Emily Hood
Emily Hood, born and raised in San Diego, is currently working towards her B.A. in political science from UC Berkeley. She is an alum of the university’s entrepreneurship program, Fung Fellowship, in the Conservation + Tech track. She has also worked as an intern with the nonprofit, Citizens Take Action, where she contributed to the creation of a local government Report Card analyzing cities’ campaign finance laws. Emily is half Japanese and enjoys making homemade boba, cuddling with her dog, and watching stand-up comedy.
Updated January 2024
Stories from This Author
Exploring Washi Jewelry With Reiko Nakano
May 3, 2024 • Emily Hood
I first heard of washi as a kid at the craft store buying rolls of what was advertised to be “washi” tape to decorate my school notebook. It wasn’t until l interviewed washi jewelry maker and teacher Reiko Nakano for Discover Nikkei that I learned about real, traditional washi paper and how it’s used to make all kinds of beautiful creations. Nakano makes necklaces and other jewelry out of washi, producing creations that are both traditional and unique. She recently …
The Power of Storytelling: Introducing the Chasing Cherry Blossoms Podcast — Part 2
Jan. 17, 2024 • Emily Hood
Read Part 1 >> Throughout the making of this podcast series, have you gained more insight into your own identity? Did you find individuals’ stories and experiences relatable? Are there differences? Higashitani: My artistic identity has not changed but it was strengthened by the stories that we learned. I recently interviewed Henry Kaku who was born stateless because his father served in the U.S. Army before WWII but the father’s American citizenship was taken away and he was sent to Japan after …
The Power of Storytelling: Introducing the Chasing Cherry Blossoms Podcast — Part 1
Jan. 16, 2024 • Emily Hood
The history of the Japanese and their descendants in America stretches back to the 19th century, following the 1868 Meiji Restoration, which led to rapid industrialization and the adoption of Western ideas. For much of Japan’s history, the island nation was isolated from the rest of the world. However, in 1853, Japan’s isolationism came to an end, leading to the gradual globalization of its economy and opening of its borders to foreign influence and opportunity. Many Japanese in turn immigrated …