A reading of “Nanka Nikkei Voices: The Japanese American Family” was held on Sept. 23 at the San Fernando Valley Japanese American Community Center in Pacoima, presented by SFVJACC and the Japanese American Historical Society of Southern California. From left: Yosh Nishimoto, a Sansei who grew up with Nisei, read “Mottainai,” which he wrote in honor of his 104-year-old mother; and two Nisei born after World War II, Roy Sakamoto and Bill Watanabe, who wrote about their interactions with their Issei parents in “My Name Is Baka” and “The Screen Door,” respectively.From left: Iku Kiriyama, moderator and “Nanka Nikkei Voices” editor, with younger contributors who shared remembrances of their parents’ and grandparents’ generation: Gwen Muranaka, a Sansei, whose piece was entitled “New Traditions”; Molly Mayumi Serizawa, a Yonsei, who read “Aishiteru” (I Love You); and Brandon Shindo, a Yonsei, who read “Grandfather’s Gift.”SFVJACC members who participated in the discussion included (from left) Phil Shigekuni, President Nancy Oda and Isabelle Miyata Negoro.
Photos by J.K. Yamamoto/Rafu Shimpo
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This article left me wanting more; it was far too short. I would like to have been able to read the stories themselves, not necessarily for their literary qualities but for the sensibilities of the various generations. Please consider doing a follow up piece which includes publishing the stories themselves. Thanks.
This article left me wanting more; it was far too short. I would like to have been able to read the stories themselves, not necessarily for their literary qualities but for the sensibilities of the various generations. Please consider doing a follow up piece which includes publishing the stories themselves. Thanks.