iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Discover Nikkei @discovernikkei.bsky.social · 4h

For our Nikkei Visions series, Ricardo Takeshita Nishimura examines the "last mile" of heritage, exploring how digital tools and global networks can transform cultural identity into active cross-border collaboration.

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The Last Mile of Our Nikkei Identity

We Do Not Need to See the Entire Road There are moments when an idea seems too large for the person imagining it, not because it lacks meaning, but …

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Discover Nikkei @discovernikkei.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

From making an award-winning indie movie for just $2,000 to launching the ultra-popular Kaua'i Comic Con, filmmaker Aaron Yamasato’s career has been an wild ride—and it's all fueled by a lifelong love for Kikaida! 🦸‍♂️💥 Read the interview by Lee A. Tonouchi:

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It’s All About Kikaida: Filmmaker Aaron Yamasato’s Perfectly Logical Second Career

As one little boy, before having even seen one movie, Aaron Yamasato wuz already sold on his mom’s pitch. “I remember my mother giving me…

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Discover Nikkei @discovernikkei.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

From murals and botanical watercolor to children's book illustrations, three Peruvian Nikkei women artists are redefining contemporary creative expression. Learn how Tamie Tokuda, Sachiko Kobayashi, and Nori Kobayashi blend heritage, nature, and hand-crafted art:

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Nikkei women artists: unpredictable expression

What is the purpose of art? Many have attempted to answer this, but for those who contemplate, consume, and enjoy it, one of those answers can be sur…

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Discover Nikkei @discovernikkei.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

How can music build a community across the Japanese diaspora? 🎸 In Part 2 of this interview, musician Hiroki Tanaka discusses unpacking identity, the process of creating his album Isan, and practicing community. Read the full chat on Discover Nikkei: discovernikkei.org/e... #musician

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Unpacking Isan with Musician Hiroki Tanaka—Part 2

“Yamato” (Official Music Video) by Hiroki Tanaka. Directed by Jo Hirabayashi. Read Part 1 The Process of Creation Norm Ibuki (NI): Fo…

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Discover Nikkei @discovernikkei.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

In an interview with Norm Masaji Ibuki, musician Hiroki Tanaka discusses his new album, Isan. He shares his perspective on exploring historic Japanese Christian hymns as an atheist and navigating life as a Shin-Nisei. Read part 1:

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Unpacking Isan with Musician Hiroki Tanaka—Part 1

It was a full-circle moment of sorts when Toronto musician Hiroki Tanaka contacted me recently about his newest recording, Isan. Hiroki is the son o…

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Discover Nikkei @discovernikkei.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Peruvian Yonsei artist Hitoshi Vargas Hoshi uses his art to explore mixed-race heritage, trans identity, and family history. Read how he is challenging the status quo to build a more inclusive Nikkei community: discovernikkei.org/e... #artist #japaneseperuvian

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The artist of diversity

The Yonsei artist Hitoshi Vargas Hoshi discovered at a very young age (he estimates he was five years old) that there were people in the Nikkei commu…

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Discover Nikkei @discovernikkei.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

In this week's "Shin Issei Journey" by Arisa Nakamura, Ken's new ochoko cups spark a funny childhood memory for Yoko—and a classic cultural misunderstanding!

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Episode 30: Ochoko

A semi-monthly comic that explores the experiences of contemporary Japanese immigrants in the U.S. This week, “Ochoko.” Check back …

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Discover Nikkei @discovernikkei.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Survival, memory, & rebuilding in Miami. In Episode 13 of his memoirs, Kensuke Ozaki recounts surviving the historic destruction of 1992's Hurricane Andrew—an experience that vividly brought back memories of post-WWII air raids from his childhood in Kochi, Japan. Read on DN:

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Episode 13: Hurricane Strikes

Read Episode 12 Good fortune is often accompanied by misfortune. After a few years in Miami, my work was progressing smoothly. I exported used Japa…

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Discover Nikkei @discovernikkei.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

“Okage-sama de”—thanks to you. Brian Shimomura shares a powerful reflection on his family's trek up Yosemite's Half Dome, mapping the physical climb to the resilience passed down through Japanese American generations. Read it on Discover Nikkei: discovernikkei.org/e... #Yosemite #JapaneseAmerican

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Okage-sama de: Half Dome

Okage-sama de means “thanks to you.” My Yonsei (fourth) generation exists because of the hard work and sacrifices of others. The Issei, N…

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Discover Nikkei @discovernikkei.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

How do sports icons change reality off the field? In a new article, Alvin Yokoyama reflects on how MLB pioneers like Hideo Nomo, Ichiro, and Shohei Ohtani shattered invisible ceilings and expanded what's possible for generations of Nikkei. Read his story:

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Watching the Ceiling Disappear

Growing up as a Japanese American in Hawaii meant growing up with one foot in two baseball worlds. A 1986 Fleer baseball card fea…

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Discover Nikkei @discovernikkei.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Intrigued by the history of Japanese immigration to the Amazon, researcher Sachio Negawa traces the mysterious footsteps of Fuyuki Matsuoka—the first hospital director of the Tomé-Açu settlement. Read Chapter 14 of "The Forgotten Nikkei" series:

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Chapter 14: Kunio Yanagita's Nephew Who Traveled to the Amazon (Part 1)

Fuyuki Matsuoka (Tomé-Açu Colonial Photography Society, ed., "Tomé-Açu Colonial Settlement 25th Annive…

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Discover Nikkei @discovernikkei.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Hot off the presses is Gwen Muranaka's latest comic on being Nikkei! “Jichan Wisdom.” Gwen shares some "jichan wisdom" in honor of Keiro no Hi (Respect for the Elderly Day).

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Jichan Wisdom

It’s a Nikkei Thing! Here are some bits of “jichan wisdom” I’ve received over the years in honor of Keiro no Hi (Respect for…

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Discover Nikkei @discovernikkei.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

How much is a problem that never happened worth? 🤔 For Nikkei Chronicles #15, Ricardo Takeshita Nishimura explores Japan’s hidden business value and how the global Nikkei community can bridge the gap. Read & leave a ⭐️—top stories get translated! #NikkeiVision

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The Value of Japan That Has Yet to Cross the Border

How much is a problem that never happened worth? When we buy a product, we can compare its price, design, features, or delivery time. It is much har…

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Discover Nikkei @discovernikkei.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

How do we reckon with history to build community? Historian Scott Kurashige discusses his book "American Peril" with Discover Nikkei, breaking down the structural roots of anti-Asian racism and the vital power of multiracial coalitions. Read the interview:

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Reckoning with History to Build Community: Scott Kurashige on American Peril

The Stop Asian Hate movement swept the country on online platforms and into the public sphere due to the rise of anti-Asian violence during the pande…

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Discover Nikkei @discovernikkei.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

This month’s “Nikkei Uncovered” poetry column, curated by traci kato-kiriyama, features LA-based writer, Mia Nakaji Monnier. She shares her poem, "On the Day You Were Born" written from a mother to her newborn.

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Parenting, Pressure Points, and Portals

This month we have a lovely bilingual piece from LA-based writer, Mia Nakaji Monnier. From a mother to a newborn child - part letter, part response, …

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Discover Nikkei @discovernikkei.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

What is your vision for the Nikkei community? 🌟 Submissions are open for the 15th Nikkei Chronicles: “Nikkei Vision: Bridging Generations, Empowering Community.” Share stories of heritage & new traditions! Accepted stories published rolling basis. Guidelines & prompts: 5dn.org/vision

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Discover Nikkei @discovernikkei.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Meet Kenneth Masao Nishimoto, the visionary USC architect who shaped Southern California modernism. From wartime incarceration to designing the iconic Japanese minka farmhouse at Descanso Gardens, Naomi Hirahara shares his remarkable journey. Read the full story:

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A Visionary USC Architect: Kenneth Masao Nishimoto and His Descanso Minka

When I was doing research celebrating the Japanese Garden at Descanso Gardens, a sprawling Los Angeles County–operated botanic property located…

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Reposted by Discover Nikkei

Jonathan van Harmelen @jonrvh88.bsky.social · 13/06/2026

Along with my usual political writings, I contribute articles to @discovernikkei.bsky.social. Wonder how anime first made its way to the US? My article tells the story of three Japanese American businessmen who brought Toei's first full length anime film, The White Snake Enchantress, to the US.

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Reposted by Discover Nikkei

@LAhistory @lahistory.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

"As I explained to practically every visitor I met those six months: Cruising J-Town wasn’t a car exhibition; it was always an exhibition about people and their community in which cars helped tell everyone’s stories and histories." @discovernikkei.bsky.social: discovernikkei.org/en/journal/2...

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Reflecting on Cars, Community, and Cruising J-Town

Oliver Wang, curator of Cruising J-Town (Oliver Wang) A year ago this week, the Cruising J-Town exhibition opened at the M…

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Discover Nikkei @discovernikkei.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Discover how traditional Sukiya architecture met modern design and accessibility to create Musoan, the tea house at the Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix. Architect Hiroo Kurano shares the cross-cultural story behind building this unique landmark. Read more:

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The Design and Accomplishments of Musoan, the Tea House at the Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix—Part 2

Front Entrance of the Contemporary Sukiya Architectural Style Tea House Musoan (Photo courtesy of Hiroo Kurano) Read Part …

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Discover Nikkei @discovernikkei.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

The Tessaku Translation Project returned to the National Archives to digitize critical records from the Tule Lake concentration camp. Read about the research team's latest efforts and the hurdles they faced to preserve Japanese American history:

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Tessaku Year 2—Mores Trials and Tribulations at the Archives

Last year, in August 2025, I was fortunate to be invited by UC Berkeley scholar Andrew Way Leong to help scan documents at the National Archives. Our…

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Discover Nikkei @discovernikkei.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

In this week's "Shin Issei Journey" by Arisa Nakamura, Yoko reflects on her first days in Seattle—back when seeing a squirrel felt unique enough to snap photos and send to friends in Tokyo. It turns out city wildlife is all about perspective! 🐿️🐈 #comic #cartoon

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Episode 29: Urban Wildlife

A semi-monthly comic that explores the experiences of contemporary Japanese immigrants in the U.S. This week, “Urban Wildlife” Check bac…

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Discover Nikkei @discovernikkei.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Kensuke Ozaki reflects on his eventful life in this series compiled by Ryusuke Kawai. In Episode 12, he tries it all, from brokering submarines for Taiwan to exporting winter vegetables from the Dominican Republic.

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Episode 12: From Bananas to Submarines

Based in Miami, my work involved trade between Japan and the United States and Central and South America, as well as trade between countries other th…

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Discover Nikkei @discovernikkei.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

What was life like on a WWII Japan-U.S. exchange ship? In Episode 8 of "My Grandfather, Kyohei Takahashi," Naoki Kawamura draws from Shigehito Tsuru's diary to reveal the daily routines, lectures, and conditions aboard the M.S. Gripsholm in 1943.

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Episode 8: From the Exchange Ship's Voyage Diary - Life and Interactions on Board

M.S. Gripsholm, 1943. (Photo courtesy: US Navy, National Archives at College Park, Maryland) Read Episode 7 Because diplo…

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Discover Nikkei @discovernikkei.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Discover the fascinating history behind Musoan, the advanced tea house at the Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix. Architect Hiroo Kurano shares how this landmark beautifully blends traditional Japanese craftsmanship with American accessibility standards.

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The Design and Accomplishments of Musoan, the Tea House at the Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix—Part 1

Tea House Musoan in the Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix (The tea house is located at the center of the garden.) (Photo court…

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Discover Nikkei @discovernikkei.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Discover the untold stories of Japanese American WWII incarceration through the eyes of two summer interns at @jamuseum.bsky.social. Claire Kim Littman and Jacob Chong share their journey inventorying a powerful collection of artwork from the camps.

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Expanding Narratives: Stories Yet to Be Told

Introduction to the World War II Art Collection A photo of various artworks being organized by interns. Photo by Jacob Chong.&nbs…

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Discover Nikkei @discovernikkei.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

How do centuries-old traditions—from sword-making to family recipes—survive in a changing world? Ricardo Takeshita Nishimura explores the preserving and adapting of traditions in his Nikkei Vision submission. #NikkeiVision #traditions

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When a Tradition Stays Alive

Imagine a Nikkei kitchen. A grandmother is preparing kamaboko while her granddaughter watches. The recipe already exists. Someone wrote down the ingr…

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Discover Nikkei @discovernikkei.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

A beautiful tribute to Rosa Chibusa, co-founder of Tochatour, who transformed tourism into a mission of spreading joy & fulfilling dreams for the Japanese-Brazilian community. Her legacy lives on through her family and a community rejuvenated by travel. Read more:

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The Legacy of an Eternal Smile

--image transcript-- She turned her love of travel into a mission to spread happiness. Now, she continues her most beautiful journ…

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Discover Nikkei @discovernikkei.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

A beautiful tribute to Seitoku Kian, a Nikkei merchant who built a life in Peru while traveling the world through maps and books, inspiring his family to cross oceans. 🌊🇵🇪🇯🇵 Read the full essay:

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My grandfather, the merchant who dreamed of the world—Seitoku Kian

My grandparents, Seitoku Kian and Yoshiko Tobaru, in their youth A Nisei from Huacho who learned to travel with his imagin…

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Discover Nikkei @discovernikkei.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

In his moving essay, Troy Kasuga shares how an international youth exchange in Mexico transformed his perspective on his heritage and helped him truly embrace his Nikkei identity. Read his story: discovernikkei.org/e... #NikkeiVision #Identity #VibraJoven #Community

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Roots and Reflections: My Journey into Nikkei Identity

As a Nisei born to Japanese parents, I had never really identified myself as either Nikkei or Japanese. I was fortunate enough to see Japanese herita…

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Discover Nikkei @discovernikkei.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Read Part 3 of Claire Kim Littman's article on her great-grandmother, progressive Nisei journalist Mary Oyama Mittwer. Claire is the 2026 Tanaka Summer Intern for CMA at @jamuseum.bsky.social and explores Mary's post-war career and lasting legacy.

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“One Who Is on the Other Side”: Mary Oyama Mittwer’s Life of Advocacy—Part 3

Read Part 2 Mary’s Post-War Career and Community Involvement Mary Oyama Mittwer’s Remington Quiet-Riter typewriter. …

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Discover Nikkei @discovernikkei.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

Before World War II, a thriving community of Japanese immigrant families farmed the coast of what is now Crystal Cove State Park. Edna Horiuchi shares their legacy, from building a local language school to facing forced wartime evacuation.

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Crystal Cove Japanese Community 1927 - 1942

Road to Capistrano. Barse Miller. Photo Courtesy of The Buck Collection, Laguna Beach, CA. The Crystal Cove Beach is …

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Discover Nikkei @discovernikkei.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Originally published in The Hook: Journal of Carrier Aviation, Jeff Furumura shares the life story of his uncle, the US Navy's first Nisei jet fighter pilot. 🛩️ Part 2 concludes with stories of scary moments and working on the Apollo Moon Project.

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Harvey Kitaoka, the US Navy’s First Nisei Jet Fighter Pilot—Part 2

Read Part 1 During Advanced training at Cabaniss, he fell in love with the power and speed of the F8F Bearcat. He wrote at some length about h…

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Discover Nikkei @discovernikkei.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

"Ancestry is inherited. Identity is created." 📖✨ How do future generations build a living Nikkei identity? Ricardo Takeshita Nishimura explores the shift from 20th-century industry to 21st-century cultural connections. 🌎🌱 A new #NikkeiVision submission:

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The Nikkei Identity We Leave to the Next Generation

To be Nikkei is to belong to a story that began before us. We may have been born in Peru, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, the United States, or somewhere…

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Discover Nikkei @discovernikkei.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

In this week's "Shin Issei Journey" by Arisa Nakamura, a look back at the uncertainty, stay-at-home orders, and flattening curves of 2020, including the experience of enjoying a virtual Bon Odori at home. #comic #cartoon

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Episode 28: Summer in 2020

A semi-monthly comic that explores the experiences of contemporary Japanese immigrants in the U.S. This week’s strip, “Summer in 202…

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Discover Nikkei @discovernikkei.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

This month’s “Nikkei Uncovered” poetry column, curated by traci kato-kiriyama features a poem written forty years ago by award-winning mystery writer and beloved community steward, Naomi Hirahara.

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Planting Life

This month, we are so pleased to republish a poem written forty years ago by award-winning mystery writer and beloved community steward, Naomi Hiraha…

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Discover Nikkei @discovernikkei.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

New article on Nisei journalist Mary Oyama Mittwer’s advocacy, by her great-granddaughter Claire Kim Littman, a 2026 Tanaka Summer Intern for CMA at @jamuseum.bsky.social. Learn about her bold 1943 piece challenging wartime incarceration:

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“One Who Is on the Other Side”: Mary Oyama Mittwer’s Life of Advocacy—Part 1

This summer, as the 2026 Collections & Curatorial Tanaka Intern at the Japanese American National Museum, I have been grateful for the opportunit…

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Discover Nikkei @discovernikkei.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

How did a multi-ethnic family navigate the dark reality of WWII incarceration camps? Read Marissa Keiko Ishida's powerful review of "Together in Manzanar" by Tracey L. Slater, exploring a unique story of love, activism, and resilience.

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A Family’s Resilience: A Review of Together in Manzanar

The book Together in Manzanar by Tracey L. Slater is a work of historical nonfiction that chronicles the complicated experience of a mu…

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