Interviews
Context affects meaning
There’s a kimono, and the label under it says, It's a Japanese woman's article of clothing. And indeed, that’s what it is. But, what I’m saying is that if the Sansei woman wears that, she’s making a statement. She’s saying, I am of Japanese heritage. It’s a symbol of identity for her. Now, in Japan the women don’t wear kimono as a symbol of identity. And the only way you’re going to understand that is if you look at that object that hasn’t changed a thread, in the context of the Japanese American experience, in which they have obon and the Sansei woman wears it. And that is another concept that is now attached to that kimono that wasn’t there before. And if we’re not going to explain it that way, what the hell’s the use of having that. So context and perspective is very important in what we do.
Date: January 7, 2004
Location: California, US
Interviewer: Art Hansen
Contributed by: Watase Media Arts Center, Japanese American National Museum.
Explore More Videos
Identity crisis (Spanish)
(b. 1969) Former president of Centro Nikkei Argentino.
Never sang Enka outside the family
(b. 1981) Enka Singer
Both Japanese and American identities though Japanese dance
(1918-2023) Nisei Japanese kabuki dancer
Results of being more American than Japanese
(1924-2018) Researcher, Activist
Trying to convey the meaning of the songs
(b. 1981) Enka Singer
Internship on a Native American reservation in Arizona
(b.1952) Master drummer, artistic director of the Taiko Center of the Pacific
Different tension between East Coast and Los Angeles
Japanese American Creative designer living in Japan
Differences between American and Japanese taiko
(b.1943) Shin-issei grand master of taiko; founded San Francisco Taiko Dojo in 1968.
Meeting Japanese Americans from the mainland in MIS
(1923-2011) Lawyer, MIS veteran, founder of Francis and Sarah Sogi Foundation
Sudden acceptance in Japanese society
(b. 1967) Hawai`i-born professional fighter in Japan
Ring name: "Yamato Damashi"
(b. 1967) Hawai`i-born professional fighter in Japan
Citizenship and identity
(b. 1967) Hawai`i-born professional fighter in Japan