Stuff contributed by vkm

A Yonsei's Reflections...

on Daruma, Dorama, and Hope

Vicky K. Murakami-Tsuda

Daruma are popular Japanese symbols of perseverance. Often used as good luck charms to fulfill a special wish, it’s customary to paint in the right eye when the wish is made, then paint the other eye when the wish is fulfilled.

My Collection of Daruma

other
vkm

Daruma are traditional Japanese dolls that are symbols of perseverance, determination, and optimism. Often used as good luck charms to fulfill a special wish or resolution, it’s customary to paint …

A Yonsei's Reflections...

on What the Universe is Telling Me

Vicky K. Murakami-Tsuda

“Seek out the significance of your problem at this time. Try to understand.” —fortune from a recent cookie The universe is trying to tell me something. Lately, I’ve been getting these “signs” that are telling me that I need to take a step back and look at the bigger picture. After …

A Yonsei's Reflections...

on Where the Trees Take Me

Vicky K. Murakami-Tsuda

I'm a city girl...actually, more of a suburbanite. I need certain comforts around me—clean toilets, a shower, comfortable and warm place to sleep, etc. My pale skin proves that I don’t spend a lot of time outdoors. Yet, this year seems to be drawing me out of my normal habits, …

A Yonsei's Reflections...

on How I Was Transported by Redress

Vicky K. Murakami-Tsuda

My first car was a Toyota Tercel—frosted mint (a pale whitish-green color), two doors, and fairly bare-boned. It didn’t have power windows or doors, but it was all mine. Practical and functional, I had it for ten years before I traded it in for a Toyota Matrix. I rarely had …

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About

I'm a Yonsei, occasional artist and writer, and full-time Communications Production Manager at the Japanese American National Museum. I was born in Los Angeles and have lived in Southern California almost my entire life.

I am fluent in English, can understand about 80% of conversational Japanese, and don't know any Spanish or Portuguese (although after having worked on Discover Nikkei for so long, would like to learn someday).

I love working in Little Tokyo and living in Gardena. Both areas give me wonderful access to Japanese/Nikkei food, community, and culture. I bowl in a Nikkei league once a week, and spend my free time eating, sleeping, playing on my phone and computer, going to Disneyland, rooting for the Dodgers, spending time with family and friends, and traveling.

I love working on Discover Nikkei and learning about so many different Nikkei experiences around the world!

Nikkei interests

  • community history
  • family stories
  • festival/matsuri
  • Japanese/Nikkei food
  • Japantowns
  • taiko
  • dorama

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