a board member), as well as partnering with other groups, like joining NAAIA and Ngozi Nnajiand her Black Friday efforts Josh advocates for DEI efforts because, without them, the industry will miss out on great talent and different approaches that only come from diversity within that talent This episode is brought to you by The Future of Insurance book series (future-of-insurance.com) from Bryan Falchuk. Follow the podcast at future-of-insurance.com/podcast for more details and other episodes. Music courtesy of Hyperbeat Music, available to stream or download on Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music and more.

Send us a Text Message.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 READERDerek Mio is an actor and comedian from Huntington Beach, CA. He portrays real-life recipient Hiroshi "Hershey" Miyamura in the Netflix anthology series Medal of Honor--executive produced by Robert Zemeckis--and is the lead actor in the second season of the critically acclaimed AMC anthology series The Terror co-starring George Takei and executive produced by Ridley Scott. He is the creator and host of 'The BudoComedy Show' held at the Terasaki Budokan non-profit rec center in Little Tokyo, downtown Los Angeles featuring comedians such as Atsuko Okatsuka, Al Madrigal, Sheng Wang, Ian Bagg and more--the show has raised over $10,000 for the facility. Derek earned a Bachelor of Arts from USC's School of Cinematic Arts. His hobbies include surfing, fishing, birding, and wrangling his 2-year-old son.ABOUT USWelcome 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 Japanese Americans' unique experiences, challenges, and triumphs, illuminating their rich contributions to the mosaic of American life. From historical milestones to contemporary perspectives, join us for an insightful journey 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.For more information about the Japanese American National Museum, please visit our website at www.janm.org. CREDITSThe music was created by Jalen BlankWritten by Koji Steven SakaiHosts: Michelle Malazaki and Koji Steven SakaiEdited and Produced by Koji Steven Sakai in conjunction with the Japanese American National Museum

What shapes our identity and fuels our courage to challenge societal norms? Today, we revisit an inspiring conversation with Jim Herr, director of the Democracy Center at the Japanese American National Museum. Jim opens up about his experiences as a Hapa kid in rural Pennsylvania, where he faced exclusion and was told he couldn't be president because of his skin color. His journey from feeling marginalized to leading critical discussions on democracy and empathy offers a compelling narrative of personal growth and resilience. We also touch upon artist Arlene Kim Suda's reflections on cultural identity and the unique pressures mixed-race individuals navigate, emphasizing the crucial role of community in embracing our differences and moving towards a more inclusive society.Curiosity can be a powerful tool against fear. We explore how engaging with what makes us uncomfortable can lead to deeper understanding and diminish fear's hold on our lives. By taking small, intentional steps, we can conquer our anxieties and live more fulfilling lives. To help keep curiosity alive, we introduce practical tools like the Garden of Curiosity note cards and candles from the Gratitude Blooming shop. These simple reminders encourage us to end each day with a moment of pause and curiosity, fostering peace and a sense of renewal regardless of the day's challenges. Join us for this uplifting episode that showcases the transformative potential of curiosity and empathy.If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and review. Your feedback is valuable to us and helps us grow. Share your thoughts and comments by emailing us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com. We love hearing from our listeners.And don't forget to check out our shop at www.gratitudeblooming.com to help us sustain this podcast or sponsor us here. Thank you for your continued support. We appreciate you!

Send us a Text Message.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 consequences of choosing between nationalities. Through candid conversations and reenactments, the hosts examine the lasting effects of their ancestors' choices on their own identities and the broader community.ABOUT OUR READERDerek Mio is an actor and comedian from Huntington Beach, CA. He portrays real-life recipient Hiroshi "Hershey" Miyamura in the Netflix anthology series Medal of Honor--executive produced by Robert Zemeckis--and is the lead actor in the second season of the critically acclaimed AMC anthology series The Terror co-starring George Takei and executive produced by Ridley Scott. He is the creator and host of 'The BudoComedy Show' held at the Terasaki Budokan non-profit rec center in Little Tokyo, downtown Los Angeles featuring comedians such as Atsuko Okatsuka, Al Madrigal, Sheng Wang, Ian Bagg and more--the show has raised over $10,000 for the facility. Derek earned a Bachelor of Arts from USC's School of Cinematic Arts. His hobbies include surfing, fishing, birding, and wrangling his 2-year-old son.ABOUT USWelcome 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 Japanese Americans' unique experiences, challenges, and triumphs, illuminating their rich contributions to the mosaic of American life. From historical milestones to contemporary perspectives, join us for an insightful journey 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.For more information about the Japanese American National Museum, please visit our website at www.janm.org. CREDITSThe music was created by Jalen BlankWritten by Koji Steven SakaiHosts: Michelle Malazaki and Koji Steven SakaiEdited and Produced by Koji Steven Sakai in conjunction with the Japanese American National Museum

Send us a Text Message.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 during a dark chapter in American history.ABOUT OUR READERDerek Mio is an actor and comedian from Huntington Beach, CA. He portrays real-life recipient Hiroshi "Hershey" Miyamura in the Netflix anthology series Medal of Honor--executive produced by Robert Zemeckis--and is the lead actor in the second season of the critically acclaimed AMC anthology series The Terror co-starring George Takei and executive produced by Ridley Scott. He is the creator and host of 'The BudoComedy Show' held at the Terasaki Budokan non-profit rec center in Little Tokyo, downtown Los Angeles featuring comedians such as Atsuko Okatsuka, Al Madrigal, Sheng Wang, Ian Bagg and more--the show has raised over $10,000 for the facility. Derek earned a Bachelor of Arts from USC's School of Cinematic Arts. His hobbies include surfing, fishing, birding, and wrangling his 2-year-old son.ABOUT USWelcome 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 Japanese Americans' unique experiences, challenges, and triumphs, illuminating their rich contributions to the mosaic of American life. From historical milestones to contemporary perspectives, join us for an insightful journey 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.For more information about the Japanese American National Museum, please visit our website at www.janm.org. CREDITSThe music was created by Jalen BlankWritten by Koji Steven SakaiHosts: Michelle Malazaki and Koji Steven SakaiEdited and Produced by Koji Steven Sakai in conjunction with the Japanese American National Museum

Have you ever experienced a moment so quietly powerful that it demanded your full presence? This episode, with facilitators Angela Oh and Alex Dorsey, captures just that, as we recount an unforgettable evening at the Japanese American National Museum and the Democracy Center—a night where rose petals and silence laid the foundation for an exploration into empathy and democracy. We unravel how holding space for others, whether in leadership, parenthood, or personal growth, magnifies compassion and ensures every voice in our democratic tapestry is valued and heard.Navigating the nuanced dance of giving and receiving support, we delve into the emotional weight of our 'active giving hand' and its capacity to invoke deep gratitude. Our guests and us share anecdotes that resonate with hope, forgiveness, and the relentless pursuit of self-compassion. By peeling back the layers of our own emotional landscapes, we reveal how embracing vulnerability can lead to a more profound understanding of our intertwined lives and the healing we all seek.As the conversation unfolds, we immerse ourselves in the embodiment of empathy and the transformative act of holding space. Contemplating the gentle balance between bearing the heaviness of being a space holder and the lightness of being held, we explore how creating opportunities for understanding can leave a lasting impact on our communities. Wrapping up with an ode to the practice of gratitude, we reflect on its power to help us appreciate life's goodness amid adversity. Join us as we honor the subtle yet substantial ways compassion and gratitude shape our journeys.If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and review. Your feedback is valuable to us and helps us grow. Share your thoughts and comments by emailing us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com. We love hearing from our listeners.And don't forget to check out our shop at www.gratitudeblooming.com to help us sustain this podcast or sponsor us here. Thank you for your continued support. We appreciate you!

Hosts Michelle Malizaki and Koji Steven Sakai delve into the history of the Manzanar pilgrimage. They discuss its historical significance, personal connections, and the necessity of education to prevent similar injustices. If you're interested in joining this year's pilgrimage, here is a link for more information: https://manzanarcommittee.org/2024/02/09/55-pr1/ ABOUT PILGRIMAGE 22min, 2006Directed & Edited by Tadashi Nakamura - tadashinakamura.comProduced by Karen L. IshizukaExec. Produced by Robert A. NakamuraPILGRIMAGE tells the inspiring story of how an abandoned WWII concentration camp for Japanese Americans has been transformed into a symbol of retrospection and solidarity for people of all ages, races and nationalities in our post 9/11 world. With a hip music track, never-before-seen archival footage and a story-telling style that features young and old, PILGRIMAGE reveals how the Japanese American community reclaimed a national experience that had almost been deleted from public understanding. PILGRIMAGE shows how the annual Manzanar Pilgrimage now has new meaning for diverse generations who realize that when the US government herded thousands of innocent Americans into what the government itself called concentration camps, it was failure of democracy that would affect all Americans. You can watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tf3t-5JP65M ABOUT USWelcome 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 Japanese Americans' unique experiences, challenges, and triumphs, illuminating their rich contributions to the mosaic of American life. From historical milestones to contemporary perspectives, join us for an insightful journey 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.For more information about the Japanese American National Museum, please visit our website at www.janm.org. CREDITSThe music was created by Jalen BlankWritten by Koji Steven SakaiHosts: Michelle Malazaki and Koji Steven SakaiEdited and Produced by Koji Steven Sakai in Conjunction with the Japanese American National Museum

In the second episode of the Japanese America Podcast, Koji Steven Sakai and Michelle Malizaki discuss the 1984 film "The Karate Kid," exploring its portrayal of Japanese culture and reimagining some of its iconic scenes to highlight issues of cultural representation and racism. They touch upon the significance of Mr. Miyagi's backstory of being in a Japanese American internment camp during World War II and the impact it had on audiences. The episode also speculates humorous updates to the film, such as having all Asians secretly know martial arts or turning Cobra Kai into a K-pop dance troupe.ABOUT OUR PERFORMERSDom Magwili is a lecturer for the Department of Asian American Studies at California State University Fullerton. Dom has been an active novelist, playwright, screenwriter, and actor.Terence Chin (he/him) (Daniel) is an actor starting in the film industry. Recently graduated from Cal State LA with a bachelor's degree in Theatre Arts. During his years at Cal State LA, Terence has been in numerous plays, musicals, and student films.  LINKS"The Karate Kid" 30th Anniversary Panel Discussion, Q+A https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjfNyjlLa88&t=1sRotten Tomatoes: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/karate_kid ABOUT USWelcome 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 Japanese Americans' unique experiences, challenges, and triumphs, illuminating their rich contributions to the mosaic of American life. From historical milestones to contemporary perspectives, join us for an insightful journey 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.For more information about the Japanese American National Museum, please visit our website at www.janm.org. CREDITSThe music was created by  Jalen BlankWritten by Koji Steven SakaiHosts: Michelle Malazaki and Koji Steven SakaiEdited and Produced by Koji Steven Sakai in Conjunction with the Japanese American National Museum

Explore the life and enduring legacy of Yuri Kochiyama, a Japanese American woman whose experiences during WWII in concentration camps ignited her transformation into a civil rights icon. In this podcast episode, hosts Koji Steven Sakai and Michelle Malizaki delve into the intimate thoughts and profound adversities captured in Yuri's diary. From tales of community resilience within the camps to discussions on identity and patriotism, this episode honors Kochiyama's empathetic activism and challenges us to reflect on the true meaning of citizenship. Join us in paying tribute to a beacon of the civil rights movement and the resilient spirit that defines the Japanese American experience. ABOUT OUR PERFORMERSierra is a standup comic, writer, and actor. She recently shot her first hourlong standup special with Comedy Dynamics and can be seen playing Evangeline on Mindy Kaling's The Sex Lives of College Girls on Max. In the past, she was part of the main cast of The G Word with Adam Conover on Netflix and voiced characters for Disney's Raya and the Last Dragon. She has also written for shows like Exploding Kittens (Netflix), Close Enough (Max), Earth To Ned (Disney+), and Eureka! (Disney+).LINKShttps://www.nps.gov/people/yuri-kochiyama.htm JANM Online collection link for Yuri Kochiyama:https://janm.emuseum.com/groups/yuri-kochiyama--mary-nakahara--collection/resultsABOUT USWelcome 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.For more information about the Japanese American National Museum, please visit our website at www.janm.org. CREDITSThe music was created by  Jalen BlankWritten by Koji Steven SakaiHosts: Michelle Malizaki and Koji Steven SakaiEdited and Produced by Koji Steven Sakai in Conjunction with the Japanese American National Musem

Today's West Coast Cookbook & Speakeasy Podcast for our especially special Daily Special, River City Hash Mondays is now available on the Spreaker Player!Starting off in the Bistro Cafe, the “dumb as rocks” Republicans destroyed their own investigation.Then, on the rest of the menu, video games are becoming a hotbed of dangerous propaganda; another top Arizona Republican election official is forced to resign as threats by MAGA goons gets 'worse and worse;' and, a monument at the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles honors Japanese Americans incarcerated during World War Two by listing every name.After the break, we move to the Chef's Table where a German labor union has called on ground staff for Lufthansa to walk off the job at seven airports on Tuesday; and, police in Moscow were called to investigate alleged LGBTQ+ propaganda at a fan event dedicated to the cartoon series, “My Little Pony.”All that and more, on West Coast Cookbook & Speakeasy with Chef de Cuisine Justice Putnam.Bon Appétit!The Netroots Radio Live Player​Keep Your Resistance Radio Beaming 24/7/365!"I was never a spy. I was with the OSS organization. We had a number of women, but we were all office help."-- Julia ChildBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/west-coast-cookbook-speakeasy--2802999/support.

Embark on a transformative exploration with us as we reflect on a profound year investigating the intersection of empathy and democracy. Our heartfelt discussions have led us to recognize the unsung heroes who create nurturing environments in every corner of society. Today, we delve into lessons from our poignant collaboration with the Japanese American National Museum, underscoring democracy's vulnerability through the harrowing history of Japanese internment camps. As we gear up for our event 'Holding Space for the Spaceholders,' we're thrilled to welcome the deeply insightful Angela Oh and the adept facilitator Alex Dorsey. They'll share their wisdom on empathetic space creation, the personal cost of conflict, and the nuances of self-expression.Feel the pulse of authenticity and its profound influence on forging human bonds as we navigate the art of vulnerability. Through symbolism from nature's playbook, we assess the courageous act of revealing our soft underbellies and the complexities of authenticity in maintaining relationships. As we anticipate the dynamic exchange in our live podcast series, we invite you to connect with us and our special Democracy Center guests, Jim Herr and Sofia Alvarez, who will share their expertise on the tangible dynamics of holding space. Join us for a heartfelt synthesis of growth, challenge, and understanding, where every voice in the chorus of life is valued, and every moment of silence is powerful.If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and review. Your feedback is valuable to us and helps us grow. Share your thoughts and comments by emailing us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com. We love hearing from our listeners.And don't forget to check out our shop at www.gratitudeblooming.com to help us sustain this podcast or sponsor us here. Thank you for your continued support. We appreciate you!

Welcome to a journey of courageous self-expression, a voyage across the realms of identity, gratitude, and remembrance. How do you find your authentic courage? In today's conversation, we explore this question, and so much more. What's more, we have a new segment – a heartfelt invitation around the beautiful questions that reside in our lives. Join us as we engage with you, our listeners, to unveil the questions you are holding.Beat by beat, we'll navigate the dynamic concept of courage, and its myriad manifestations, especially when fear tries to cloud our vision. Also, as a part of our ongoing collaboration with the Japanese American National Museum, we're taking on themes of empathy and democracy. Adding to our exploration, in a few weeks, we will be joined by our esteemed guest Lea Endres, co-founder and CEO of Nation Builder, sharing her insights into the practice of democracy. As we delve into the Gratitude Blooming deck, we're setting our sights on these evolving themes, culminating our journey with a music practice amplified by the power of infinite possibility. So, grab your headphones and join us as we tune into courage and mindful expression.If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and review. Your feedback is valuable to us and helps us grow. Share your thoughts and comments by emailing us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com. We love hearing from our listeners.And don't forget to check out our shop at www.gratitudeblooming.com to help us sustain this podcast or sponsor us here. Thank you for your continued support. We appreciate you!

Ever pondered the intricate dance of empathy and democracy? Well, that's precisely what we set out to explore with our esteemed guests, Sofia Alvarez and Jim Herr, from the National Center for the Preservation of Democracy. Through this collaborative project, we created three reflection booths, inviting people to pause in a public square. Together, we navigated the terrain of emotions, giving individuals the liberty to tap into their own emotions and harness their inner wisdom while we talked about our collective journey.We peeled back the layers of vulnerability, delving into its crucial role in a thriving democracy. The interplay of empathy, power, and vulnerability revealed how these elements can foster a healthy space for emotion sharing, resource pooling, and heartfelt expression. Sofia and Jim lent their insights, shedding light on how our Empathy and Democracy series can facilitate a more in-depth discourse on empathy's role in democracy. We also marveled at nature's role in reminding us of our shared humanity—an essential reality check.In a world that seems swamped with uncertainty, we underscored the gentle power of kindness and trust. We explored the art of gentleness and how to coax individuals into creating safe spaces for themselves and others. Join us for one of our upcoming pop-up art installations at the Japanese American National Museum—an embodiment of our collective journey. Help us weave together the narratives of empathy, vulnerability, gentleness, and democracy—a tapestry that promises to be rich in insights and revelations.If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and review. Your feedback is valuable to us and helps us grow. Share your thoughts and comments by emailing us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com. We love hearing from our listeners.And don't forget to check out our shop at www.gratitudeblooming.com to help us sustain this podcast or sponsor us here. Thank you for your continued support. We appreciate you!

Have you ever considered how gratitude can be a social adhesive, bringing us together to co-create the world we envision? Join us, as we leap into a profound conversation and art installation centered on democracy and empathy with the Japanese American National Museum and the National Center for the Preservation of Democracy. The partners of Gratitude Blooming open up about our journey of stepping into new roles and the power of learning through the process. There's a goldmine here about the development of empathy and coherence that you don't want to miss.Our discussion takes an interesting twist as we turn our focus onto the art of intention and the fuel it provides to realize our dreams. Get ready for an inspiring story about harnessing the power of intention, attracting the right people and opportunities to create flourishing opportunities. We dive into practical ways of integrating gratitude into your life, from daily meditation to the use of Joy candles. And as we wrap up, we reflect on the symbol of tenacity: the dandelion, card number six from our deck. The resilience it portrays is not just in its ability to grow anywhere, but also in its healing properties. Will you join us as we explore the art, collaboration, and the extraordinary synergy of intention and gratitude?If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and review. Your feedback is valuable to us and helps us grow. Share your thoughts and comments by emailing us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com. We love hearing from our listeners.And don't forget to check out our shop at www.gratitudeblooming.com to help us sustain this podcast or sponsor us here. Thank you for your continued support. We appreciate you!

Original Air Date: Monday 26 June, 9 pm Eastern Description: The riddle: What show covers the best film of 2023 (thus far), one of the best films of the 21st century (a movie from Hungary), the 11th greatest film of all time (according to the Sight and Sound poll), AND one of the worst films of all time (a musical version of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde), in addition to drag shows in Florida, the charms of Santa Catalina Island, the Japanese American National Museum, Dobie Doodle puppies, and several fascinating (quasi) "Celebrity Deaths"? The answer: Why, this show, of course!

What if you could harness the power of sound and nature to experience true coherence in your life? Join us as we celebrate the release of our new album, The Garden of Joy, and discuss our unique collaboration with the Japanese American National Museum and the National Center for the Preservation of Democracy. We share our journey from spring to summer, exploring adaptive leadership, building team culture, trust, vulnerability, and even touching on a tea ceremony in the Bay Area.In this season of renewal, discover the importance of creating space for coherence and community. Learn how connecting with nature and others can help you develop a practice of non-attachment and find your groove. Get inspired by an upcoming art exhibit that fosters deeper connections with nature, and hear about the power of creating objects that embody the human touch. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and review. Your feedback is valuable to us and helps us grow. Share your thoughts and comments by emailing us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com. We love hearing from our listeners.And don't forget to check out our shop at www.gratitudeblooming.com to help us sustain this podcast or sponsor us here. Thank you for your continued support. We appreciate you!

Brian Niiya is the content director for Densho, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the history of Japanese Americans who were unjustly incarcerated during World War II. His professional life has been dedicated to Japanese American public history, having held various positions with the UCLA Asian American Studies Center, the Japanese American National Museum, and the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai'i that have involved managing collections, curating exhibitions, developing public programs, and producing videos, books, and websites. He has published many articles on Japanese American history in a variety of academic and mainstream publications and is the editor of the online Densho Encyclopedia.Chapters is a multi-part series concerning the history and the lessons of civil rights violations or civil liberties injustices carried out against communities or populations—including civil rights violations or civil liberties injustices that are perpetrated on the basis of an individual's race, national origin, immigration status, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.This project was made possible with support from Chapman University and The California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library.Guest: Brian NiiyaHosts: Jon-Barrett IngelsProduced by: Past Forward

In this episode of the SolFul Connections podcast, Amanda connects with James Herr, Director of the National Center for the Preservation of Democracy for the Japanese American National Museum, who shares how making a difference in the world has served as a running thread in his life. Jim shares his perspective on faith, democracy and the role his own blended heritage plays in his world view. Jim talks about growing up Catholic and multi-cultural. And, he discusses the twists and turns he made on his journey and how one seemingly simple conversation made him adjust his dreams for his future. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/solfulconnections/support

We had the most incredible conversation with Yumi Sakugawa (she/they) in this week's episode! Yumi is a second-generation Japanese-Okinawan-American interdisciplinary artist based in Los Angeles and the author of several published books including, I THINK I AM IN FRIEND-LOVE WITH YOU, YOUR ILLUSTRATED GUIDE TO BECOMING ONE WITH THE UNIVERSE, THE LITTLE BOOK OF LIFE HACKS, and FASHION FORECASTS.    Yumi's journey is filled with joy and connection, inspired by a fearless pursuit of creativity, play, magic and experimentation. In this very special conversation we explore the importance of getting back to play and even get to hear about Yumi's recent experience in clown school!   Yumi invites us to examine what creativity can become when we let go of expectations and attachments to output, opening us up to new perspectives and ways of connecting to our own creativity through exploration.   “When we broaden the definition of creativity and start off with the world view that everyone is creative, and creativity is simply disrupting old patterns to consciously co-create new ones, then it makes me think–well, just the whole act of being human from the day we are born to the day we die we are creative, because just our very existence is disrupting old patterns.”   We left this conversation feeling so fulfilled and excited to cultivate new spaces to play in. Get inspired and connect with Yumi on IG @YumiSakugawa !    Yumi's multimedia installations have also been exhibited at the Japanese American National Museum, the Smithsonian Arts & Industries Building, and the Peabody Essex Museum. Learn more about Yumi's work online at yumisakugawa.com .   Ep. 94 — Permission to Play is now streaming on Apple Podcasts and Spotify Podcasts .

In this episode, we have a captivating conversation with Jim Herr on the theme of curiosity. Jim discusses the importance of self-reflection, looking behind the curtain we create, and questioning who we are. He shares his personal journey of self-discovery and how he overcame the fear of being an imposter or not being good enough. Jim highlights the significance of recognizing our own power and, like Spiderman, the responsibility that comes with it. He shares how he found his purpose in leading an initiative for democracy preservation at the Japanese American National Museum and ensuring that no one is left behind. Join us as we explore the beauty and challenges of self-reflection and making room for those who may not agree with us.We are co-creating the world we want to live in, and we want to hear from you! Share your feedback with this survey (only takes 30 seconds to complete.)If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and review. Your feedback is valuable to us and helps us grow.You can also share your thoughts and comments by emailing us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com. We love hearing from our listeners.And don't forget to check out our shop at www.gratitudeblooming.com to help us sustain this podcast (our labor of love). Thank you for your continued support. We appreciate you!

Students at Dorsey High School learn real-life business skills by creating and marketing an avocado-based sauce. Sales are strong. Maybe it's the avocado-pit alien logo? “Don't Fence Me In” at the Japanese American National Museum takes a unique look at the quest for normalcy by adolescents in concentration camps during World War II. A century ago, Florence Casler developed buildings in a booming LA. She left her mark on the city and the male-dominated real estate business.

George Takei born Hosato Takei April 20, 1937) is an American actor, author and activist known for his role as Hikaru Sulu, helmsman of the fictional starship USS Enterprise in the television series Star Trek and subsequent films.[1][2]Takei was born to Japanese American parents, with whom he lived in U.S.-run internment camps during World War II. He began pursuing acting in college, which led in 1965 to the role of Sulu, to which he returned periodically into the 1990s. Upon coming out as gay in 2005, he became a prominent proponent of LGBT rights and active in state and local politics. He has been a vocal advocate of the rights of immigrants, in part through his work on the 2012 Broadway show Allegiance, about the internment experience.[3][4]Although Takei was born and raised in California, he spoke both English and Japanese growing up and remains fluent in both languages.[5][6] He has won several awards and accolades for his work on human rights and Japan–United States relations, including his work with the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles, California.Tom Hanks tells Variety magazine that he has no plans to retire. "No, I don't have any desire [to retire]. I'm not working for the sake of working. I'm in a very lucky position. It's got to be fabulous. Rita and I talk about it all the time, which is there's only two reasons go to work: It'll be good or it'll be fun. And if it's neither one of those, I'll stay home until the cows come on. I don't need to do anything.” Giant Freakin Robot says Tom Hanks is allegedly in talks to play a villain in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The website says he could play Doctor Doom or a villain in the upcoming Fantastic Four movie. He could also play Mr Sinister in an upcoming X-Men movie. TOP ITEMS PEOPLE TOSS WHEN ORGANIZING AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR ... According to a new survey by Winmark Clothing - 46%Papers/files - 44%Books - 29%Toys - 25%Hobby equipment or supplies - 25%Appliances - 24%Kids' items - 24%Furniture - 22%Sports/exercise equipment - 20% James Cameron tells HBO that contrary to what Arnold Schwarzenegger says, OJ Simpson was never in the running to play The Terminator. “Very early on, a highly placed person at one of the two studios that funded that film had a brilliant idea and called me up and said, ‘Are you sitting down?' I said, ‘Well, no, I'm not.' He said, ‘Are you sitting? O.J. Simpson for the Terminator!' I said, ‘I actually think that's a bad idea.' It didn't go anywhere.”Hugh Jackman tells People magazine that he is going to spend the next six months training to play Wolverine in ''Deadpool 3.'' “So, we have six months from when I finish The Music Man to when I started filming. And I'm not doing any other work. I'm going to be with my family and train. That's going to be my job for six months. I'm really fit right now. There's one thing that about eight shows a week being on Broadway singing and dancing, is I'm fit. So, I'm healthy. I have a good place to start. And apologies, chickens. Run a mile. Start running now because I'm coming for you.”Hugh tells HBO that he is not taking steroids to bulk up to play Wolverine. “No, I love my job. And I love Wolverine. I have been told anecdotally what the side effects are of that. And I was like, ‘I don't love it that much.' So no, I just did it the old school way.

The Super Awesome Interview with Eric NakamuraJoin Catherine Moore and Skye Becker-Yamakawa for their last interview of 2022!  This week the ladies have a super awesome conversation with the esteemed gallerist, art curator, and entrepreneur, Eric Nakamura!.  Eric is the owner of Giant Robot and GR2, in Sawtelle, California.  He curates the famous Post It show, has had 3 exhibitions at the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles and the SuperAwesome: Art and Giant Robot exhibition at the Oakland Museum of California.  Eric is a cofounder of the Giant Robot Zine, and most recently featured in The Giant Robot Documentary, available on KCET, Youtube, and the PBS app.   Check out Skye's and Catherine's work at:Skye Becker-Yamakawa IG: https://www.instagram.com/skyesartshop/ Web: http://www.skyesart.com/ Catherine Moore IG: https://www.instagram.com/teaandcanvas/ Web: http://teaandcanvas.com/ Polka Dot Raven IG: https://www.instagram.com/polkadotraven/

Yuriko was happy growing up in Hiroshima when it was just her and Papa. But her aunt Kimiko and her cousin Genji are living with them now, and the family is only getting bigger with talk of a double marriage! And while things are changing at home, the world beyond their doors is even more unpredictable. World War II is coming to an end, and since the Japanese newspapers don't report lost battles, the Japanese people are not entirely certain of where Japan stands. Yuriko is used to the sirens and the air-raid drills, but things start to feel more real when the neighbours who have left to fight stop coming home. When the bombs hit Hiroshima, it's through Yuriko's twelve-year-old eyes that we witness the devastation and horror. This is a story that offers young readers insight into how children lived during the war, while also introducing them to Japanese culture. Based loosely on author Kathleen Burkinshaw's mother's first-hand experience surviving the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, The Last Cherry Blossom (Sky Pony Press, 2020) hopes to warn readers of the immense damage nuclear war can bring, while reminding them that the “enemy” in any war is often not so different from ourselves. Kathleen Burkinshaw is a Japanese American author and the daughter of a Hiroshima survivor residing in Charlotte, NC. She's a wife, mom, and owns a dog who thinks she's a kitchen ninja. Writing gives her an outlet for her daily struggle with chronic pain from Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy. In 2019 she spoke about her mother's experience in Hiroshima at the United Nations (NYC). This summer she spoke at UN worldwide virtual events as well as a Japanese American National Museum webinar with author Naomi Hirahara in honor of the 75th anniversary of atomic bombing. Kathleen has been featured on PBS, local NPR stations, Asian American magazines/newspapers, both Japanese and English programs on NHK World Japan, as well as in 2 major Japanese newspapers. She has presented to middle/high schools around the world for the past 10 years. The Last Cherry Blossom, is now a United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs Resource for Teachers and Students. And nominated for NC School Library Media Association YA book award and 2019-2020 VSBA, 2018 & 2016 Scholastic WNDB Reading Club selection, and a Finalist for the NC Sir Walter Raleigh Fiction Award, 2018 Sakura Medal, Japan, and 2016 SCBWI Crystal Kite Award (southeast region).  Bing Wang receives her PhD at the University of Leeds in 2020. Her research interests include the exploration of overseas Chinese cultural identity and critical heritage studies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/east-asian-studies

It's the end of my first semester at the University of Hawaii and my roommate Shannon and I are cramming for finals. At around 9p at night, we decide to take a break so we go get a bite to eat at King's Bakery.  After our delicious late night snack of Sweet Hawaiian Bread French Toast, we hop back on our mopeds, wind in our hair, heading back towards our dorm. That's the last thing I remember.  The next thing I do remember is waking up in a hospital bed five days later. The pain is so severe I can barely turn my head. I learn that a masonry cement truck had run a red light and hit us.  I'm dizzy, nauseous and my head is pounding as the doctor comes into my room. I ask him if he can give me something for the pain. “No Kymberlee, I'm sorry. We can't give you anything because your brain is swelling right now.”  What?!  “You're going to have trouble with dizziness and nausea for a really long time. You'll probably have trouble with balance and headaches for the rest of your life.”  Ready for the bad news? According to him, I've also lost my sense of taste and smell… forever. Now, lying in this bed, I have a choice to make. I can let others decide what happens in my story next, or I can take the reins of my story instead.  I chose the latter. And because of that pivotal decision, doors and opportunities opened up to me that would have never been options. Dreams have come true all because I took my life in my own hands. My guest today, Kurt Kanazawa, also had a choice to make when he was faced with a diagnosis. He was on a very specific life path when everything changed. In this episode, you'll hear about it and answers to questions such as: What's the benefit behind telling the story that you don't necessarily want to tell? How can your history spawn creative storytelling for other creators? And what's a powerful way to open a story? What you will learn in this episode: What is possible when you take control of your story Why the truth of your story can't remain hidden for long What it means to be real in your storytelling (no matter the medium) Who is Kurt? Kurt Kanazawa is an actor and writer born in Los Angeles and partly raised in Hawai'i. He graduated from The Juilliard School in Vocal Arts, and lived for several years in Italy, where he starred in the Italian drama series, Provaci Ancora Prof! He is fluent in Italian, and is of Japanese and Filipino descent. He is based in Los Angeles.  Most recently, Kurt can be seen in the ensemble feature film No No Girl, a multi-generational Japanese American family drama, written/directed by Paul Daisuke Goodman. At Tribeca, Cannes, Hawai'i, and BFI London Film Festivals, he played Stanley Hayami in A Life in Pieces: the Diary and Letters of Stanley Hayami, a V/R film co-produced by the Japanese American National Museum, and has also appeared on Bosch: Legacy and Grey's Anatomy. Trained in martial arts, and an alumnus of Columbia University, UCLA TFT, and the Manhattan School of Music, he was formerly an award-winning opera singer. After a diagnosis of vocal dystonia ended his singing career, a casting director scouted him in Rome, where he landed his first acting gig. Links and Resources: Kurt Kanazawa @kurtkanazawa on Instagram Eight East Productions @nonogirl_movie on Instagram Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

New on the pod! Humbled and honored to welcome international artist, activist, educator, and documentary filmmaker EMILY HANAKO MOMOHARA. Listen in as we explore 1940's AAPI feminism, patriotism, resilience, perseverance, leadership, and “gaman (我慢)” – Japanese for “silent endurance” from Zen Buddhist origin meaning "enduring the seemingly unbearable with patience and dignity.” Tune in to a riveting behind-the-scenes glimpse into Momohara's upcoming film premiere of NAMBA, inspired by the true story of May Namba. From Japanese American grandparent FBI files to incarcerated Japanese American Omikuji cookie makers in the San Francisco Bay area unexpectedly inspiring counter-culture fortune cookie branding and marketing, we share tales of Momohara's Okinawan family and my Filipino family journey to the States by way of Hawaiian pineapple plantations. (I promise you will never look at a fortune cookie or pineapple the same way again!) A true time capsule tribute, Momohara masterfully transforms multi-generational trauma, revealing how her own family's incarceration story intertwines with May and May's granddaughter, Miyako. NAMBA will premiere at Cincinnati's National Underground Freedom Center Harriet Tubman Theater on July 16th with additional screenings at Seattle's Wing Luke Asian Art Museum Takeuchi Story Theatre on July 30th, and future Portland and virtual dates forthcoming. NAMBA is a coming-of-age journey in the midst of war and bravery, introducing us to May Namba, a Japanese American woman incarcerated during WWII, a portion of American history not often told. We learn the story of May Namba, narrated by her granddaughter Miyako Namba. Beginning with the summer of 1941, Momohara chronicles the bombing of Pearl Harbor and President Franklin Roosevelt's Executive Order 9066 that sent Japanese Americans to prison camps, and the impact it had on those Americans. May was incarcerated in Minidoka, Idaho, one of 10 such prison camps. Of Japanese-British-American ancestry, EMILY HANAKO MOMOHARA grew up outside of Seattle, Washington in a mixed-race family. Her work centers around issues of heritage, multiculturalism, immigration, and social justice. Momohara has exhibited internationally including in the Changjiang International Photography & Video Biennale, Chongqing, China; a 2-person exhibition at the Japanese American National Museum titled Sugar Islands; and the Okinawa Prefectural Museum in Naha, Japan. Momohara was featured in a number of public art projects such as the For Freedoms 50 State Initiative billboard campaign and 2021 AAPI Heritage Month program. Her billboards have been featured at the International Center for Photography, NY; Utah Museum of Contemporary Art; and StandBy in Tokyo, Japan. She serves as Associate Professor of Studio Art at the Academy of Cincinnati. She is currently a board of trustee at the Cincinnati Contemporary Art Center and member of Ohio Progressive Asian Women's Leadership (OPAWL). Emily Hanako Momohara ehmomohara.com https://www.instagram.com/ehmomohara/?hl=en "NAMBA - A Japanese American's Incarceration and Life of Resilience" https://namba-movie.com/ Minidoka National Historic Site I National Park Services https://www.nps.gov/miin/index.htm

Sara Hutter is The J Morey Company's Community Relations Coordinator. She is vital to the mission and future of ori-gen. Sara is a Graduate of USC (BA in Communications). She also just won the Japanese American National Museum's "30 changemakers under 30." She and Host James Lott Jr talk about the importance of community outreach as an Insurance Company and shares how its enhanced her personal journey as a Half Japanese American Woman. iiabcal.org

Women's History Museum with Rep. Carolyn Maloney, Smithsonian's Lisa Sasaki and others TBD Wednesday, March 16th 5:00 pm ET Let's celebrate! The culmination of a years-long effort to establish a women's history museum in Washington, DC has finally come to fruition with the passage of the Smithsonian Women's History Act. Every young person visiting this museum will be able to see powerful examples of the heights that women can achieve, or the sacrifices and hard work by our women forebears that help women today reach their full potential. Young people yearn to know about the inspirational examples of the amazing women who may be featured in the Museum. About the Speakers: Carolyn Maloney, a representative of New York, was the first woman to Chair the Joint Economic Committee, a House and Senate panel that examines and addresses the nation's most pressing economic issues. She is also Chairwoman of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform. Congresswoman Maloney has led the effort to create a museum dedicated to the contributions women have made throughout the history of the United States. Lisa Sasaki is the interim director of the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum and director of the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center. Prior to this, Sasaki was director of the Audience and Civic Engagement Center at the Oakland Museum of California and director of program development Japanese American National Museum.

“I always say there's three strands in my life. There's racial identity, there's hip hop culture, and there's religion. And all three are actually synonymous to me.” Jason Chu is a rapper and activist, speaking hope and healing to a broken world. His music has been heard on Warrior (HBO Max), Snowpiercer (TNT), and Wu Assassins (Netflix). He has shared poetry at the Obama White House, been featured in the Chinese American Museum of Los Angeles, and presented at the Getty Center. He has been named one of two 2022 “Artists At Work” by the Japanese American National Museum and Advancing Justice-LA.  In this episode, Jason and Nancy chat about how to bring together disparate parts of ourselves in synergistic ways.  “Without Jesus, I don't know who I am as an Asian American. Without hip hop, I don't know the God that I know. Without being Asian American, I don't make hip hop music because I don't got an identity, I don't got a community.”

To commemorate the 76th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima, Kathleen Burkinshaw and I discuss her novel, THE LAST CHERRY BLOSSOM. This is one of the most important conversations I've ever had and I'll be thinking about it for the rest of my life. Parts of it broke my heart and may break yours as well. You will hear my most awkward, deflecting nervous laughter as this is the first time I've ever been moved to tears on the show. But this talk is also uplifting and will change the way you view writing. And we genuinely laugh a lot and there's an excellent ghost story near the end, so it won't be all solemn. Don't miss this conversation and share it with everyone you know. As promised, here's a link to a YouTube video of “Who's Minding the Nukes” from 60 minutes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJdsIzjzVuA&t=1s Kathleen Burkinshaw is a Japanese American author, the daughter of a Hiroshima survivor and resides in Charlotte, NC. She's a wife, mom, and owns a dog who thinks she's a kitchen ninja. In 2019 she spoke about her mother's experience in Hiroshima at the United Nations (NYC). This summer she spoke at UN worldwide virtual events as well as a Japanese American National Museum webinar with author Naomi Hirahara in honor of the 75th anniversary of atomic bombing. Kathleen has been featured on PBS, local NPR stations, Asian American magazines/newspapers, both Japanese and English programs on NHK World Japan, as well as in 2 major Japanese newspapers. She has presented to middle/high schools around the world for the past 10 years. Writing gives her an outlet for her daily struggle with chronic pain from Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy. Her MG/YA historical fiction, THE LAST CHERRY BLOSSOM, is now a United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs Resource for Teachers and Students and has been used in classrooms around the world. The trade paperback came out in August 2020 (available wherever books are sold and through Scholastic WNDB Reading Club). THE LAST CHERRY BLOSSOM has been nominated for 2019 NC School Library Media Association YA book award,2019-2020 Volunteer State Book Award (Tennessee), 2018& 2016 Scholastic WNDB Reading Club selection, and Finalist for NC Sir Walter Raleigh Fiction Award, the 2018 Sakura Medal, Japan, and the SCBWI Crystal Kite Award(southeast region), Represented by Anna Olswanger, Olswanger Literary.

The history behind Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles is dark. A bitter taste was left before a left handed pitcher came to save the day in 1981. His name was Fernando Valenzuela. Thanks to Victor Rojas and Vincent Samperio for speaking with me. Support Victor Rojas' business Big Fly Gear. Check out Vincent's podcast Locked On Dodgers. He's really good at what he does. Information and sound clips for this episode come from the book They Bled Blue: Fernandomania, strike-season mayhem, and the weirdest championship baseball had ever seen by Jason Turbow, the Los Angeles Times, KCET, ABC, timeline.com, OurCampaigns.com, MLB Advanced Media, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Sports Illustrated, Jordan Mechner's award winning documentary Chavez Ravine: A Los Angeles Story, the exhibition "Dodgers: Brotherhood of the Game” at the Japanese American National Museum, and Baseball Reference. Our theme song and original music are produced by Alex Schmitten. You can support our work by going to anchor.fm/ourgamepodcast and clicking support. Tell your friends and family about the show, and subscribe on your favorite podcasting app, and give us a rating on Apple Podcasts. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter: @ourgamepodcast. We post pictures, videos and other materials that pertain to every single episode. You'll also get sneak peeks of the following week's episode. You can follow me on Twitter too, that's @SteveGranado. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ourgamepodcast/support

While times of global crisis can bring out the best in this country, they also have a history of surfacing deeply rooted xenophobia and bigotry. At a moment where many are fearful, we are once again seeing efforts to scapegoat a group of Americans based on their identity. The Pacific Council and Japanese American National Museum (JANM), in partnership with Skylight Books, hosted a conversation with John Tateishi about his recent book, "Redress: The Inside Story of the Successful Campaign for Japanese American Reparations," and his experiences leading the fight to seek reparative justice. Tateishi will join Karen Ishizuka, Chief Curator at JANM, to discuss the parallels between his own experiences, the post-9/11 period, and today. In the midst of the “Safer at Home” order, it is more important than ever to support our local businesses and neighbors. Copies of Redress: The Inside Story of the Successful Campaign for Japanese American Reparations can be bought from Skylight Books (in Los Feliz, Los Angeles) or from the Japanese American National Museum Store. Featuring: John Tateishi, Author, "Redress: The Inside Story of the Successful Campaign for Japanese American Reparations" John Tateishi served as National Redress Director of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), and was involved in the movement to obtain redress and reparations for Japanese Americans. Moderator: Karen Ishizuka, Chief Curator, Japanese American National Museum Karen Ishizuka is the Chief Curator at the Japanese American National Museum.

"My grandmother's family were all incarcerated at Minidoka, one of the WWII Japanese-American camps, and I just felt like there were few communities that stood up for them at that time and with the privilege that I have now, with being fourth generation American, I certainly can speak out on those issues that were pivotal to my own family." Emily Hanako Momohara was part of a panel talk at this year's SPE Conference titled 21st Century Family. She spoke about her work, Fruits of Labor: A Legacy of Immigration and Agriculture, which draws a connection from her own great-grandparent's history on the pineapple plantations in Hawaii to the plight of today's immigrants and migrant workers. Emily also connects her work and activism to her grandmother's incarceration at Minidoka and, as Emily will say in the show, she went from being a quiet activist to a more vocal activist because of the direction this country has taken and that she is in a position to stand up and speak for others in a way that she would have wanted communities to stand up for her grandparents and great-grandparents in their time. Emily Hanako Momohara was born in Seattle, Washington where she grew up in a mixed race family. Her work centers around issues of heritage, multiculturalism, immigration and social justice.  Emily has exhibited nationally, most notably at the Japanese American National Museum in a two-person show titled Sugar|Islands. She has been a visiting artist at several residency programs including the Center for Photography at Woodstock, Headlands Center for the Arts, Fine Arts Work Center and Red Gate Gallery Beijing.  In 2015, her work was included in the Chongqing Photography and Video Biennial. Emily has created socially driven billboards for For Freedoms and United Photo Industries. She lives and works in Cincinnati where she is an Associate Professor of Art at the Art Academy of Cincinnati and heads the photography major. https://ehmomohara.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ehmomohara/

August 29 – October 22, 2016Kathleen O. Ellis GalleryLecture: Friday, October 7, 6pmReception: Friday, October 7, 6-8pmFor his exhibition A Place That Looks Like Home, artist Todd Gray re-frames and re-contextualizes images from his personal archive that spans over forty years of his career as a photographer, sculptor and performance artist. Gray describes himself as an artist and activist who primarily focuses on issues of race, class, gender and colonialism.His unique process of combining and layering a variety of images and fragments of images allows him the opportunity to create his own history and “my own position in the diaspora.” Working with photographs of pop culture, documentary photographs of Ghana (where he keeps a studio), portraits of Michael Jackson, gang members from South Los Angeles and photo documentation from the Hubble telescope, Gray asserts what he refers to as his own polymorphous identity that defies definition. Inspired by the work of cultural theorist Stuart Hall, Gray invites the viewer to participate in an “ever-unfinished conversation about identity and history."lg.ht/ToddGray—Todd Gray lives and works in Los Angeles and Ghana. He received both his BFA and MFA from the California Institute of the Arts. He is Professor Emeritus, School of Art, California State University, Long Beach. Gray works in multiple mediums including photo-based work, sculpture and performance. Past solo and group exhibitions include: Hammer Museum, Los Angeles; Studio Museum, Harlem, NY; USC Fisher Museum of Art, Los Angeles; Luckman Gallery, Cal State University, Los Angeles; California African American Museum, Los Angeles; Tucson Museum of Art; Detroit Museum of Art; Renaissance Society, University of Chicago, among others. Performance works have been presented at The Roy & Edna Disney Cal/Arts Theater; (REDCAT), Los Angeles; Academy of Media Arts, Cologne, and the Japanese American National Museum, Los Angeles. His work is included in the permanent collections of the National Gallery of Canada; San Francisco Museum of Modern Art; Los Angeles County Museum of Art; Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles; the University of Connecticut and the Studio Museum, Harlem, NY. Gray is a Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Center Resident Fellow. He is represented by Meliksetian | Briggs Gallery in Los Angeles, California. Gray participated in Light Work's Artist-in-Residence program in July 2007.toddgrayart.com—Special thanks to Marcia Dupratmarciaduprat.comSpecial thanks to Daylight Blue Mediadaylightblue.comLight Worklightwork.orgMusic: CAMP by Vir NocturnaMusic: "Vela Vela" by Blue Dot Sessionssessions.blue See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Alysa Nahmias is an award-winning filmmaker and founder of the Los Angeles-based production company Ajna Films. Her directorial debut feature, Unfinished Spaces, co-directed with Benjamin Murray, won a 2012 Spirit Award, numerous festival prizes, and is in the permanent collection at the Museum of Modern Art, New York.  In The New Bauhaus, the film's narrative weaves original interviews with archival footage, voiceover, and stylized filming of documents and artwork. The result is a new perspective view of Laszlo Moholy-Nagy, a man who was ahead of his time creating a philosophy of art and design education that has captured imaginations for nearly a century.  Akira Boch is an award-winning filmmaker and Director of the Media Arts Center at the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles. He has made over 50 short films, documentaries, and music videos.  His latest film, Masters of Modern Design: The Art of the Japanese American Experience explores five second generation Japanese American artists—Ruth Asawa, George Nakashima, Isamu Noguchi, Gyo Obata, and S. Neil Fujita—following the ways in which their US internment camp experiences impacted their lives, influenced their art, and sent them on trajectories that eventually led to their changing the face of American culture with their immense talents.

Born in Tokyo and raised in Los Angeles, Ichiro Irie is a visual artist, curator, director of the artist-run-space JAUS in Los Angeles, and founding member of the curatorial collective QiPO. Irie received his B.A. from University of California, Santa Barbara and his M.F.A. from Claremont Graduate University. After completing his MFA, Irie went to Mexico City on a Fulbright fellowship, and between the years 2002 and 2007 he founded and edited the contemporary art publication RiM magazine. As an artist, Irie has exhibited his work in galleries and museums internationally. Solo shows include DENK gallery, Los Angeles; Yautepec Gallery, Mexico City; and eitoeiko gallery, Tokyo; and Sam Francis gallery Santa Monica. Group exhibitions include The German Way of Life at Haus am Dom, Frankfurt am Main, Germany;,To Travel With Glasses at Aomori Museum of Art, Aomori, Japan; the Pacific Standard Time exhibition, Transpacific Borderlands at Japanese American National Museum, Los Angeles; Revision Glocal Review at CECUT, Tijuana, Chockablock at UAM, Long Beach; and The Crystal Jungle at Museo del Chopo, Mexico City. As of February 2019, Irie, with fellow QiPO member Laura Reséndiz has been organizing QiPO Fair, an international art fair in Mexico City focused on artist-run initiatives. His work and curatorial activies have been published in LA Weekly, Hyperallergic, Artillery, and Los Angeles Times among others. Irie currently teaches at Oxnard College and Ryman Arts. "Impermanence 2" 2017 , Permanent marker and white acrylic on canvas, 80 x 48 inches "Modernman" 2017, Broken sunglass lenses on mannequin, Dimensions variable

YUMI SAKUGAWA is an Ignatz Awards nominated comic book artist and the author of I THINK I AM IN FRIEND-LOVE WITH YOU and YOUR ILLUSTRATED GUIDE TO BECOMING ONE WITH THE UNIVERSE. Her comics have also appeared in The Believer, Bitch, the Best American Non­Required Reading 2014, The Rumpus, Folio, Fjords Review, and other publications. She has also exhibited multimedia installations at the Japanese American National Museum and the Smithsonian Arts & Industries Building. A graduate from the fine art program of University of California, Los Angeles, she lives in Los Angeles. Topics Discussed In This Episode: Drawing, writing, meditation, performance art, and engagement in multiple creative disciplines as an artistic practice and career. Being an extroverted introvert or an “ambivert”. Growing up as an Asian American student in both American and Japanese academic systems. Stream of consciousness and dream logic. Using meditation to supplement her mental health. How her meditation surfaces in her work visually. Rediscovering “fun” in the creative process. Using humor as a vehicle to explore and express darker subject matter. The importance of being a female Asian American artist under the projective narratives of both American and Asian patriarchy.   The fetishization of Asian American artists and women. Her part in helping other Asian American woman artists achieve visibility.  Mental health, personal boundaries, and keeping a balance in her personal relationships and art practice. Giving herself permission to take the time needed to slow down in order to be creative. www.artistdecoded.com

This session explores a contested collection of Japanese American artifacts from incarceration collected by curator Allen Hendershott Eaton in 1945. In 2015, a public auction of these artifacts was halted by a grassroots protest that led to the acquisition by a community-based institution raising questions about authority, community, and provenance. Chair: Clement Hanami, Japanese American National Museum, Los Angeles, CA; Shirley Ann Higuchi, Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation, Powell, WY; Nancy Ukai, 50objects.org, Berkeley, CA

Yumi Sakugawa is an artist and author whose illustrated books and comics include Your Illustrated Guide To Becoming One With The Universe, There Is No Right Way to Meditate: And Other Lessons, and her newest book, Fashion Forecasts. Her comics have appeared in many publications such as The Believer, Bitch, The Best American Non­required Reading 2014, and The Rumpus. She has also exhibited multimedia installations at the Japanese American National Museum and the Smithsonian Arts & Industries Building.On this episode, Yumi discuss how she came to combine her art and writing with her spiritual practice, the magic of meditation, and the importance of having tea with your demons.Pam also talks about what she’s learned from meditation, and answers a listener question about witchcraft and anxiety.Our sponsors for this episode are Mithras Candle, Tarot for the Wild Soul, and Magick with a K.

Mark Nagata talks about his passion for art and classic Japanese character toys. Mark discusses the process of bringing an original Kaiju creation to life, the tension between being both a toymaker and an artist, and his 2019 exhibition at the Japanese American National Museum. (Intro: Can’t Stop Smiling)

We love Valentine's Day. Will Smith as the genie is...bizarre. We are celebrating Black History Month by supporting black businesses! The Japanese American National Museum is dedicated to sharing the experience of Americans of Japanese ancestry. Learn more: http://www.janm.org/

Our guest for the hour is Ann Burroughs, president and CEO of the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles and newly elected chair of the Global Assembly of Amnesty Interational. She gave the keynote speech for the Tanner Center for Human Rights lecture series on August 30th at the University of Utah. The title of her lecture was "Never Again is Now: Remembering and Reaffirming Our Collective Commitment to Protecting Civil Rights."

Dr. Stephanie Takaragawa is an Associate Professor of Sociology. Her research interests focus on issues of representation in film, mass media, art, performance, and cultural display. She is a founding member of the curatorial collective Ethnographic Terminalia. Her dissertation Visualizing Japanese-America: the Japanese American National Museum and the Construction of Identity examined the role of the Japanese American National Museum in the construction and dissemination of a Japanese-American identity. She is currently president of the Society for Visual Anthropology(2015-2017) a subsection of the American Anthropological Association. B.A., University of Southern California; M.A., Ph.D., Temple University. Patti Hirahara has been an advocate in preserving the Japanese American legacy in the United States and was a featured speaker at the FDR Presidential Library and Museum, last October, in Hyde Park, New York talking about the Japanese American incarceration and her family’s over 2,000 photographs processed in a secret underground darkroom and taken in a Wyoming Japanese incarceration camp during WWII. The Hirahara Family came to the State of Washington in 1907, from Japan, and she has helped to preserve the history of the Japanese in the Pacific Northwest. This year Patti has received several honors for her work in this field by being named an Honorary Alumna of Washington State University by the Washington State University Alumni Association which is the most prestigious award a non-alumnus can receive from WSU. She is the first Japanese American to receive this award since its inception in 1966. She was part of a panel highlighting the 76th anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066 in her family’s home of Yakima, Washington at the Yakima Valley Museum last February and was named Grand Marshall of the Washington State Pioneer Power Show this summer. This was the same honor her grandfather George Hirahara received in 1987. Patti has also been active here at home receiving a proclamation from the Anaheim City Council on June 12th for her work in telling the Anaheim Japanese Pioneer story. She will be working with the Anaheim Public Library’s Heritage Center to help create an exhibit about the Anaheim Japanese community before and after WWII in 2019. The Anaheim Public Library just received a National Park Service Japanese American Confinement Sites Grant Award to create an exhibit at the Anaheim MUZEO next year. Patti is excited to talk about the project and reach out to families who may want to participate.

Irene Suico Soriano might not be sure if she was a Fellow in 2000 or 2001 but she is sure of two things. One is that the road to publication is just as long as it needs to be and more importantly, that picking up hitchhikers in your community is a vital part of the journey. Listen to her tell Fellowship Manager Amanda Fletcher all about it. With guest appearances by Papu and Max. ** A 2001 PEN America Emerging Voices Fellow Irene Suico Soriano was born in Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines, in 1969. At eleven years of age, she and her mother immigrated to Los Angeles, California. Her childhood was spent soaking in the neighborhoods of pre-gentrified Downtown LA, East Hollywood, Rampart/Temple, Melrose, and the Wilshire/Vermont corridor. Her poems have appeared in Philippines Free Press; Solidarity Journal; LA Times; Flippin': Filipinos on America (Asian American Writers' Workshop); Babaylan: An Anthology of Filipina and Filipina American Writers (Aunt Lute); Short Fuse: The Global Anthology of New Fusion Poetry (Rattapallax Press); and Disorient Journalzine, which published her chapbook Safehouses as part of their Emerging Writers Chapbook Series. Irene founded and coordinated the Southern California reading series, "Wrestling Tigers: Asian Pacific American Writers Speak" at the Japanese American National Museum and was literary curator for the Los Angeles Festival of Philippine Arts & Culture (FPAC). She was featured in the Los Angeles Times for her curatorial participation in the ground-breaking NEA-funded World Beyond Poetry Festival that featured over 100 poets from the diverse communities of LA, and co-produced, as part of the LA Enkanto Art Collective, the CD In Our Blood: Filipina/o American Poetry & Spoken Word from Los Angeles. Irene's first full-length collection of poems PRIMATES FROM AN ARCHIPELAGO was published by Rabbit Fool Press in 2017.

Our guest for the hour is Ann Burroughs, president and CEO of the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles and newly elected chair of the Global Assembly of Amnesty Interational. She gave the keynote speech for the Tanner Center for Human Rights lecture series on August 30th at the University of Utah. The title of her lecture was "Never Again is Now: Remembering and Reaffirming Our Collective Commitment to Protecting Civil Rights."

This episode is sponsored by Brash Books and their new release, Dead Man’s Badge by Robert E. Dunn. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dead-Mans-Badge-Robert-Dunn-ebook/dp/B075DJVB1D/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1520557041&sr=8-1&keywords=dead+man%27s+badge This week we're joined by Naomi Hirahara. http://www.naomihirahara.com Naomi has a tour to promote her new book OUT THIS FLIPPIN’ WEEK. Saturday, March 10
Signing Hiroshima Boy
Mystery Ink
Huntington Beach, CA 
11 AM Sunday, March 11
Signing Hiroshima Boy
Mysterious Galaxy
San Diego, CA
2 PM Saturday, March 17
Signing Hiroshima Boy
Japanese American National Museum
1 PM: Meet and Greet for Members Only; register here
2 PM: Book Presentation; RSVP recommended
National Center for the Preservation of Democracy
Los Angeles, CA We also see the return of SAM (and Todd Robinson) who join us to talk about The Bad Guys by Aaron Blabey https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bad-Guys-Aaron-Blabey/dp/0545912407/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= https://www.facebook.com/Todd-Robinson-A-VERY-Serious-Writer-112338762752334/ Jay’s article on hosting Bouchercon: http://thrillbegins.com/2018/01/29/bouchercon-2/ Theme to “Todd and Sam’s Very Important Opinions” is “Heart Quake” by Dan-O http://www.danosongs.com The Crime Friction Official Theme is “Book ‘Em” by Karl Ove Sneezegård, Commander of the Dark Hordes, Herald of the Red Wolf, wielder of the axe of Hrim. Contact us on Twitter @DefectivesPod or via e-mail at CrimeFriction@gmail.com No Sasquatch were harmed in the making of this episode.

In this bonus episode of Strange New Worlds, Mike and Elise take you on an away mission to the Japanese American National Museum in LA.

This week we talk with Bruce Lee Superfan Steve Aoki. Steve is a Grammy nominated Electro house musician, DJ and record producer. Steve’s unique musical life is the subject of a new Netflix documentary called “I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead," Steve has been a die-hard Bruce Lee devotee since he was a kid. When he was taking karate classes, and he emulated all of Bruce Lee’s moves and became obsessed with watching every Bruce Lee movie repeatedly on VHS. Aoki looked up to Bruce Lee as an Asian man who “made it” when there weren’t any strong Asian role models. Having a strong, kick-ass Asian man like Bruce Lee as a role model helped Aoki build confidence even though he experienced racism growing up in Newport Beach. As a teen, Aoki and his friends studied Bruce’s interviews and read the Tao of Jeet Kune Do together. This practice became the basis for his lifelong love for Bruce Lee’s philosophy. The Bruce Lee quote that Aoki always uses is “Be like water” and he adds “...by any means necessary.” He also uses: “Sometimes a goal is just something to aim at.” He applies these philosophies in his life by being fluid in his journey towards his goals and following his own creative path. "To live like Bruce Lee, is to be fluid like water and make your own journey." Aoki on Bruce Lee’s influence: “Talking about the human side of things, there are a few people that have really changed the world by their words…Bruce Lee is one of them. There are only a few people that can really talk to people in a way that really touches you to the soul. And you know how genuine and authentic and human it is. It’s not about the martial art really, the martial art is an extension of his philosophy and the human side of everything. So when you get there, then you’re a devout fan for life, you’re changed forever.” Bruce Lee’s philosophy also informs Steve Aoki’s creative process and how he thinks about making music--putting his whole heart into his work. “Music isn’t just something that you listen to, and especially at shows, you’re experiencing all your senses.” #AAHA (Awesome Asians and Hapas) Steve Aoki does this week’s #AHAA’s shout-out to his friend Mike Shinoda from Linkin Park. Shinoda is a Japanese American musician, rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, graphic designer, manager, and film composer. He co-founded Linkin Park in 1996 and Machine Shop Recordings in 2004, and his artwork has been featured in the Japanese American National Museum. Keep on being awesome Mike! #BruceLeeMoment Even though Steve Aoki can claim his whole life as one big #BruceLeeMoment, he shares a specific #BruceLeeMoment: “Game of Death was an incredible film. It’s like a video game but he was fighting all these different characters. And the fight he did with Kareem Abdul Jabbar, I stood in front of the framed poster of him fighting Kareem Abdul Jabbar, it’s just so epic, him in his yellow jumpsuit and Kareem being 90 ft tall. I just remember that moment right now, it just popped in my head, it always pops in my head. He’s just a badass, what can I say? But like what I was saying throughout this whole podcast, all the different ways that I’ve been able to survive and thrive and build these many successes, and really think about my life, it’s always from a Bruce Lee quote. Whether it’s “Be like water,” or “The journey is more important than the destination.” You have to be able to speak to people where you’re not excluding them too. That’s what he did, he spoke to everybody. It wasn’t like he was a human rights leader, but he was in the way in that he didn’t exclude anyone…and that’s one thing that really made me love this guy so much.” Thank you Steve Aoki for sharing how Bruce Lee has shaped your life and career. We support you and think you’re awesome! Share your #AAHA and #BruceLeeMoment recommendations with us via social media @BruceLee or email us at hello@brucelee.com

Tara Sutphen will interview Dr. Sumire McKean - Homeopathic Specialist & Recipient of the Writer of the Year Award in Japan. Dr Sue has been working also with the beauty of "the Crane". She had a heartfelt few weeks witnessing a whirlwind of lectures and origami crane dedications with Hiroshima atomic bomb survivor Masahiro Sasaki, his musical son Yuji Sasaki, and Clifton Truman Daniel (Pres.Truman's eldest grandson) at the Japanese American National Museum, the Museum of Tolerance, and the Laemmle Royal showing the film "Orizuru" made by Miyuki Sohara. President Obama also made a crane

A conversation with producers Effie Brown and Janet Yang and directors Lena Khan and Pamela Tom for F This Weekly's first LIVE event: Women for the Win, a panel discussion held at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival’s Conference for Creative Content on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the Japanese American National Museum in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles. Special Thanks: David Magdael Abraham Ferrer Francis Cullado Milton Liu Patrick Epino Katrina Alarkon Sthanlee Mirador Steven Lam Featured Music: Uffie - Hot Chick Podington Bear - All Hot Lights

What if catcalls were cheeseburgers? Actor/Writer/Producer Tess Paras dishes on her popular YouTube video. This episode also contains a very special announcement about F This Weekly's first LIVE event: Women for the Win, a panel featuring kick ass women filmmakers at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival's Conference for Creative Content this Saturday, April 23rd at 2PM at the Japanese American National Museum in downtown Los Angeles.

Bruce Yonemoto is a Japanese-American multimedia artist. His photographs, installations, sculptures, and films appropriate familiar narrative forms and then circumvent convention through direct, over-eager adoption of heavily clichéd dialogue, music, gestures, and scenes that click in the viewer’s memory without being identifiable. Working in collaboration with his brother, Norman Yonemoto, since 1975, Bruce Yonemoto has set out to divulge a body of work at the crossroads of television, art, commerce, and the museum/gallery world. As a complement to his body of work, Yonemoto explores intersections of traditional Japanese and contemporary American cultures. His work has been recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts, the American Film Institute, The Rockefeller Foundation, the Maya Deren Award for Experimental Film and Video, and a mid-career survey show at the Japanese American National Museum. This digital photograph from the North South- East West series, 2007, centers on Walter Benjamin’s ideas raised about portrait photography and the vestige of the aura. Yonemoto researched the historical record and discovered that there were, indeed, soldiers of Asian descent in both the armies of the North and South. He realized that once again people of various racial backgrounds had been systematically excluded from the national record, even by recent revisionist histories. The costumes worn are rented from the oldest Hollywood collection house, Western Costume. Western Costume’s collection dates back to 1912 (the beginning of cinematic history) and includes Civil War uniforms used in D.W. Griffith’s infamous film, Birth of A Nation. February 18, 2010