Discover Nikkei

https://www.discovernikkei.org/en/interviews/clips/685/

Message for future generations

I think, basically, we have to really make darn sure we teach every single child to be proud of who they are. And that means their color, their sexual orientation, their economics, that they're handicapped, whatever; but the essential essence of who they are are on the inside. It's their character, it's their lovingness, it's their sense of beauty. These are things that make you a beautiful person, not any of the outside things. So be true to who you are on the outside and nurture that and be proud of that. We need to teach that to every single kid, every single person, that you are a lovable, cherishable, beautiful human being. I think if we keep constantly—I think the reason why you're a nice person is because somebody loved you before you deserved to be loved. You know? And I think that's the kind of message we need to understand first, that I am a worthy person. I can contribute and make somebody else happy and make this world a little better place.


identity

Date: May 27, 1998

Location: Washington, US

Interviewer: Lori Hoshino

Contributed by: Denshō: The Japanese American Legacy Project.

Interviewee Bio

Nisei female. Born February 1937 in Seattle, Washington. Spent prewar childhood in Seattle. Incarcerated at Puyallup Assembly Center, Washington; Minidoka incarceration camp, Idaho; and Crystal City internment camp, Texas. In postwar years, became a teacher, principal, and multicultural specialist for Washington State's Superintendent of the Office of Public Instruction. Developed and directed the Japanese American Cultural Heritage Program and the Rainbow Program, one of the first multiethnic educational programs in the country. She passed away on April 4, 2021 at age 84. (July 2021)

Kip Fulbeck
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Fulbeck,Kip

The right to say who you are

(b. 1965) filmmaker and artist

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Alfredo Kato
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Kato,Alfredo

What does Nikkei mean to you? (Spanish)

(b. 1937) Professional journalist

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Kristi Yamaguchi
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Yamaguchi,Kristi

Support from the Japanese American community

(b.1971) Professional figure skater and Olympic gold medalist.

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Lorraine Bannai
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Bannai,Lorraine

Heightened awareness of identity as a Japanese American

(b. 1955) Lawyer

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Dale Minami
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Minami,Dale

Reasons for conformity and competitiveness in Gardena, California

(b. 1946) Lawyer

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Dale Minami
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Minami,Dale

Reflections on the importance of history

(b. 1946) Lawyer

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Johnnie Morton
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Morton,Johnnie

Growing up and identity

(b.1971) Professional football player.

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Chiye Tomihiro
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Tomihiro,Chiye

Don’t Make Waves

Chaired the Chicago JACL's Redress Committee.

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Chiye Tomihiro
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Tomihiro,Chiye

What to Do Next

Chaired the Chicago JACL's Redress Committee.

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Roberto Hirose
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Hirose,Roberto

From the "middle" Nikkei (Spanish)

(b. 1950) Nisei Chilean, Businessman

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Roberto Hirose
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Hirose,Roberto

Advantages of being Nikkei (Spanish)

(b. 1950) Nisei Chilean, Businessman

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George Yoshida
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Yoshida,George

We’re Still Japanese

(b. 1922) Musician

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William Marutani
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Marutani,William

Childhood shame for being Nikkei in Enumclaw, Washington

Judge, only Japanese American to serve on CWRIC.

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Kathryn Doi Todd
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Todd,Kathryn Doi

On the Impact of the Camp Experience

(b. 1942) The first Asian American woman judge

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Johnny Mori
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Mori,Johnny

Thoughts on the term, "Nikkei"

(b. 1949) Musician and arts educator and adminstrator.

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