By Communications Intern, Skyler Pak
Resilient. Gracious. Community-oriented. Proud. Respectful. Hard-working. Japanese Americans are this, and more.
In honor of Nisei week, I connected with Japanese American family, friends and community members to talk about the JA experience. Read their stories below:
Despite the harsh discrimination individuals of Japanese ancestry faced during and after the war, they persisted in making something of their own in the land of opportunity. My grandma, Sueko Nakayama (79, sansei), described how her parents survived the war and faced many hardships and prejudices, but still thrived: “They never complained and always tried to better their family’s lives. My father came with only $200 in his pocket to the U.S. in 1953 and died at 97 after serving 50 plus years with the Bank of Tokyo as Vice President, receiving an award from the Emperor of Japan for improving Japanese and American relations, and serving as president for many Japanese organizations in the LA area. My father never became rich in a traditional financial sense, but he was rich in family, friends, respect and wisdom.”
My great-grandfather’s story speaks to ways in which the Japanese community has assimilated into American culture. This is not just limited to careers; it has extended to community involvement, language, practices and more. My grandma was involved in the Parent Teacher Association and National Charity League, becoming the first Asian individual to be president of both organizations; her friend Lily Nakatani (78, sansei) described the mixed language household she grew up in and how hugging is an act her relatives in Japan are unaccustomed to. My sister, Blake Pak (21, gosei) commented on the individualist (rather than collectivist) culture of the States, and across generations several expressed their appreciation for the freedoms they enjoy as women in the U.S.
At the same time, Japanese practices and values have certainly been maintained. The community-oriented aspect of our culture is reflected in the Buddhist and Shinto churches that Lily, Blake and Sueko belong to – all of which are majority-Japanese congregations. My sister remarked on how “a lot of people that attend that church are Japanese and they understand the importance of a Japanese community, but still focus on the intersectionality of our identities – we’re not just Japanese, just American.” One of my aunts, Kelli Nakayama (46, yonsei), is the Vice President of Development at the Japanese American National Museum (JANM), where much of our family goes to learn more about Japanese American history and culture and attend events such as taiko drum concerts. Mark Yoshida, Senior Citizenship Staff Attorney at Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL), integrates Japanese culture into his life through practices such as attending obon, learning the language, watching Japanese film and practicing a more patient and balanced lifestyle.
This all speaks to how the Japanese American experience is one of intersectional identities. Derick Tagawa (80, sansei) identifies more as American – pointing out that he is a citizen of this country, resides here, pays taxes, votes and enjoys American freedoms – but he keeps his Japanese heritage close to heart. “I view the blending of American and Japanese cultures as a strength and something for which I am grateful to have,” he shared. My aunt, Kristi Nakayama (44, yonsei), commented on how her Japanese heritage stood out at UCSB, where there was not much Asian representation. Ultimately, however, she identifies as more American: “When I’m in Japan, I feel like quite an outsider, I don’t feel at home.” This sentiment rings true for even those who feel closer ties to Japanese culture, such as Sueko and Lily. They honor Japanese ceremonies, food and guiding principles (gaman – endure, don’t give up; isshokenmei – to do things wholeheartedly; shikataganai – it can’t be helped, it is what it is; oyakoko – taking care of one’s parents or elders), but feel very American in Japan due to cultural differences. This limbo is succinctly described by Michi Lew (35, yonsei), Individual Giving Associate at AJSOCAL: “I don’t know if I would say that I’m more Japanese or more American. There’s this very distinct experience of being Japanese American.”
JA identity is partially tied to generational differences. Someone like Lily (sansei), whose parents grew up in Japan, has a much stronger connection to the culture than my sister and I (gosei), for example. Speaking the language, honoring all the festivals and maintaining Japanese practices are a few likely contributors. The takeaway here, however, is that each person engages with their heritage in a unique manner; being a part of a certain generation does not necessarily determine cultural identity. “I think there is a lot to be said about finding your own understanding of your intersecting cultures and identities,” Blake shared.
While each person had distinct perspectives and experiences, all have this in common: gratitude. Gratitude for family, food, traditions, elders, community, opportunities in the U.S. and much more. In Mark Yoshida’s words: “Being Japanese American centers around a sense of responsibility to those who came from the homeland long ago; those who lived their lives, endured injustices, and contributed to America since then; and those who make up future generations who are growing up in one of the most challenging times in our nation. With our day-to-day lives, it’s easy to forget the incredible sacrifices and battles of those who helped build families and communities and our nation so that our lives can be richer with opportunities and potential.”