Mai Tanaka
Mai Tanaka is a Yonsei born and raised in Los Angeles. Mai's family history of incarceration during WWII sparked their early interest in the intersection of politics, culture, and activism. Mai holds a B.A. in International Studies with a focus on Political Science and Japanese Studies and has spent time abroad researching and studying in Japan.
Updated February 2024
Stories from This Author
Hafu: A documentary film about hafus by hafus
April 30, 2013 • Mai Tanaka
The documentary examines multiracial and multicultural narratives in modern Japan. In a country often perceived and proclaimed to be racially and culturally homogeneous, shifting demographics in Japan are challenging what it means to be “Japanese.” International marriages have steadily risen over the years in Japan and 1 in 49 babies are now born to mixed-race parents. Hafu: the mixed race experience in Japan is a documentary that investigateswhat it means to be multiracial and multicultural in a society where common beliefs …
The Girl with Hair like the Sun: An interview with author, Claire Mix
Oct. 10, 2012 • Mai Tanaka
Claire Mix will never forget the day she first learned of the harsh realities that Japanese Americans faced during World War II and the role that her mother played in that dark period of United States’ history. Claire was exposed to this part of history by two people she held in the highest regard—her mother, Ruth Mix and actor, George Takei, best known for his role as Hikaru Sulu on the “Star Trek” series. At thirteen-years old, Claire—a science fiction …
Reading Between the Folds: An Interview with JANM Volunteer Ruthie Kitagawa
July 12, 2012 • Mai Tanaka
The Japanese American National Museum’s current origami instructor and a volunteer since the museum’s opening, Ruthie Kitagawa has been an active member in the community for over two decades. And like so many JANM volunteers, Ruthie’s personal and family histories are what brought her to the museum. Her love for family and all things arts-and-crafts remain prevalent inspirations for Ruthie, and they tell the story of why her work at JANM continues to be an important part of her life …
Mountains That Take Wing: Angela Davis & Yuri Kochiyama—An Insightful Documentary on the Strength & Passion of Two Women
Jan. 24, 2012 • Mai Tanaka
C.A. Griffith and H.T.L. Quan’s inspiring documentary, Mountains That Take Wing—Angela Davis & Yuri Kochiyama (2010), is a rewarding journey through history with Angela Davis, political activist and distinguished scholar, and Yuri Kochiyama, activist, civil and human rights advocate, and 2005 Nobel Peace Prize nominee, as they discuss their memories and political work over their years as advocates of social justice. The conversations took place in 1996 and 2008 between the two women and dissect a myriad of topics spanning …
