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Preserving Voices Before It’s Too Late: A Yonsei’s Mission to Capture Family Stories

By
N.A.P Contributor
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By Paul Takisaki
NAP Contributor

My great-grandfather, Tamotsu Takisaki, arrived in Seattle in 1907 aboard a Nippon Yusen Line ship. He was 24 years old and fluent in English which was unusual for a Japanese man of his era. According to family oral history preserved by his son Raymond’s interview, Takisaki had dreamed of attending Cambridge University in England but lost all his money gambling on the ship. Stranded in Seattle, Washington with nothing, his English fluency became his greatest survival asset.

Raymond Takisaki in the U.S. Army 442nd Regimental Combat Team, 1945. Photo courtesy: Paul Takisaki. 

Takisaki worked as a foreman for railroad and logging crews. Eventually, he established a strawberry farm in Bellevue, Washington and later operated Garden Grocery on Capitol Hill in Seattle. Takisaki became a respected figure in Seattle’s martial arts community, holding the rank of 5-dan (system of ranks) in kendo and serving as chief instructor at the Seattle Kendo Kai. Fellow practitioners described his style as “grand, stately, immovable.” Most students simply called him “Sensei” (teacher).

It was Takisaki’s prominence that made him a target. On January 21, 1942, six weeks after Pearl Harbor was bombed in Hawaii, three U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents walked into Garden Grocery and arrested Takisaki. His son Raymond, age 17 at the time, watched as they searched the house. Takisaki was sent to Fort Lincoln Incarceration Camp in Bismarck, North Dakota. His children were scattered across three states. Some went to the Minidoka Incarceration Camp located in the middle of Idaho. Raymond Takisaki relocated to Spokane, Washington to stay with the Clausen family,  Caucasian friends who risked social ostracism to shelter him.

Portrait of Raymond Takisaki. Unknown date. Photo courtesy:  Paul Takisaki. 

A declassified FBI interrogation transcript, uncovered through research, revealed how Tamotsu Takisaki navigated his questioning. When asked about the kendo club’s rituals, he told agents his club “did not go through any ritual such as bowing to the shrine of a Japanese god because he does not believe this should be done in the United States.” It was the careful answer of a man demonstrating his loyalty while the U.S. government held him away from his family.

Before his arrest, Tamotsu Takisaki told his sons Raymond and James to enlist in the U.S. military. “This is your country,” he said. “Papa won’t go to war against Japan but you and your brother have to go to war for this country.” Raymond Takisaki did. He was drafted, went to Fort Douglas, Utah then to Camp Shelby, Mississippi with the U.S. Army 171st Replacement Battalion. Later, he joined the 442nd Regimental Combat Team in 1945 fighting for a country that had his father behind barbed wire.

For decades, these stories lived only in family conversations. Raymond Takisaki recorded an oral history interview in 2006. It is from his words that many of the family’s details have been preserved. However, I, as a 42-year-old Yonsei (fourth generation Japanese American) living in the Pacific Northwest recognized something urgent. The Nisei (second generation Japanese Americans) are nearly gone and the Sansei (third generation Japanese Americans)are aging. Once they pass away, the stories will go away with them. Every Japanese American family has stories like this. The problem is that most of them have never been recorded. My grandfather’s interview saved everything for our family but how many families do not have that?

My grandfather passed away before I could capture more of his story. I salvaged some audio clips from an old video interview and I am currently piecing the narrative together, I kept returning to my grandfather’s interview, listening to stories I had never heard before — details that unlocked over a century of family history. What if every family could have that?                                               

That is why I built Heritage Whisper.  It is where people use their voice, guided by an Artificial Intelligence interviewer that helps them recall rich details and uncover memories. Families, anywhere in the world, have instant access to the audio, transcriptions, and photos.

Our elders will not be here forever. One conversation saved everything for our family. Listen and see Raymond and Louise Takisaki in their own voices at: heritagewhisper.com/examples. For more information, see: https://heritagewhisper.com.   

Bells of Nagasaki Book

By
Pamela A. Okano
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By Pamela Okano
NAP Contributor

Imagine not being able to have your children jump on you!  Imagine being bedridden at the age of 38! This is what happened to Dr. Takashi Nagai.

How did this happen? Even before the plutonium atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki on August 9, 1945, Nagai was heavily involved in radiation research. Back then, the appropriate measures for protecting oneself from radiation were known. Sadly, they were not often used.

In June 1945, Nagai was diagnosed with leukemia and given only three years to live. This was due to radiation exposure during radiological examinations as film was not yet available. By this time, his spleen had enlarged so much that his children could no longer jump on him for fear that the spleen would burst. Yet, he continued working.

When the atomic bomb was dropped, Nagai’s wife, Midori, was killed instantly. He lost all his children except for son Makoto and daughter Kayano. Nagai had converted to Catholicism in 1934 and was deeply religious. Despite suffering a head injury, not to mention radiation exposure, Nagai kept working, rescuing people from burning buildings and treating their wounds as best he could. By August 11, he collapsed and was in bed for a month.

On October 15, Nagai returned to the Urakami District of Nagasaki and built a small hut (six tatami mats) for his two children, his mother-in-law, his younger brother and his wife, and himself. He also continued teaching.

Nagai mourned his wife for six months, letting his beard and hair grow. In November, a Catholic mass was held in front of the ruins of the Urakami Cathedral. Nagai gave a speech filled with faith, suggesting the bomb victims were a sacrifice to obtain peace.

In July 1946, Nagai collapsed at a train station. He spent the rest of his life in bed receiving visitors, continuing to write, and continuing to receive plaudits from others. He died on May 1, 1951, at the age of 43.

In May 1947, the local Society of Saint Vincent DePaul built Nagai a two tatami-mat teahouse-type structure known as Nyoko-Dou (ask yourself) Hermitage which can still be visited today. In addition, there is a museum in Nagasaki dedicated to Nagai’s life. It is located at 22-6 Uenomachi, Nagasaki, Japan. 

Nagai received the Order of the Rising Sun from the Japan Prime Minister for his work in the military and was considered by the Catholic Church as a “Servant of God”. (A beatification process for an individual whose life works are being investigated in consideration for recognition by the Pope). He devoted his life to helping the less fortunate. The Catholic Church is even considering Dr. Nagai and his wife for potential sainthood.

The book is heartbreaking because it was clear that Dr. Nagai would die, leaving his young children as orphans. I felt like an orphan when my father died many years ago but by then I was in my 40s. One can only imagine how Makoto and Kayano felt when they lost their father when he was only 43. Makoto was just 16 and Kayano was 10. In some ways, this was very similar to my own situation when we lost our mother, I was 16, and my brother was 9. It would take us years to get over her death.

This is a lovely book filled with Nagai’s faith and hope that his children would someday carry on. Indeed, after working as a journalist for 40 years, Makoto Nagai planned to return to Nagasaki to work with the poor. His daughter Kayano continued her faith and helped the poor.

Northwest Folklife Seeks Volunteers

By
N.A.P Staff
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Northwest Folklife is seeking volunteers for the festival on May 22–25 at Seattle Center. Volunteer roles include welcoming guests, supporting artists, assisting with stages and information booths, and helping with behind-the-scenes operations that keep the festival running smoothly. In return, volunteers receive festival access, opportunities to connect with the community, and small appreciation gifts as a thank-you for their time and energy.

For the requirements and application, visit:https://nwfolklife.org/festival/volunteer.html

Secret Christians

By
David Yamaguchi
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By David Yamaguchi
The North American Post

Owing to films such as “Silence” (2016), ​the story of ​Japan’s past hidden Christians​ may be known to many readers​. Forced underground to escape persecution in 1614, such families re-emerged into the sunlight 250 years later with the 19th century reopening of Japan. This surprised the West with the persistence of their faith.

Reverend Carolyn Yabuki Shimabukuro, filmmaker. 2026. Photo credit: David Yamaguchi. 

Yet tales like this tend to remain mystical until ordinary Seattle people make the journey​ to historical Japanese Christian sites and bring the story home. In March, Reverend Carolyn Yabuki Shimabukuro shared ​the​ documentary at the Japanese Baptist Church (JBC) in Seattle, Washington that she made with videographer Chong Ahn. It is based on two ten-day Japan pilgrimages in 2024 and 2025. The setting was fitting because JBC has long reached out to downtrodden Japanese and Japanese Americans over its lengthy history.

“A Pilgrimage, the Early Christians of Japan” (2026, 27 min.) opens with the month-long, forced march of 26 barefoot Christians from Kyoto to Nagasaki in January 1597​, a 485 mile​ journey​. They were punished for their religion and paraded through villages. Included were three boys​,​ ages 12, 13 and 14. By February 5 all were crucified.

Metal cross with a Buddha in the center. Date unknown. On loan by Mutsuko Okada. Photo courtesy: David Yamaguchi. 

From that stark beginning, we learn many fascinating things. Some Japanese Christians fled to tiny islands outlying Kyushu. They wanted to escape the prying eyes of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the ruling samurai and daimyo (powerful, feudal, territorial lord). He feared Christianity owing to its power to draw the people’s allegiance. ​

The showing ​of the film ​was accompanied ​by​ a rare display of hidden Christian artifacts from the collection of Mutsuko Okada. She ​was​ a Nisei (second generation Japanese Americans) whose daughter Leslie Okada Roberts participated in the 2025 pilgrimage. 

Shimabukuro said to Roberts, “These are such precious and important objects. They need to be shared. You cannot keep these in boxes.”

Prints from Sadao Watanabe (1913-1996), an artist who dedicated his career to biblical themes, accompanied the relics.

The Coming of Christianity in the Padres are Coming, 1980. By artist Sadao Watanabe. Mingei and paste-resist stencil dying. Depicts olden-day Christians in Japan and Christianity in an Okinawan folk-art style. Photo courtesy: David Yamaguchi.

Whether Christian or not, viewers will be moved by “A Pilgrimage” owing to the way it concisely outlines the history and geography of early Christianity in Japan. Christianity is one of the paths where Japan and the West have interacted over the centuries. The film clarifies events from Japanese history that we have heard of but are fuzzy ​ ​such as ​the Battle of Sekigahara and the Shimabara Rebellion.

The documentary will be posted soon on the JBC website at: jbcseattle.org. Shimabukuro is also open to presenting the film to groups in person. She can be reached at; carolyn@allseasonscounseling.org.

The JBC website is also worth visiting to see the church’s written history which is deeply intertwined with that of the Seattle Japanese ​c​ommunity. Established by Issei (first generation Japanese Americans) in 1891​, the church sheltered new immigrants and picture brides. A cute photograph of young Nisei children in sailor suits and white dresses in tiny chairs is not to be missed. Legendary JBC pastor Em​e​ry Andrews, who aided the incarcerated community during World War II, is highlighted. Many present-day Sansei (third generation Japanese Americans) also attended its ​nursery school​.

Wing Luke Museum Announces New Executive Director

By
N.A.P Contributor
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By Steve McLean
NAP Contributor

New museum Executive Director Chrissy Shimizu. Photo courtesy: Wing Luke Museum. 

The Wing Luke Museum Board of Trustees of Seattle, Washington is proud to announce the appointment of Christina Shimizu as its new Executive Director. The announcement follows a year-long comprehensive search process that included community and staff input. Shimizu becomes the museum’s sixth executive director. Her first day in the role will be May 11.

“The search committee, in partnership with executive search firm Koya Partners undertook a rigorous national search that brought us many talented candidates,” says Mike Myint, museum trustee and chair of the Executive Search Committee. “After a process that involved multiple stakeholders and three rounds of interviews, Chrissy Shimizu was a unanimous choice.”

Shimizu, born and raised in Seattle, is no stranger to the Chinatown-International District (C-ID). She is a recognized advocate for the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander and other Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities, and has deep roots in the neighborhood. She previously served as executive director of Puget Sound Sage for the past five years and prior to that was the museum’s Director of Individual Giving from 2017 through 2021. Shimizu brings to her role as executive director a strong background in community-centered advocacy, fundraising and consensus building.

Ellen Ferguson, president of the museum board, is enthusiastic about the selection of Shimizu and believes she embraces the museum’s community-based values.

“Christina is a dynamic leader with a proven track record of serving marginalized communities. She is energetic and effective in transition management, staff engagement and community coalition building,” says Ferguson. “She brings deep ties in the C-ID community and speaks of returning to the museum and neighborhood as ‘coming home.’ We believe she embodies the crucial competencies and characteristics necessary to carry the museum’s legacy forward. We are grateful to the Executive Search Committee, Board of Trustees and staff for their dedication and time throughout the process.”

During a time of nationwide uncertainty and instability within the arts and culture sector, Shimizu’s unique understanding of the community, her leadership experience, and substantial community connections promise the kind of steady and consistent leadership necessary to lead the museum.

Shimizu is the granddaughter of Japanese American Pacific Northwest farmers. Her grandparents were World War II incarceration camp survivors which richly informs her work. Shimizu holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Economy from Evergreen State College. Her board and community service includes: Asian Counseling and Referral Service (2025-present); PowerSwitchAction (2021-present); CID Coalition (June 2020-present); Christ’s Commission on Fellowship  (co-founder, April 2016-July 2020); and Asian Pacific Islander Americans for Civil Empowerment (APACE) Votes (February 2015-June 2019).

About the Wing Luke Museum

The Wing Luke Museum’s mission is to connect everyone to the rich history, dynamic cultures and art of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. It is told through vivid storytelling and inspiring experiences to advance racial and social equity. As a Smithsonian Affiliate, National Park Service Affiliated Area, and the only pan-Asian American museum in the nation, the museum is a national treasure. It preserves and shares the personal stories of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. www.wingluke.org.

 

Captivating Woodblock Prints from Japanese and American Artists

By
N.A.P Contributor
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By Will Lerner
NAP Contributor

The Portland Japanese Garden in Oregon is excited to announce its first new art exhibition for 2026: Enduring Impressions: Contemporary Woodblock Prints. Now through June 15, this exhibition reveals how the centuries-old tradition of mokuhanga, Japanese-style woodblock printmaking, is experiencing a revival as artists around the world use the art form’s quiet power and unique characteristics to create captivating works of art.

Carving wood in preparation of a woodblock print. Photo courtesy:  Takezasadō Studio.

Mokuhanga has been embraced as an environmentally-friendly art form that traditionally uses wood, water-based pigments, and paper made from plant fibers. The exhibition’s featured artists are among this international movement. Crafted art prints incorporating these traditional tools and techniques are complemented by alternative printmaking technologies for contemporary expression. Across the galleries at the garden, Enduring Impressions presents an eclectic range of prints alongside a behind-the-scenes look at the process, history and future of this iconic art form.

This exhibition marks the garden’s first collaboration with the Honolulu Museum of Art (HoMA) and is co-curated by Stephen Salel, the museum’s Robert F. Lange Curator of Japanese Art. In the garden’s Pavilion Gallery, six of the original artists from HoMA’s 2025 exhibition will be featured. Joining them will be Portland-based illustrator and printmaker, Aya Morton whose mokuhanga-inspired prints merge silkscreen with relief printing processes producing beautifully rendered scenes of the Pacific Northwest.

Fall on the Metolius, 2025 by artist Aya Morton. Image courtesy: Aya Morton. 

Meanwhile, the Calvin and Mayho Tanabe Gallery will offer a glimpse at the diverse accomplishments of this printmaking tradition through the remarkable work of two pivotal artists: Kawase Hasui (1883-1957), one of Japan’s most iconic artists of the 20th century and Portland-born Richard Diebenkorn (1922–1993), a prominent American Abstract Expressionist. 

Though visually distinct, their prints are linked across time and space by the meticulous collaborative craftsmanship, expert-driven processes at the heart of traditional mokuhanga.

Major support has been provided by Jordan Schnitzer and The Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation, James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation, and Oregon Arts Commission. Additional support has been provided by the Robert F. Lange Foundation. The Tanabe Gallery portion of Enduring Impressions was made possible through support from The Lavenberg Collection of Japanese Prints and the collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and his family foundation.

Enduring Impressions: Contemporary Woodblock Prints Now–June 15.

Portland Japanese Garden
611 Southwest Kingston Avenue, Portland

For more information, see https://japanesegarden.org/hours-admission.

About Portland Japanese Garden

Portland Japanese Garden is a nonprofit organization originally founded in 1963 as a place for cross-cultural understanding following World War II. A hallmark in the city of Portland, the garden was founded on the ideals of peace and mutual understanding between people and cultures. The garden is considered the most authentic Japanese garden outside of Japan and the foremost Japanese cultural organization in North America.

About Japan Institute

Japan Institute was established in 2020 as a global cultural initiative of Portland Japanese Garden. This sibling organization is the programmatic arm of Portland Japanese Garden. It allows us to share and expand our cultural programs more broadly around the world. It deepens international partnerships and continues to engage diverse people in shared experiences and conversations about peace, beauty, and connection of nature.

Portland Japanese Garden Institute share the mission: Inspiring harmony and peace.

 

Personal Authority for Asian Americans

By
N.A.P Contributor
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Janice Eng and Akiko Sakai-Kinney
NAP Contributors

In these times of uncertainty and rapid change, it is more important than ever that the voices, experiences, and wisdom of Asian Americans are recognized and valued. Yet many of us may not fully realize how deeply our voices have been shaped — or silenced — by social conditioning and historical marginalization. This silencing can influence how we see ourselves, how we are seen by others or what we believe is possible, and whether we can recognize opportunities when they arise.

Asian American history includes enduring much discrimination and exclusion — from immigration restrictions and wartime incarceration, to property and labor exploitation and denial of full citizenship rights. Even today, Asian Americans are often perceived as “perpetual foreigners” regardless of how many generations one’s family has lived in the United States or the extent of their loyalty, contributions and service. At the same time, the many distinct cultures and identities that comprise Asian Americans, are reduced to a single narrative.

Left-right: Akiko Sakai-Kinney and Janice Eng, 2026. Photo credit:  David Yamaguchi.

The “model minority” stereotype further complicates this experience. While it portrays Asian Americans as hardworking and successful, it can also create division with other communities of color. It  reinforces the idea that Asian Americans do not face significant barriers while many cultures do. At the same time, it imposes limiting expectations — valuing diligence and compliance while overlooking leadership, creativity, and voice. In professional and academic settings, many encounter the “bamboo ceiling” where their contributions are not acknowledged and their leadership potential is under-estimated.

Cultural conditioning can also create internal challenges. Many Asian cultures emphasize collectivism, family and societal responsibility, and harmony. White American society often prioritizes individualism and self-assertion. Navigating these differing values can lead to self-doubt, over thinking, and uncertainty about how to act “correctly.” This tension can subtly undermine a sense of personal clarity and confidence.

Historically, adapting to these cultural and social dynamics has been essential for survival. However, an important question emerges: how do we show up for ourselves and move beyond adaptation into greater authenticity? How can we honor our cultural roots while also listening to our own inner voice? And how can we make choices aligned with our values without being held back by fear?

We believe the process begins with an internal shift — recognizing that we have choice and that we carry the resilience and capacity to act on what is true for us.

Janice Eng and Akiko Sakai-Kinney are mental health professionals and communication coaches dedicated to supporting this process. With many years of experience, they help individuals reconnect with their voice, values, and inner wisdom. Their work focuses on providing practical tools to move beyond internal and external barriers, allowing for fuller self-expression and more meaningful connection.

To address this topic, two introductory workshops will explore Asian American conditioning and what has shaped its beliefs and expectations. Tools will be learned to re-connect with and to, trust our own voice, and to gain clarity in making decisions that are right for us.

The workshops will be presented at the Japanese Baptist Church, 160 Broadway, Seattle on:   

Sunday, May 17; 1:00-2:30 p.m.

Personal Authority for anyone who identifies as Asian American.
$30 – Register at: https://forms.gle/FaTep21gdZWK2Q8J7.

Sunday, July 19; 1:00-2:30 p.m.

Personal Authority for anyone who identifies as Asian female.
$30 – Register at: https://forms.gle/WKJjC8T7tyhSvtxc6.

For more information, call or text: 206-706-1895 or e-mail: janice.eng2@gmail.com.

Janice Eng, a second-generation Chinese American, became a counselor through her own journey of overcoming self-doubt. She is trained in multiple healing modalities to support individuals in embodying their authentic selves. She also taught Nonviolent Communication for over 20 years including a decade of work within the Washington State prisons.

Akiko Sakai-Kinney came to the United States alone at the age of 16 and became a U.S. citizen in 2012. After earning a Master’s degree in piano performance, she began to question the concept of “performance” itself, seeking a more genuine way of living. This led her to become a Jungian psychotherapist. She has also taught Nonviolent Communication in the Washington State prisons supporting others in finding their voice and courage.

A Lively Speaker at JET Reception

By
Hikari Kono
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A Lively Speaker at JET Reception

By Barbara Mizoguchi
NAP Editor-in-Chief

In February, Consul General of Japan in Seattle Makoto Iyori and his wife Yuko hosted a reception at their official residence welcoming home participants of the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program (JET).  The guest speaker was Zack Davisson.  He wore a blazer with goggles on top of his head while guests were wearing suits, ties, and dresses. His talk was direct, blunt, and honest. Mrs. Iyori mentioned that I must meet him since he is an interesting person. After asking about his goggles, Davisson said it is his schtick or gimmick for the audience to remember the speaker and what was said. He turned out to be quite funny and intelligent.

Zack Davisson at Japan Society of New York, Japan Cat Day Event, 2025. Photo credit: Zack Davisson.

Born in California, Davisson grew up in Spokane, Washington and graduated from Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle. He earned his master’s degree in Japanese Studies, became a JET participant then alumnus, and began writing for Japanese magazines. Davisson then translated a manga series and lectured on manga, folklore, and translation at universities and in Italy. In addition, Davisson has published translated works and books.

As Davisson was later interviewed, his answers revealed his natural personality – raw, honest, and humorous.   

Davisson being filmed in his Seattle home for the documentary of Yokai Monsters Blu-Ray, 2021. Photo courtesy: Zack Davisson

What is your undergraduate degree? Did you receive it at Cornish?                       

I moved to Seattle from Spokane to go to school at Cornish. All my life I had dreamed of being an artist and drew all the time. It was Cornish or nothing for me. Fortunately, they accepted me and I loved going to school there–an amazing faculty, incredible students. Unfortunately … it was at Cornish I was forced to realize that I didn’t have what it takes to be an artist. I was good … very good, even … but the art world has no room for very good. Not when exceptional is an option.

There was a teacher at Cornish, Kimbal MacKay, who taught the elective writing courses. He was my John Keating (Dead Poet’s Society movie reference for the youth. Go watch it). It was in his courses I realized that while I was not a great artist, I was a d— good writer. It was under his guidance that I began pursuing where my talent lead me–to writing.

A very long answer to your question. I received a BA (bachelors) in Fine Arts at Cornish.

The University of Sheffield is located in England. Did you study in England or was there a satellite program in Hiroshima?

I was fortunate at the time that the University of Sheffield ran a satellite program in Hiroshima in partnership with the David English House. I can’t remember exactly how I discovered it probably a pamphlet at a JET event.

When I moved to Japan on the JET program, I made a promise to myself I would learn the language. I knew this was the greatest chance I would ever have, and if I didn’t come home bilingual, I would have no one but myself to blame. I did the CLAIR (Council of Local Authorities for International Relations) programs offered free to JETs up to Advanced Japanese. But I found them unsatisfying. I had a piece of paper saying I knew Japanese, but I knew that I didn’t.

I enrolled in the University of Sheffield program in Japanese to learn more. It was a distance learning program which in the age of instantaneous internet is almost comedic to talk about now. They would literally mail me giant binders of study material and homework which I would then finish and mail back to them. Exams were done over the phone. Then in summers, we would go to Hiroshima for intensive lessons and exams.  I loved it, loved the teachers, loved the feeling that I was finally, truly learning Japanese. And when I finished their language program I applied to their MA (masters) program, and was accepted. I did my focus on Japanese religious studies, writing my thesis on yurei, Japanese ghosts. That became my first book and the turning point of my life.

I am constantly amused that I am now on the faculty at NYU (New York University), also through distance learning. I graduated from a school I have never been to and now teach at a school I have never been to.

Davisson at the 2017 Sakura Con in Seattle. Unknown cosplayers from the comic 21st Century Boys.  Photo courtesy: Zack Davisson. 

What interested you about Japan, the language, etc.?

My interest really began through a somewhat odd origin story. When I was eight, my mother convinced me to go to a local arts theater and see a showing of Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai. Because what every eight-year-old boy wants to see is a three and a half hour, black and white, foreign language film, right?  But once in the darkened theater, I was enthralled. As a small town kid, it was the most immersive experience I ever had in a foreign language. I remember being fascinated. I wanted to know what it was like in their heads. Did those sounds make sense? Did they think in that language?

From there, it was really a lifelong fascination. I tried taking Japanese classes in high school and community college, but never really achieved much. With no opportunity to practice, the best I managed was a few memorized phrases. I gave up.

How did you get involved with JET? Are you still active with the organization?

I remember the moment vividly. I was in my early 30s working at Amazon as a project manager, and I sat at my desk one day, dissatisfied. I hated the job. Didn’t care about the work I was doing. As I sat at my computer, I thought, “Is this all I get? Is this the life I have to lead?”

I had previously lived in Glasgow, Ireland on the BUNAC (British Universities North America Club) program. I wondered if there was anything similar in another country. I went searching and found the JET program. It reawakened my old interest in Japan and the Japanese language. I applied, got accepted, and that was it. I quit my job, threw away everything I knew, and got on a plane to a country I had never been to. No single moment has changed my life more than that.

I am not openly active in JET but always answer the call when they need me. I went to the 30th and 35th anniversary events as a speaker. I think—as one of the JET program’s “great successes”—I am a bit of good advertising. But it is a role I happily accept and will preach how amazing JET is and encourage everyone to apply.  When I give talks at universities and conventions, I often hear people say I was lucky to go to Japan. I tell them all that luck had nothing to do with it—it was the JET program.

Where did you live in Japan (during JET)? What was your experience?

I lived in Nara for three years then Osaka for two. I was a rare multi-prefecture JET. At the time, JETs could only stay for three years but they offered a special two-year role which you could apply for teaching exclusively at elementary and pre-schools. There was only one slot per prefecture, and the role had a language requirement and a separate application process. My friend Lucas Clarkson and I both applied for the Nara role. Lucas was hired. I was not.  BUT… Osaka prefecture had no qualified applicants, so they asked their Kansai (region) neighbors for recommendations. From there… I was sent to Ikeda, Osaka.  As for what it was like… God… how can I possibly encapsulate something that so completely changed my life and who I am?

I usually describe JET as an opportunity. JET opens a door for you. What you do with that open door is entirely up to you. There are those —most, in fact — for whom JET is not life changing. It is just a thing they did once when they were young, a year lived in Japan and becomes a fond (or hated) memory. There are those I call “Goldfish JETs,” who basically go to Japan like fish in a bowl, carrying their own country and culture with them at all times. They never truly engage. They stay in tourist mode for their entire stay. This is the easiest path. JET is designed for this, to bring people to Japan, show them a good time, then send them home to become living tourist advertisements.

And the rare ones, like me, decide to make going to Japan their entire lives. We smash the fishbowl and dive in as deep as we can. I threw myself into everything. I developed a love for matsuri, Shinto (religious) festivals celebrating invisible deities and odd gods. Many of these matsuri were physical crucibles. I’ve been burned black carrying massive torches that rained fire on me. I heaved mikoshi on my back that weighed as much as a small car. I fought naked in a field of ten thousand men to wrench out sacred sticks that I still have sitting on a shelf, stained with my blood. I found the love of my life, got married, and am still married twenty years later.

So yeah… JET… not easy to give a soundbite for.

How did you meet Consul General Iyori of Japan in Seattle?       

I’ve met several Consul Generals over the years, although Iyori-san and his wife are the ones I know the best. I believe Iyori-san was given a list of “people he should know that have strong Japan connections in Seattle” or something similar when he first took the role. Whatever the reason, I was invited to dinner at the consulate along with my friend Jay Rubin and some others. We had a delightful time.                                                     

How did you become a speaker at the Con. Gen.’s JET reception?          

The Consulate had reached out to me previously about speaking at a JET event but I was unavailable. So, when they reached out to me again, I was thrilled. I am always happy to give back to JET.

Tell us about your speech – the practical realities of becoming a JET alum, etc.    

I thought a lot about how it felt to come home from Japan after all those years and how I felt like a foreigner in my own country. I tried to think about what advice I could give and to let them (JET alumni) know others had gone through the same thing and came out fine. You often came home to a different country than the one you left. And these JETs were coming back in a time of particular turmoil.

I also like to set realistic expectations. To me, as an educator, this is important. I am not going to b——- you about options. I remember going back to Japan thinking I had all these valuable skills, these language abilities … but all employers saw was a decade gap on my resume. It was hard. But I eventually found my niche. It took time. It took persistence. But I found it.

I wanted to say what I wish someone had said to me — no one likes an insufferable jerk who leads every conversation with “In Japan, they …” Seriously, that was me. My American friends would meet for pizza and I would start in with “In Japan, they put corn and mayonnaise on their pizza!”  No one cares. Absolutely no one. Don’t be that guy.

But mostly, I thought about how much JET had changed me and that I hoped the participants had allowed it to change them, too. What a shame it would be to go through such an amazing experience and come home exactly the same person.

How did you become a translator, writer, and editor? What does it take to become one?

Just like how I was determined to learn Japanese during my time in Japan, I was determined to become a writer. I started writing for local newsletters. Then (I) applied to and was accepted to writing for pay for Japan-based magazines like Japanzine and Kansai Time-Out. I took random jobs, writing tourist pamphlets for the Osaka government. I found everything around me entirely fascinating and tried to share that fascination. I wrote about travel, food, local religion, and folklore. My biggest accomplishment was writing perhaps the first English-language article on Aokigahara, the famed Suicide Woods of Mt. Fuji (Japanese mythology of yurei – ghosts of the dead located on the northwestern flank of the Mount Fuji on the island of Honshu.) I had been teaching English as a side gig at a local forestry institute in Nara where I heard stories of Aokigahara. Then I wrote about it for Japanzine.

Being a translator was more complicated. I never really wanted to be a translator per se, so much as I wanted to translate someone specific. In Japan, I had fallen in love with the genius manga artist Mizuki Shigeru. I was astounded that someone so important to Japanese and world culture was virtually unknown in the West. One night, I got drunk at a friend’s bar in Osaka, climbed on a table, and vowed I would be the one to bring Mizuki Shigeru to the West! It took me a long time to keep that promise– a lot of blind emails, a lot of building networks and reputation. But finally, my chance came and my first professional translation was Mizuki Shigeru’s SHOWA: A HISTORY OF JAPAN in 2011.

What does it take? Willpower. Determination. Persistence. Not a single door will be opened for you. You have to bash in every single door or find a way around it. The entire world will tell you to give up and you have to decide not to.

How did you get the various jobs/contracts that you had? What are you currently doing?

The most difficult job you will ever get is your first one. No one wants to take the chance on unproven talent, especially when there is an excess of experienced, qualified folks easily available. For me, it was a slow build. I wrote articles on comics for comic news publications. I did panels on manga and local conventions. I created a blog where I translated Edo period literature. I made contacts with editors and industry folks. And eventually, one of those editors gave me a shot. The key is, when you get that shot, you have to knock it out of the park. There is no room for mediocre. You have to prove they made the right decision, giving you a chance. And once you have that first success on your resume, you can move on to the next one.  Eventually, you build a body of work and reputation that you don’t have to reach out to publishers, they reach out to you. It takes years and years. This kind of thing is a marathon, not a sprint.

Currently, I just got off a two-year run on the X-Men for Marvel Comics. I’ve contracted on a new folklore book on kitsune, Japanese supernatural foxes. That means I am throttling down on translation work for only my main clients to free up writing time.

Cats & Comics panel at the 2024 San Diego Comic Con.  Left to right:  Kim Joy, Pornsak Pichetshote, and Zack Davisson.  Photo courtesy:  Zack Davisson. 

How did you get into cartoon/manga work?

Pop culture and folklore really parallelled my career. I published my first book, YUREI: THE JAPANESE GHOST at the same time I did my first manga translation of SHOWA: A HISTORY OF JAPAN. They, fortunately, balance each other out. People interested in manga are often interested in learning more about Japan including the country’s folklore.

Most people know me for either one or the other. To me, they are equally important. I will do both for as long as I can.

One of your books is on cats. Is it based on your cat Mochi?

Mochi is our dog! Our cat is Shere Khan. And no, nothing so specific. It actually started because I was working on a comic called WAYWARD, doing back-up articles on Japanese culture. One of the characters was a Neko Musume, as sort of transforming cat. I started researching Japan’s catlore and fell in deep.  After months of researching and writing on Japan’s catlore, my publisher told me I had written my next book without even knowing it. That became KAIBYO: THE SUPERNATURAL CATS OF JAPAN which remains the most popular thing I have ever written.  A book about magic Japanese cats. Go figure.

What would you say to future JET participants? What would you like to see in participants when they return?

I would say what I said before—JET is an opportunity. What you do with that opportunity is entirely up to you. It can change your life or just be a nice, strange memory of an adventure you had once when you were young. I encourage people to make the most of it. As a Regional Advisor on JET, I saw multitudes of JETs come and go. The ones that brought their own cultural baggage with them were the ones who had the most difficult time.

In JET, you have the chance to learn that “this is different” and “this is wrong” are not the same thing. Living in a foreign country is challenging. There are differences of morals and manners, and often things you were taught was “right” in Japan is considered “wrong” (elsewhere). And vice-versa. But if you can get over that, and allow yourself to learn something new, it is an incredible experience.  When you come home, well… cling to what you learned. Stay active. Stay interested. Society will try to blunt you, to shape you back into the nice little cog it needs to run the machine. But you don’t have to do that. You can be interesting. You can be different. Let the experience change you — if it is worth it.

Anything else you would like to share?

Nothing. Clearly, I am not much of a talker.

To learn more about Davisson, see:  www.zackdavisson.com.

In Pursuit of the Ultimate Aesthetic: A Life Devoted to Beauty YOSHIKI

By
Bruce Rutledge
-
Photo Courtesy of YOSHIKI

By Keiko Miyako Schlegel, translated by Bruce Rutledge
Photos courtesy of YOSHIKI

Photo Courtesy of YOSHIKI

▪️YOSHIKI is a composer, classically trained pianist, rock drummer, and the leader of X JAPAN. Over the course of his career, he has achieved numerous milestones, including performances at Madison Square Garden and Carnegie Hall. His creative work extends beyond music into fashion, film, and wine production. In 2023, he became the first Japanese artist ever to have his handprints and footprints immortalized at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. He is also widely known for his philanthropic work and commitment to promoting culture through the arts.

A lover of beauty in all its forms, YOSHIKI has dedicated his life to its pursuit. After relocating to Los Angeles in the 1990s, he overcame countless hardships while continuing to push beyond the boundaries of music in search of ever-greater artistic expression. Looking back on his journey, one word comes up again and again in his reflections: dream. What still lies ahead for him? In this interview, YOSHIKI speaks about his aspirations, his determination as an artist, and his thoughts ahead of his Los Angeles performances this July.

Photo Courtesy of YOSHIKI

The crystallization of YOSHIKI’s aesthetic: his crystal piano.

Please tell us about the concept behind your Los Angeles performances at Walt Disney Concert Hall on July 16 and 17.

Although the concerts are rooted in classical music, I’m planning something quite unconventional in terms of production. I want to create a fully immersive artistic world, so it will be very different from a typical classical concert. It’s going to be a spectacular show. And actually, I won’t just be playing piano. I’ll be performing on drums as well.

Would you describe this as part of the YOSHIKI CLASSICAL world tour?

I’ve performed internationally many times before, but if everything up to now was the prologue, then this is where Chapter One truly begins. In that sense, yes, it is a world tour. It starts in Japan, which is my homeland, and continues to places deeply connected to me, including Los Angeles and Paris.

You’ve now lived in Los Angeles for more than 30 years. What has life in America been like for you?

To me, Los Angeles is the center of the world for entertainment, especially music. That’s exactly why I chose to base myself here. Of course, there have been hundreds of times when I wanted to go back to Japan. But I always felt that I couldn’t return until I had accomplished something. That mindset has carried me through the past 30 years. Even now, I feel like I’m still climbing the stairs, one step at a time.

It’s surprising to hear someone of your stature say that you still haven’t accomplished enough. Does that reflect how much more you still want to do?

I love art in a holistic sense. Fashion, of course, but also things like producing wine. I’m deeply drawn to beauty itself. I’ve devoted my life to that pursuit, but I still don’t feel I’ve reached its fullest expression. Naturally, I’m a musician, so I compose as well, but I hope that by letting people witness my ongoing pursuit of what I call the ultimate aesthetic, I can offer them even a little courage.

Photo Courtesy of YOSHIKI

For the bottle design of his wine label, Y by YOSHIKI, YOSHIKI collaborated with celebrated contemporary Japanese artist Yoshitomo Nara.

You’ve taken on so many challenges and succeeded in so many fields. If you were reborn, what kind of life would you want to live?

To be honest, I wouldn’t want to live the same life over again. I’ve been blessed with incredible fans, and I’m deeply grateful for that, but my life has also been filled with just as much pain. Actually, I shouldn’t say that in the past tense. It’s still ongoing. There have been hundreds, maybe thousands, of moments when I felt like I was about to break. If I knew the same life was waiting for me again, it would simply be too hard.

And yet, because it has been this kind of life, I try to believe that I’ve been able to create music that only I could create.

It seems you carry a heavy burden, one can sense that even watching you on a screen.

I often tell myself that God doesn’t give us trials we cannot overcome.

In a different life, I think I would devote myself to art and volunteer work. I’ve been involved in charity for a very long time, and helping people gives meaning to my life. But then again, maybe I would still end up doing music in another life, too. I’ve loved music since childhood. As long as I can remember, music has always been around me.

Let’s talk about music. Piano and drums seem to express very different things. How do you approach each instrument?

Human beings experience all kinds of emotions: sadness, joy, anger. For me, the piano expresses sorrow and loneliness, while the drums express pain and anger. I use each instrument as a different outlet for my emotions. I also play trumpet and guitar, but piano and drums are my main instruments.

When people think of YOSHIKI, they often think of the crystal piano. How did the YOSHIKI model come about?

I’m drawn to things that are transparent and pure. That applies to the heart as well. I love purity. From a stage-production standpoint, the crystal piano also changes color depending on the lighting, and as I continued using it, my own model was eventually created. I use crystal drums as well.

Music is clearly your life itself. After undergoing three cervical spine surgeries, what kind of resolve do you carry with you now that you are back on stage?

When I perform, I do so as if I’m offering up my entire being. I’ve spent years playing drums with incredible intensity, and the same goes for piano. In a sense, the consequences are unavoidable. Even if I were to need a fourth or fifth surgery in the future, I would accept that. In every performance, I give my all.

Finally, what message would you like to share with Japanese people living in the Pacific Northwest, especially younger generations?

Living overseas can be very difficult. But there are also many people who wish they could go abroad and cannot. In a way, I think those of us who are living overseas also carry their dreams with us.

When I moved to America 30 years ago, it was still hard even to imagine Japanese people thriving internationally. By doing our best, we can inspire people back in Japan. I hope everyone will keep that in mind and continue striving forward.

“Carrying dreams” is a beautiful phrase. Do you think it is essential to hold on to dreams in life?

I think it depends on what kind of lens you choose to look at your life through. If you look through a dark lens, everything feels negative. I consciously make the effort to see things in a positive light, no matter what happens. The lens I try to see through is one filled with dreams. If people could look at life through that kind of lens, I think they would find hope and dreams there as well.

I hope to see you in Los Angeles.

YOSHIKI L.A. Concerts, July 16-17, Tickets on Sale Now　

Following his April performances in Tokyo, the second installment of YOSHIKI　CLASSICAL 2026 will take place in Los Angeles this summer under the titles “SCARLET NIGHT” and “VIOLET NIGHT.” Each of the two nights will feature　a different set list. These performances will mark YOSHIKI’s full-scale return to the U.S. stage after he underwent cervical spine surgery in 2024 and　completed a long rehabilitation process.

Dates: July 16 (Thu) and July 17 (Fri), 8:00 p.m.
Venue: The Music Center’s Walt Disney Concert Hall
111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012
Tickets: $44.50-$199.00
Details: yoshiki.net/disneyhall2026

Event Calendar from April 24th Print Issue

By
N.A.P Staff
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© Ryuya Amao
ONGOING
Photo Courtesy of YOSHIKI

YOSHIKI L.A. Concerts, Tickets on Sale Now – Following his April performances in Tokyo, the second installment of YOSHIKI CLASSICAL 2026 will take place in Los Angeles this summer under the titles “SCARLET NIGHT” and “VIOLET NIGHT.” Each of the two nights will feature a different set list. Concert will be on July 16 and July 17, 8 p.m. at The Music Center’s Walt Disney Concert Hall 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012. Tickets: $44.50-$199. Info: yoshiki.net/disneyhall2026

Japan International and ODK Media, Inc. announced the launch of Channel Oishii. It is the first Japanese food and lifestyle channel on the platform. It offers a 24/7 line-up of programming including drama, films, documentaries, and anime bringing viewers the flavors, places, and stories that make Japanese food culture so “oishii.” Channel Oishii is available free on Amasian TV in the U.S. and Canada on Channel 500. Viewers can watch the live stream and AVOD via smart TV, mobile devices or on the web at https://amasian.tv/live/channgel-oishii.

Kento Nakajima – releases his highly-anticipated sophomore album “Idol 1st”. Now available to download and stream worldwide on YouTube Music, Spotify, Apple Music, and more! Click here for local platform options:https://kentonakajima.lnk.to/ IDOL1STSpecialEdition.  Watch official music video for special collaboration track “Gods’ Play” featuring superstar singer and comedienne Naomi Watanabe: www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7YUrJ0EOg0. A physical disc version of “Idol 1st” is also available wherever Japanese CDs are sold including SKU-exclusive bonus songs and behind-the-scenes video content across three separate formats. 

APRIL

7th Annual Mukai Haiku Festival – Sun, Apr 26; 2 p.m. Mukai Farm & Garden, 18017 107th Ave SW, Vashon. Haiku on display. Categories: Mukai centennial, food, and young poets. Haiku takes many form but for the traditional three-line poems with the 5–7–5 syllable pattern and in the words of Matsuo Bashō, “simply what is happening in this place at this moment.” For more info, contact: info@mukaifarmandgarden.org or 206-463-1984 or see: mukaifarmandgarden.org. 

Nobuko Miyamoto – Thu, Apr 30; 5:30-8:30 p.m. Doors open 5 p.m. UW Kelly Ethnic Cultural Theater (ECC), 3940 Brooklyn Ave NE, Seattle. Free, open to all. Documentary film A Song in Movement. Work of visionary, artist-activist who changed Asian America forever. 6:30 p.m. mini concert – Miyamoto performs with Derek Nakamoto. 7:00 p.m. reception. ECC: 206-543-4635 or ecc@uw.edu.

MAY

Spring Plant Sale – Sat, May 2; 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Kubota Garden, 9817 55th Ave S, Seattle. Browse and shop a curated selection of unique plants with available guidance from garden experts. Proceeds benefit Kubota Garden Foundation. Reservations not required. Questions? Contact: info@kubotagarden.org or see: www.kubotagarden.org/event-details/spring-plant-sale. 

Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Island Heritage Month Celebration – Sat, May 2; 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. Seattle Center, Armory Food & Event Hall, 305 Harrison Street, Seattle. Free, all ages, performances, food, art, and interactive activities. The popular Alan Sugiyama “Hum Bow Eating Contest” emceed by John Chen at 2 p.m. and interactive trivia sessions hosted by Dr. Jerry Nguyen. KEXP radio will broadcast live from the event. Festival-wide scavenger hunt, vendor and sponsor booths, gashapon and claw machines, and more. See: https://seattlecenter.com/events/featured-events/festal/aanhpi-heritage-month-celebration. 

Honoring Our Legacies – Sat, May 2; 6-9:30 p.m.Museum of Flight, 9404 E Marginal Wy S, Seattle. Denise Louie Education Center celebrating its 48th anniversary with an evening centered on honoring legacies. Families, cultures, and community leaders whose stories continue to shape and strengthen our work. Also, honoring Dream Awardees. Register at: https://Deniselouie.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/2026DeniseLouieDinnerAuction.

A Place for What We Lose:A Daughter’s Return to Tule Lake – Tue, May5; 7-8:15p.m. Seattle Central Library, Level 1, Microsoft Auditorium, 1000 4th Ave, Seattle.As part of the One Book, One Coast shared reading initiative, hear local author Tamiko Nimura discuss her new memoir. A deeply affecting memoir of reckoning with a father’s death and the Japanese American incarceration. Registration required at:www.eventbrite.com/e/tamiko-nimura-discusses-a-place-for-what-we-lose-tickets-1983914134582?aff=oddtdtcreator. For more info, contact: 206-386-4636 or chat at: spl.org/Ask or see: www.spl.org/using-the-library/ask-us. 

Small Business Resilience Seminar – Tue, May 5; 6-7 p.m. Nisei Veterans Committee Memorial Hall, 1212 S King St, Seattle. Hosted by Japan-America Society of the St of WA. Free seminar will discuss minimum wage, tips, service charges, and overtime. Specialist from WA Dept. of Labor & Industries will explain employees’ rights. In English and Japanese. Advance registration required at: www.jassw.org/landiworkers01. 

© Ryuya Amao

Hayato Sumino (Cateen), piano – Thu, May 7; 8 p.m. Orpheum Theatre, 601 Smithe St, Vancouver, B.C. A phenomenon known on YouTube as “Cateen”. Young Japanese artist earned tens of millions of views for his interpretations of classical masterworks as well as his own original compositions. Remarkable pianist and composer breathes new life into the term “virtuoso”. Tickets at: https://purchase.vanrecital.com/EventAvailability?WebEventId=SUMINO.

Matsuri – Sat, May 9; 3-8 p.m.  University of Washington, 1410 NE Campus Parkway, Seattle. Japanese Student Association (JSA) needs volunteers for their upcoming event. Largest event JSA holds annually including Japanese street food, festival games, live performances, and more. E-mail: jsa.at.uw@gmail.com.

BonsaiFEST! – Sat-Sun, May 9–10; 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Pacific Bonsai Museum, 2515 S 336th St, Federal Way. Free outdoor programming, demonstrations, vendors, food, and hands-on activities for all ages. For more info, see: https://pacificbonsaimuseum.org/events/bonsai-fest-2026. 

Haiku Workshop & Contest – Thu, May 14; 6 p.m. Join an online Haiku workshop with Michael Dylan Welch.  Haiku Contest (Japanese & English) is open worldwide! Submit by May 24. Winners will be announced at Japan Fair in Bellevue Jun 27–28, published online, and awarded gift cards. For more info, see: www.japanfairus.org. 

Walk for Rice – Sat, May 16; 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Seward Park, 5900 Lk WA Blvd S, Seattle. The walk brings communities together to support the Asian Counseling and Referral Service Food Bank with Asian food. Free parking/shuttle 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.at ACRS, 3639 MLK Jr Wy S, Seattle. Be a sponsor at: acrsevents@acrs.org or volunteer at: volunteer@acrs.org. Register at: give.acrs.org/event/2026.-walk-for-rice/e755534.

Annual Commemoration of Day of Exile – Sat, May 16; 11 a.m.-12 p.m.  Ober Park, 17130 Vashon Hwy SW, Vashon. Anniversary of forced exile of Nikkei from Vashon Island in 1942. Sculpture designed by Miya Sukune will be dedicated depicting stories of Vashon Japanese American families as they were expelled from their homes. 1 p.m. small reception celebrating the new sculpture and welcoming descendants who will be attending. For more info, see:  https://mukaifarmandgarden.org/events/vashon-remembers-the-day-of-exile/. 

Japanese College Fair – Tue-Thu, May 19-21; 5:30-7:30 p.m. The Lighthouse will host the online, free event each evening. Open to anyone interested. Eight universities are scheduled to participate including Aoyama Gakuin University, Doshisha University, and Temple University Japan Campus. Live sessions in both English and Japanese. Provides the latest information on university admissions, scholarship opportunities, fall enrollment, and support services for international students. Individual consultations with each university will be available by appointment. Contact: seminar@us-lighthouse.com (Attn: Nakamura). Registration & Details: (Japanese) https://japan-universities.com/event/collegefair.html or (English) https://japan-universities.com/en/event/collegefair.html. 

Musical Adaptation of Hotel on the Corner or Bitter and Sweet – Sun, May 24; 2 p.m. Langston Hughes Cultural Arts Center, 104 17th Ave S, Seattle. Benefit performance. See event and ticket info at: www.eventbrite.com/e/hotel-on-the-corner-of-bitter-and-sweet-a-new-musical-tickets-1986370804548. 

Celebrate Japanese Heritage Night – Mon, May 25; 4-6 p.m. Rolling Bay Presbyterian Church, 11042 Sunrise Dr NE, Bainbridge Island. Part of the island’s 3rd Annual Asian Arts & Heritage Festival. The Misadventures of a Nisei Week Queen short film with panel discussion about the island’s Japanese assembly centers. Meet filmmaker Sharon Yamato, with performances by youth vocalist Micaela Omoto and dancer Emma Usui-Villareal. Tickets at: https://givebutter.com/japanese-heritage-night-sbvdpi or https://aahfestival.org/ or contact: hello@aahfestival.org.

14th Annual Seattle Asian American (AA) Film Festival – Fri-Sun, May 29-31. Films, filmmaker conversations, and celebrations highlighting AA, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander voices.  For more info and tickets, see: bit.ly/saaff2026.

Fri, May 29 – Opening night, Wing Luke Museum, 719 S King St, Seattle.

Sat-Sun, May 30-31 – Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute, 104 17th Ave S, Seattle.

Mon-Sun, Jun 1-7 – Virtual screenings on Eventive: https://eventive.org/virtual.  

One Book, One Coast: Scott Kurashige – Sat, May 30, 2-3:30 p.m.  Central Library, Level 1 Microsoft Auditorium, 1000 4th Ave, Seattle. Part of the One Book, One Coast reading initiative. Kurashige will discuss his new book “American Peril: The Violent History of Anti-Asian Racism” on the long anti-Asian violence history in America and how we can build lasting solidarity. Registration is required at: www.eventbrite.com/e/scott-kurashige-discusses-american-peril-tickets-1984166683964?aff=oddtdtcreator.

One Book, One Coast: George Takei Event Watch Parties – Sun, May 31, 2-3 p.m. Central Library, Greenwood Branch, and Southwest Branch in Seattle; and online. Join us at library locations or online for watch parties of a livestream event with George Takei, actor, activist, and author of “They Called Us Enemy.” The discussion will explore his memoir, what it means to be a good neighbor and citizen in the face of overwhelming challenges, and how shared books and stories build stronger communities. Takei will be in conversation with Los Angeles County Librarian and Director Dr. Skye Patrick, and Long Beach Public Library Director Cathy de Leon. Registration required for the online program at: https://library-lacounty-gov.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Ek6Fa2kxSjq1vs_BvlyHRg#/registration. Questions?  Contact: spl.org/ask or 206-386-4636. 

 

Mochitsuki Event in Seattle

By
Barbara Mizoguchi
-

Volunteers preparing the rice for visitors to pound into a mochi mass. Photo credit: Barbara Mizoguchi.

Volunteers rolling and preparing the mochi. Photo credit: Barbara Mizoguchi.

Volunteer young people preparing sato imo (Japanese taro) in the kitchen. Photo credit: Barbara Mizoguchi.

Volunteers serving guests a variety of toppings for their mochi. Photo credit: Barbara Mizoguchi.

 

Future of Pioneer Square and Downtown Seattle

By
Hikari Kono
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The preserved Cadillac Hotel in Seattle's Pioneer Square district (2007). It houses the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park. The building's history is described at historicseattle.org. Photo: Joe Mabel

By Susumu Takahashi
NAP Contributor

On a Sunday afternoon at Pioneer Square in Seattle, Washington, it was peaceful and joyous, where people from the East met those from the West. They were coming to a J-Pop concert at Bacovino Winery on Yesler Way overlooking beautiful Elliott Bay.

After being hit by COVID-19 and even afterwards, downtown Seattle has not fully recovered. Fox News (cable television channel) said, “[It is] more difficult operating in downtown Seattle today than it was during COVID.” Seattle’s downtown office vacancy has risen to nearly 35 percent as businesses can no longer survive with drugs, despair, and tech(nology) layoffs. It is one of the highest vacancy rates in the country. 

The good news is that Sound Transit’s Link Light Rail will connect the Eastside to downtown Seattle soon. The manufacturer of Series 2 trains is Siemens in Sacramento, California. Series 1 trains have been made by Kinki Sharyo-Mitsui of Japan since 2009. These trains have been retrofitted with updated onboard systems and new speed codes to be compatible with the East Link. March 28 is the official grand opening of the cross-lake connection, linking downtown Seattle to Bellevue and Redmond. People in the east and west will no longer be separated but will become one. The economic vitality of downtown Seattle should be dramatically enhanced.

My suggestion to make downtown Seattle a better place to work and live is to have a Koban (urban police boxes) that are permanent like in Japan. There could be one in Pioneer Square and one near Pike Place Market. In Japan, there are 6,000 Koban and another 6,000 Chuzaisho (residential rural police boxes) throughout the country to protect people safely and securely. They must operate 24 hours with three shifts of police personnel. Bathrooms might also be included that could be used by the public 24 hours a day.

Next, blocking vehicle traffic on Sundays from noon to 6 p.m. during the summer from June through August on Yesler Way between Western Avenue and First Avenue would create a pedestrian heaven like Ginza Street in Tokyo, Japan. Cafes and mobile food trucks could serve lunch and snacks.

A celebration of Light Rail in Pioneer Square should be organized. Then the revitalization of downtown should start with a Koban on Yesler Way.  We need to show we are a first-class, global city that entertains people from around the world.

Seattle Magazine’s Most Influential: The Muralist

By
N.A.P Contributor
-

By Daniel Anderson
The North American Post

Shogo Ota. Photo by M.Mataio

When artist Shogo Ota learned his design had been chosen as Seattle’s (Washington) official FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) World Cup™ poster, he was so surprised that he nearly had to pull his car over.   

“I couldn’t believe it,” he says with a laugh. “I’ve been making posters for local bands and events for over fifteen years but this was huge. I felt really honored and lucky.”

Born and raised in Hachiman, Gifu, Japan, Ota grew up surrounded by rivers, forests, and mountains images that continue to ripple through his work. “The Pacific Northwest feels a lot like home,” he says. “There’s nature, four seasons, animals. I always use sea creatures or local wildlife in my posters and murals. That connection keeps me inspired.”

After studying in Idaho, Ota moved to Seattle and never looked back. Through his one-man operation,  Tireman Studio, he handles every step of the creative process himself from sketching to painting to final installation. He typically juggles 10 to 15 projects at a time ranging from murals and posters to logos and other client work. Ota often works late into the night to keep everything moving.

Ota’s vivid, flowing lines now stretch across the city transforming blank walls into landmarks of vivacious color. His murals appear along Interstate 5 freeway, in West Seattle, and throughout the Chinatown–International District in Seattle. He also designed and hand painted large-format art pieces for global companies including Starbucks, Facebook, and Snow Peak.

Each of Ota’s projects is distinct yet unmistakably his—tied together by a sense of rhythm and movement. “I don’t stick to one style,” he says. “I’d call it a versatile style. I mix Japanese art history with Western culture, sometimes adding psychedelic detailed patterns. I enjoy exploring different mediums—it’s a versatile, almost ADHD (Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) style.”

He calls it an “invisible connection” between the artist and viewer, a quiet thread woven into the city’s visual story. “It’s like a piece of me becomes part of the community,” he reflects. “People might not know I made it (the artwork) but they remember the visual when they pass by a wall near a school or grocery store. That connection becomes part of their memory.” 

About Most Influential
Every year, Seattle magazine’s Most Influential list takes a close look at the people shaping the city right now. The 2025 cohort spans politics, philanthropy, arts, hospitality, business, and community work, highlighting leaders whose influence shows up in tangible ways across the city. Some are longtime fixtures. Others are newer voices. What connects them is impact—and the ability to move ideas, systems, and conversations forward as the city heads into 2026.

WA St. Day of Remembrance Resolution〜 Day of Remembrance

By
N.A.P Contributor
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By Hannah Waterman
NAP Contributor 

On February 18 and 19, the Washington State Legislature observed the Day of Remembrance hosted by Sen. Bob Hasegawa (D-Tukwila) and Rep. Sharon Tomiko Santos (D-Seattle). The ceremonies included House of Representatives and Senate resolutions, and speeches in both chambers. Survivors of incarceration camps, Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs, Pierce County (Washington) Council member Brian Yambe, Consulate General of Japan in Seattle Makoto Iyori, Nisei Veterans Committee, Friends of Mukai Farm, Japanese Cultural and Community Center, and local members of the Japanese American Citizens League were all in attendance.

Former incarcerees left-right:  Anne Sakaizawa Hasegawa, Cho Shimizu, Teru Shimono, Penny Fukui, and Frank Fukui. Photo courtesy of WA St. Legislature.

Observances began on Wednesday, the 18th in the Senate, where Sen. Hasegawa introduced Senate Resolution 8687, honoring Japanese Americans who survived incarceration during World War II. Sens. Shelly Short (R-Addy), Claire Wilson (D-Federal Way), Keith Wagoner (R-Sedro-Woolley), and Steve Conway (D-Tacoma) spoke to the resolution as well. The Senate unanimously adopted the resolution.

On Thursday, the 19th, the observance continued in the House of Representatives with the flags presented by Seattle Buddhist Temple Scout Troop 252 followed by the resolution’s reading. House Resolution 4692 honors Japanese Americans who suffered relocation and incarceration during World War II in 1942. Speeches were given by Reps. Brian Burnett (R-Wenatchee), Monica Jurado Stonier (D-Vancouver), Skyler Rude (R-Walla Walla), Cyndy Jacobsen (R-Puyallup), and Sharon Tomiko Santos (D-Seattle). The House adopted the resolution with unanimous consent.

Feb. 19 DOR guests. Photo courtesy of WA St. Legislature.

The ceremonies were a touching and powerful gathering of the community and provided an opportunity to remember the past and commit to an equitable future.

On February 18, the Senate resolution was observed by the following community leaders:

Carrie Huie — WA State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs Commissioner

Brianna Tamaki — Yakima Community Foundation Board of Directors; Blaine & Preciosa Tamaki Foundation Co-Chair

Bill Tashima — former Seattle JACL President

Eileen Yamada Lamphere — Puyallup Valley JACL president and Remembrance Gallery Education Director

On February 19, the House of Representatives resolution was observed by the following community leaders:

Sheldon Arakaki — JACL Pacific Northwest District Council Governor

Boy Scouts of America, Troop 252

Anna Cho Shimizu — former incarceree

Friends of Mukai Farm 

Penny and Frank Fukui — former incarcerees, former owners, The Woodburn Company and honorary co-chairs Remembrance Gallery

Sakaizawa Hasegawa — former incarceree

Steve Hobbs — WA Secretary of State

Makoto Iyori — Consul General, Consulate General of Japan in Seattle

Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Washington

Dale Kaku — Kawabe House Board of Directors President; past Nisei Veterans Committee (NVC) Commander

Mark Mitsui — former Seattle North College President, former Portland Community College President, Community Colleges U.S. Department of Education Deputy Assistant Secretary

Barbara Mizoguchi — Editor-in-Chief, The North American Post; Remembrance Gallery Committee; former Executive Director, Japanese Cultural & Community Center

Bob Nakamura — Olympia JACL President

Teru Shimono — former incarceree

Harold Taniguchi — former King County Director of Transportation

Rev. Masao Uomono — Skyline Seattle Retirement Community

Dale Watanabe — Commander, NVC

Dale Watanabe — Minidoka Pilgrimage Committee

Eileen Yamada Lamphere — Puyallup Valley JACL President and Remembrance Gallery Education Director

Bryan Yambe — Pierce County Council District 5

Rev. Karen Yokota Love — Senior Pastor, Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church

 

Tsuru Organizes Two Days of Remembrance and Resistance Events 〜Day of Remembrance

By
N.A.P Contributor
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By Theo Bickel
NAP Contributor

Video chat. Tsuru was able to connect with a detainee inside the NW ICE Processing Center. He shared the inadequate healthcare and severe medical conditions he suffers through inside the facility.  Photo credit: Theo Bickel. 

In February, Japanese American descendants of incarcerated families and allies rallied outside the fence of the Northwest Detention Center (NWDC) in Tacoma, Washington to commemorate the Day of Remembrance.

The event began with taiko drummers booming songs that echoed across the entrance to NWDC—one of the largest U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facilities in the country today.

February 19, 2026 marks 84 years since U.S. President Roosevelt signed U.S. Executive Order 9066 which authorized the mass, forced removal and incarceration of more than 120,000 Japanese Americans.

Activists gather together in protest outside the Northwest ICE Processing Center, the Tacoma Dome far off in the distance. Photo credit: Theo Bickel.

Organized by Tsuru for Solidarity and immigrants’ rights organization, La Resistencia, speakers denounced the violence and dehumanization of immigrants perpetrated by federal immigration enforcement today. The historic experiences of trauma and violence from the executive order incarceration strongly resembled the family separation inflicted by the current federal government.

Organizers communicated with a current detainee inside the NWDC via a video call in the middle of the program. He shared his experiences of medical neglect and dehumanization that marks life inside the ICE processing facility.

The rally followed the Puyallup Valley Japanese American Citizens League Day of Remembrance program earlier that day, as well as Tsuru for Solidarity’s press conference outside the King County International Airport.

UW Nikkei Student Union Day of Remembrance 〜Day of Remembrance

By
N.A.P Contributor
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By Kai Dennis
NAP Contributor

Nikkei Student Union at the University of Washington held its annual Day of Remembrance on February 20 at the at wǝɫǝbʔaltxʷ – Intellectual House on the Seattle campus. It was to honor the 125,000+ Japanese Americans who were incarcerated after the signing of Executive Order 9066 on February 19, 1942.

Daniel Winterbottom spoke about public healing gardens during the DOR program. Photo courtesy:UW Nikkei Student Union. 

This event included guest speakers Satsuki Ina, who spoke about her work with healing circles; Daniel Winterbottom, who spoke about public healing gardens; and La Resistencia, speaking about modern detention issues in the U.S. There were performances by poet Troy Osaki and UW Taiko Kai.

The event curated education about the effect that this injustice had on the Japanese American community, discussions about how Japanese Americans as a community have and continue to heal generational trauma, and how this unjust incarceration connects with the current experience of immigrants in the U.S. today.   

The hope was to foster a space for reflection and create a sense of community and solidarity.

Japanese, EU, USA Governments Observe Lumina Greenland Mining

By
N.A.P Contributor
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By Dale Allen
NAP Contributor

An honorable delegation of Japanese government and business officials observing Lumina Greenland’s mining operations. Photo courtesy: Dale Allen.

Lumina Sustainable Materials Greenland (pioneering material science company) hosted a Japanese government delegation comprised of officials from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), the state agency Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC) and leading Japanese companies such as Mitsubishi Materials, Sumitomo Metal Mining, and Marubeni. The visit occurred in November 2025 and included an invitation to observe the Lumina mining operations.

The delegation departed the Greenland capital of Nuuk for a 300 km flight northwest to Kangerlussuaq, and a further 80 km boat trip to the mining site in Qaqortorsuaq. Travel was completed without weather difficulties.

The delegation observed mine operations including blasting, jaw crushing, transportation of anorthosite (type of rock) to the dock, and the 40,000-ton indoor storage facility. As guests of the Lumina mining crew, they were treated to a special occasion meal of local favorites. The “Northern Lights” (aurora borealis) provided an early atmospheric show to the delight of the Japanese delegation.

Lumina mining operations run 365 days per year under the unique and challenging conditions of Greenland. Photo courtesy: Dale Allen.

Mr. Tomkazu Shimori, General Manager, JOGMEC, London Office, wrote, “thanks to your assistance, we were able to gain a much deeper understanding of mining and mechanical processing in Greenland. We also gained a renewed appreciation of the challenges of shipping during the winter, and the issues surrounding the electricity infrastructure. I would like to express my respect for the efforts of everyone involved in continuing your business while overcoming these difficulties. JOGMEC will immediately begin considering what steps can be taken next to strengthen our relationship with Greenland”.

Further, Mr. Satoshi Kikuchi, Mitsubishi Materials Corp., London Office, wrote, “it was a great honor to participate in the delegation alongside METI, JOGMEC, and the other Japanese industry representatives. The visit provided valuable insight into what it takes to operate a mine in arctic conditions, and I was particularly impressed to learn how your team has repeatedly overcome challenges and continually improved operations over the years. I look forward to following your progress and would be grateful for any updates you may be able to share, especially regarding the ongoing rare earth exploration activities.”

Lumina, with its decade-long experience with the Greenlandic government and its 365-day per year mining operation, has been responding to inquiries from the European Union, United States, and Japanese governments. Lumina continues to demonstrate both the navigation of challenges and the substantial opportunities surrounding operating in Greenland.

 

Portland Japanese Garden and Japan Institute Name New Co-CEOs

By
N.A.P Contributor
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By Will Lerner
NAP Contributor

Lisa Christy, Executive Director of Portland Japanese Garden in Oregon; and Aki Nakanishi, Director of Japan Institute and the Arlene Schnitzer Curator of Culture, Art, and Education for Portland Japanese Garden have been named Co-CEOs of Portland Japanese Garden and Japan Institute. The organization’s Board of Trustees announced them in January. Together, they will oversee the nonprofit public garden and cultural organization. It has been hailed as the most beautiful and authentic Japanese garden outside of Japan, and one of North America’s preeminent Japanese cultural organizations.

Aki Nakanishi (left) and Lisa Christy. Photo by Jonathan Ley.

In their Co-CEO roles, Christy will oversee the garden’s administrative and operational functions including guest experience, finance, and organizational management. Nakanishi will lead programmatic and cultural oversight, guiding the garden’s educational and cultural initiatives, and stewarding its Japanese and bicultural integrity. The leaders will work together on fundraising and mapping out the strategic vision for the organization. This innovative leadership model is fitting for a bicultural organization and was specifically tailored based on the significant, unique, and complementary experiences of Christy and Nakanishi.

Christy spent 15 years in business working in advertising including at the prestigious agency Wieden+Kennedy. She joined the garden in 2014 as Director of Marketing & Communications. She later served as Chief External Affairs Officer and then Executive Director before being appointed Co-CEO. Throughout her tenure, Christy has helped define how the garden serves its community. She led a seven-fold expansion of the external affairs division, oversaw a comprehensive rebrand, and directed the communications strategy for the Cultural Village opening, earning national and international recognition. Christy built the garden’s guest experience strategy, expanded community access and engagement programs, and helped drive record-setting membership and attendance year after year. She also serves on the Board of Directors for Travel Portland.

Nakanishi joined the garden in 2018 as the Arlene Schnitzer Curator of Culture, Art, and Education; and served as Director of Japan Institute, the garden’s cultural and programmatic arm. Prior to these roles, he spent ten years at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, Japan where he led cultural initiatives. He advanced U.S.–Japan relations while also founding a nonprofit organization dedicated to regional revitalization and youth empowerment. During his tenure at the garden, Nakanishi has overseen more than 1,000 programs. It included exhibitions of traditional and contemporary artists and craftspeople, seasonal festivals, culinary initiatives, cultural demonstrations, workshops, forums, and lectures. Through this work, Nakanishi helped strengthen the garden’s reputation as a leading international center for cultural exchange. He deepened public understanding of the reciprocal cultural ties between the U.S. and Japan.

Nakanishi is currently a PhD candidate at the University of Cambridge conducting research focused on medieval Japan.

“We are incredibly excited for Lisa and Aki to take Portland Japanese Garden and Japan Institute forward,” shares Paul Schommer, president of the Board of Trustees. “The two of them have been instrumental in helping the organization maintain much-needed stability during a time that has been demanding for cultural institutions across the nation. Beyond their steady hand, both Lisa and Aki have impressive professional backgrounds, a profound knowledge of the garden and an exciting vision for its future, unmatched strategic thinking, and empathetic insight that complement each other perfectly. We have the utmost confidence in their vision for the organization and know their work will help the garden and institute continue to uplift our beloved city of Portland through nature, the arts, and cross-cultural understanding.”

“We are both deeply grateful to the Board of Trustees for this vote of confidence,” Christy and Nakanishi shared in a joint statement. “Through our years at Portland Japanese Garden, we have seen firsthand the profound importance this organization has to the City of Portland and our community, in addition to fostering strong U.S.-Japan relations. As leaders of a bi-cultural organization, we are honored to bring our complementary experiences and strengths to build on the good work of those who came before us. We’re fortunate to have a strong board and look forward to working with them as well as our exceptional staff, passionate volunteers, dedicated members, and generous donors to help carry forward our important mission of Inspiring Harmony and Peace.”

About Portland Japanese Garden
Portland Japanese Garden is a nonprofit organization originally founded in 1963 as a place for cross-cultural understanding following World War II. A hallmark in the City of Portland, the garden was founded on the ideals of peace and mutual understanding between peoples and cultures. Portland Japanese Garden is considered the most authentic Japanese garden outside of Japan and the foremost Japanese cultural organization in North America.

About Japan Institute
Japan Institute was established in 2020 as a global cultural initiative of Portland Japanese Garden. This sibling organization is the programmatic arm of Portland Japanese Garden,. It allows us to share and expand our cultural programs more broadly around the world,. We deepen international partnerships, and continue to engage diverse people in shared experiences and conversations about peace, beauty, and connection of nature. Portland Japanese Garden & Japan Institute share the mission: Inspiring Harmony and Peace.

Spring Fair Ticket Subscription Campaign

By
N.A.P Staff
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For each new NAP or Soy Source subscription, we are offering a free ticket and parking pass to the WA St Spring Fair, Puyallup (Apr 10-12 & 17-19). A two-year subscription is needed for two tickets with parking. 

Subscribers receive a private tour of the Remembrance Gallery located on the fairgrounds.

(The cash value of a Spring Fair ticket and parking is $17 and $15, respectively.) Offer good while supply lasts. Subscription info is below.

Subscribe

$30 for 1 year, $50 for 2 years
napost.com/subscribe
Check payable to our mailing address:
The North American Post
P.O. Box 3173, Seattle, WA 98114

Questions? Contact: subs@napost.com

 

Seattle Public Library Joins One Book, One Coast

By
N.A.P Contributor
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By Laura Gentry and Elisa Murray
NAP Contributors

This spring, The Seattle Public Library (SPL) invites the community to take part in One Book, One Coast, a shared reading inittiative connecting more than 140 library systems across California, Oregon, and Washington. This is the West Coast’s largest book club which includes more than 20 in Washington State alone.

Led by Los Angeles County Library, One Book, One Coast will encourage millions of library readers to read and discuss the graphic memoir They Called Us Enemy by George Takei, Steven Scott, and Justin Eisinger; and illustrated by Harmony Becker. They Called Us Enemy tells the story of actor/author/activist Takei’s imprisonment as a child within American concentration camps during World War II. Through this shared reading experience, communities are invited to explore themes of identity, patriotism, family, loyalty, and resilience while strengthening connections through dialogue and learning. “The Seattle Public Library is grateful to participate in this exceptional effort to read and explore Takei’s powerful story with readers all around the West Coast,” said SPL’s Chief Librarian Tom Fay, “Shared stories can bring us together, teach us about silenced histories, and deepen our humanity.”

Find out more about SPL’s participation in One Book, One Coast at: www.spl.org/OBOC.

Other Western Washington libraries participating in One Book, One Coast include Everett Public Library, King County Library System, Pierce County Library System, and Tacoma Public Library. A full list of participating library systems can be viewed at: LACountyLibrary.org/oboc. SPL’s One Book, One Coast program is supported by The Seattle Public Library Foundation.

Book cover of They Called Us Enemy by George Takei. 

How to Find a Copy of They Called Us Enemy

SPL cardholders can access Takei’s book in several ways. SPL is offering unlimited digital copies of They Called Us Enemy through Hoopla at: https://seattle.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S30C3428183.

You can place holds or see where physical copies of the book are located in our catalogue at: https://seattle.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S30C3606683.

E-book copies can be accessed through OverDrive and Libby at: https://seattle.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S30C3505499. At a later date, SPL will also make unlimited digital copies of the e-book version in English and Spanish through OverDrive.

One Book, One Coast Programs at SPL

SPL will host several programs highlighting Seattle-area authors who have written about Japanese American incarceration and resistance.

On April 8, writer and historian Frank Abe, author of We Hereby Refuse and former guest curator at SPL, will speak about The Literature of the Japanese American Incarceration.

On May 5, Tacoma creative nonfiction writer Tamiko Nimura will discuss A Place for What We Lose: A Daughter Returns to Tule Lake, her forthcoming memoir to be published on April 28, 2026. Both events are at the Central Library, Level 1 Microsoft Auditorium. They are free and open to the public but pre-registration is required.

“I’m proud to live in Seattle, home to writers like John Okada and others working then. Now through literature and graphic art, to share the story of the forced removal of Japanese Americans from the West Coast,” said Abe. “Through graphic novels like our own We Hereby Refuse from Chin Music Press and Mr. Takei’s book, we can unite as ‘One Coast’. [It will] help readers understand this essential history so that we can avoid repeating it.”

SPL is planning additional One Book, One Coast programming, to be announced at a later date. SPL will also participate in a West Coast livestream event with George Takei on Sunday, May 31 that closes the One Book, One Coast program. See: https://visit.lacountylibrary.org/event/15930131. More information will be shared in the coming months. One Book, One Coast is similar in concept to Seattle Reads, SPL’s annual citywide book group, which started in 1998 and has been replicated around the world. The SPL is planning to celebrate Seattle Reads in the fall of 2026.

About They Called Us Enemy by George Takei

Published in 2019, They Called Us Enemy is a New York Times bestselling graphic memoir. It reflects on civil liberties, democracy, and what it means to be American—both historically and today. George Hosato Takei was born on April 20, 1937. He is an American actor and author, best known for his role as Hikaru Sulu, helmsman of the USS Enterprise in the television series Star Trek. Takei is also a proponent of gay rights, and active in state and local politics apart from his continued acting career. He has won several awards and recognition in his work on human rights and Japanese American relations including his work with the Japanese American National Museum.

About The Seattle Public Library
The SPL believes that the power of knowledge improves people’s lives. We promote literacy and a love of reading as we bring people, information, and ideas together to enrich lives and empower community. Contact the library’s Ask Us service by telephone at: 206-386-4636 or by email or chat at: spl.org/Ask. Staff are ready to answer questions and direct you to helpful resources and information. Find out more about our future plans at: www.spl.org/StrategicPlan.

From Seattle to Noto: The Seattle Ishikawa Association Launches 2026 Scholarship Fund for Earthquake Survivors

By
N.A.P Contributor
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By Seattle Ishikawa Assocation
NAP Contributor

Noto city. Taken approximately a month after the earthquake, it shows the effects of the tsunami. Photo courtesy: Ishikawa Prefecture Website. 

On the anniversary of the 7.6 magnitude Noto Peninsula earthquake of 2024 in Japan, the Seattle Ishikawa Association (シアトル石川県人会) is proud to announce the next phase of its relief efforts.

While the initial disaster response has ended, the financial recovery for the region’s youth is just beginning. Over the last two years in 2024 and 2025, thanks to the generosity of the Seattle community, the association raised $20,000, providing critical scholarships for 20 college students who lost their homes or their livelihoods in the quake.

For 2026, the association, under the direction of president Takuya Funaki, is raising the bar. The goal is to ensure that its students—the “light of hope” for Ishikawa’s future—can remain in school without the crushing weight of financial uncertainty.

Donations are accepted online through the GoFundMe page:  gofundme.com/f/noto-student-relief. At this time, no strict deadline has been set for contributions. Even if donations do not arrive in time for the 2026 distribution cycle, funds may be carried over to support students in the following year. The current fundraising page clearly indicates that contributions are intended for the 2026 scholarship cycle; however, the association will review wording if clarification becomes necessary.

For official details regarding the 2026 scholarship disbursement, please refer to the announcement from the Iwaki Ryugakusei Scholarship Foundation, the administering organization and recipient of the transferred funds, available here: https://iwakizaidan.org/asset/pdf/20251104.pdf.

‘Defining Courage’ at Meany Hall

By
David Yamaguchi
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By David Yamaguchi
The North American Post

Occasionally, a special event comes to Seattle that is of broad interest to the NAP readership. One such event is the April 11 performance of Defining Courage at Meany Hall on the University of Washington Seattle campus.

Defining Courage is a live multimedia retelling of the story of the Japanese American soldiers of World War II. The traveling production is narrated by David Ono, an Emmy Award-winning news anchor for ABC7 television station in Los Angeles (L.A.), California (CA). As seen in its movie trailer, the performance includes a film, chamber orchestra, and vocalists. However, the musicians vary as the show travels to different localities.

To date, “Defining” has been performed in L.A., CA three times; Honolulu, Hawaii (HI) twice; Costa Mesa, and San Jose, CA; Washington, D.C.; San Francisco (S.F.), CA; Houston, Texas; Little Rock, Arkansas; Berkeley, CA; and Maui, HI. After Seattle, it is headed to Salt Lake City, Utah and Heart Mountain, Wyoming. At each location, Ono adapts the  narrative to highlight its own Nisei veterans.

The Seattle event will emphasize the story of 442nd Infantry medic James Okubo. He was a Bellingham High School graduate, who would later receive the U.S. Medal of Honor, the Armed Forces’ highest military decoration, for saving 17 men in one day. The film footage follows Bill and Anne Okubo in retracing their father’s journey in the Vosges Mountains, France.

The second focus will be the path of Bainbridge Island Japanese Americans. They were the first community to be taken from their homes to inland incarceration camps.

Rafu Shimpo, the L.A. Japanese community newspaper, says, “This is more than a history lesson—it’s a testament to inner strength that inspires us in our search for courage today.”

A heads-up for those planning to attend: Nichi Bei News of S.F., CA describes the show as a tear-jerker. Tissues were passed out at the 2023 L.A. event.

Sponsor a piece of history
Platinum: $10,000 — 20 premium tickets, 14 VIP post-show reception tickets and more.
Gold: $7,500 — 16 premium tickets, 10 VIP post-show reception tickets and more.
Silver: $5,000 — 10 premium tickets, 6 VIP post-show reception tickets and more.
Bronze: $2,500 — 6 premium tickets, 4 VIP post-show reception tickets and more.
Community: $1,000 — 2 premium tickets, 2 VIP post-show reception tickets and more.
Details at: https://definingcourageshow.com.

Defining Courage” trailer:  
https://player.vimeo.com/video/109793638.   

Sakura Monogatari – Stories Beneath the Blossoms / How the Cherry Blossom Festival Began

By
Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Washington(JCCCW)
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Sakura Monogatari – Stories Beneath the Blossoms

Each spring, the blooming cherry blossom trees transform Seattle into a place of color, reflection, and celebration. At this year’s festival, the theme “Sakura Monogatari”—meaning “Stories Beneath the Blossoms”—invites visitors to reflect on the moments, memories, and traditions that unfold during the short but beautiful cherry blossom season.

In Japanese culture, cherry blossoms symbolize both renewal and the fleeting nature of time. Their brief bloom reminds us to appreciate the present, whether that is sharing food with friends, watching a dance performance, discovering new art or simply standing beneath the blossoms in quiet appreciation.

Throughout the festival, each performance, exhibit, and conversation becomes part of this year’s “story.” Musicians bring rhythm to the grounds, artists share their craft, and visitors create their own memories as they explore the celebration. Under the blossoms, every moment becomes part of the story.

How the Cherry Blossom Festival Began

Did you know the first Japanese cherry blossom trees sent to the United States passed through Seattle on their journey? In Japan, cherry blossoms symbolize the transience of life. In 1909, these blossoms crossed the Pacific as a gift of friendship between Japan and the United States.

  • 1885 – While visiting Japan, American writer and photographer Eliza Ruhamah Scidmore is captivated by tthe beauty of cherry blossoms. Inspired, she proposes planting Japanese cherry blossom trees along the Potomac waterfront in Washington, D.C. For 24 years, her vision goes unheard.
  • 1906 – Hope begins to bloom when American botanist David Fairchild of the U.S. Department of Agriculture imports 100 cherry blossom trees to test whether they can thrive in the climate around Washington, D.C. When the trees flourish, enthusiasm for Scidmore’s dream begins to grow.
  • 1909 – As plans move forward, Japanese chemist Jokichi Takamine helps arrange a generous gift of 2,000 cherry blossom trees from the city of Tokyo (in Japan and) accepted by U.S.First Lady Helen Herron Taft. The trees arrive to the U.S. through Seattle but tragedy strikes. Inspectors discover the trees are diseased. To protect American agriculture, the entire shipment is burned in a great bonfire.
  • 1912 – Determined to preserve this gesture of friendship, the Mayor of Tokyo sends a new gift of 3,020 healthy cherry blossom trees representing twelve varieties. They travel from Yokohama, Japan to Seattle and then onward to Washington, D.C. where they are planted along the Potomac River in the mid-Atlantic of the U.S.
  • 1935 – The beauty of these blossoms inspires the first National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington D.C., celebrating the enduring friendship between Japan and the U.S.
  • 1960 – Crown Prince Akihito of Japan tours the U.S., including Seattle. He plants a Mount Fuji cherry blossom tree in the Seattle Japanese Garden, symbolizing his hope for peace between Japan and the U.S.
  • 1976 – Decades later, Japan honors its connection with the Pacific Northwest by gifting 1,000 cherry blossom trees to Seattle during America’s Bicentennial. Their arrival inspired the first Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival, first held in Seward Park. It was later moved to the Seattle Center in 1978.

Present – The Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival is part of the Seattle Center Festál series of free cultural festivals held at the center throughout the year.

Festivals through the Years and Map

By
Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Washington(JCCCW)
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2006

Festival Booklet Covers through the Years

6th
12th
13th
15th
16th
18th
19th
22nd
24th
50th

Festival Map

Art Exhibit: Open all three days from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Armory Lofts.

Exhibitors: Located in the Armory and Fisher Pavilion.

Performers: On stage in the Armory and Fisher Pavilion. Check the website for the performance schedule and locations.

Sumo Tournament: Saturday, April 11 starting at 9 a.m. in the Exhibition Hall.

Vendors: Located in Fisher Pavilion.

Vendors〜Seattle Cherry Blossome & Japanese Cultural Festival 2026

By
Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Washington(JCCCW)
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Art 51

Located in the Armory Lofts and open all three days. This year’s art exhibit will showcase over 30 local artists and 120 artworks! This year’s featured artist is tattooist and muralist Kenji Hama-Stoll from Tacoma, WA whose works can also be found at the Tacoma Art Museum. Stop by, and maybe you’ll even find some artwork you want to take home!

Asato Bingata Dyeing

Asato Bingata is bringing the traditional Okinawan art of bingata stencil dyeing to the festival this year —straight from Okinawa. Visit the booth to see the vibrant colors and patterns as well as try bingata dyeing for yourself!

Consulate General of Japan

The Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle works together with local communities to promote Japanese culture, facilitate a variety of exchanges, and strives to strengthen bonds between Japan and the Pacific Northwest. Interested in working in Japan? The Consulate General booth is the place to go. To learn about JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching), head to their booth and see what opportunities await.

Fujima Fujimine Ensemble

Taught by Tazue Sasaki, members of the Fujima Fujimine Ensemble practice traditional Japanese dance in the renowned Fujima School style. Called Nihon Buyo, this type of dance is heavily influenced by other types of theater such as Kabuki and Noh plays. Come watch the dancers dressed in beautiful kimonos perform mesmerizing movements on stage.

Hokkaido Association of North Amaerica

Have you ever seen a Hokkaido Inu, one of Japan’s ancient Nihon Ken dog breeds? Often mistaken for the more famous Shiba Inu, this historic breed is now at risk of extinction—only 121 puppies were registered in Japan last year! The Hokkaido Association of North America and Hokkaido Inu Hozonkai are working together on a documentary to share the breed’s history and support preservation efforts. Stop by their booth to learn more!

Hokkaido Ramen Santouka

Originally from Asahikawa, Hokkaido in Japan, Santouka uses a white tonkotsu (pork bone) broth that is crafted in-house from scratch at all of its restaurants. Simmered for 20 hours to extract and preserve flavor, its mild seasoning and minimal salt sets it apart from other types of ramen.

Koto Jelly Coffee

Koto Jelly serves housemade, drinkable jellies. It can be perfectly paired with a drink or layered into a parfait. Inspired by a beloved Japanese dessert, each jelly is crafted with their own special agar formula so everyone (even vegetarians) can enjoy this unique, wobbly treat. This is a dessert to see, sip, and savor!

P.A.P.E.R

The Puget Area Paperfolding Enthusiasts Roundtable (P.A.P.E.R) is an origami interest group that meets on a monthly basis to share the joy of paper folding. From money folds to modular builds and crane variations, members do all sorts of creative folding and have exhibited work at both the local and national levels.

Ryushin Creative Dance Troupe

Based on traditional Eisa dance, the troupe performs a variety of dances incorporating Okinawan culture and music including original Eisa dances, lion dances, Okinawan-style Sansa drumming, and Ryukyuan dance. The members range from preschoolers to adults while passing on Okinawan culture across generations. Currently, the team is active mainly in Okinawa Prefecture in Japan performing at local events and festivals.

Sake Tasting

Experience the joy of sake in the Armory Lofts with selections from Saké Nomi and the Hyogo Business & Cultural Center. Saké Nomi is the first and only dedicated sake bar in the Pacific Northwest. They serve some of the best sakes available from Japan. As is custom, founders Johnnie and Taiko drank sake at their wedding and have been celebrating sake ever since. Participants will receive a festival-branded, wooden sake cup (called “masu”) as part of the tasting. Kanpai!

Sakura Sweets

Sakura Sweets features cupcakes, cookies, cake pops, and other confections inspired by cherry blossoms. Each dessert blooms with delicate, hand-piped frosting petals, celebrating the beauty of sakura and the colors of spring. Part dessert, part edible art—it is a sweet experience you will not want to miss.

Seattle Abacus School

Discover the ancient art of the abacus or soroban! Through hands-on activities, students learn to visualize numbers and develop powerful mental math skills. This interactive experience blends learning with play, creativity, and discovery.

Shannon and Jason, Artful Menders

The very definition of creative chaos, Shannon and Jason are experts in Japanese artful mending. With the philosophy of “Mottainai” or minimizing waste, they teach embroidery techniques such as boro, sashiko, and kogin-zashi. It is used to repair clothing and other textiles that might otherwise end up in a landfill. Visit their booth to learn more about their workshops, books, or see their colorful creations that blend historical crafts and modern applications.

Sumo Tournament

Rain City Sumo brings the energy and tradition of Japan’s ancient sport to the Pacific Northwest. Known for their entertaining sumo events and tournaments, they showcase the power, skill, and strategy behind this iconic sport. It is performed in a safe, fun, and high-energy way. Catch the action-packed tournament, starting on Saturday, April 9 at 9 a.m. in the Exhibition Hall. It is a showdown you will not want to miss!

Tegata

Tegata are handprints on stiff boards called shikishi and traditionally used as signatures by sumo wrestlers. Stop by and make your own tegata to take home during the festival!

 

Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival 2026 Special

By
Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Washington(JCCCW)
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Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival 2026 Special

Sakura Monogatari – Stories Beneath the Blossoms
/ How the Cherry Blossom Festival Began >>>

Performers & Exhibitors >>>

Vendors >>>

Festivals through the Years and Map >>>

Performers & Exhibitors〜Seattle Cherry Blossome & Japanese Cultural Festival 2026

By
Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Washington(JCCCW)
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Performers 

Beikoku Shodo Kenkyukai Seattle Chapter – Calligraphy

Chanoyu Seattle Omotesenke-ryu – Tea Ceremony

Cherry Dragon – Power Alt-Rock Band

Dekoboko Taiko

Fujima Fujimine Ensemble

Hoshu Dojo – Shindo Muso Ryu Jodo, Martial Art

Ichi Bichi – Pink Punk Rock Band

Inochi Taiko

Ikebana International Chapter 19

Japan-America Society of the State of Washington – Japan in the Schools

Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Washington – Kamishibai, “Sakura Monogatari“

Kelly Goto – “Seattle Samurai:  A Journey of Story and Resilience” book

Mako Kikuchi – “Listening to Japanese America – Acetate Recordings from the 1930s – 1950s”

Muso Shinden Ryu Kenkyu Kai – Sword-drawing

Northwest Taiko

Okinawa Kenjin Kai – Ryushin Taiko

One World Taiko

Pacific Northwest Kendo Federation

Rain City Sumo

Ryushin Creative Dance Group – Okinawa

Seattle Dojo – Judo

Seattle Kokon Taiko

Seattle Japanese Language School – Youth Choir

Seattle Matsuri Taiko

Seattle Miyagi-Kai – Japanese Koto Ensemble

Seattle Seido Karate

Seibu Ryu Iai-Battojutsu – Japanese Sword Arts

Shintokan Dojo – Koryu Bujutsu, Martial Art

Taiko Kai – University of Washington

The School of Taiko – Japan Creative Arts

Two Cranes Aikido – Martial Art

Washington Association of Teachers of Japanese (WATJ) – Japanese Speech Contest

Washington Karate Association

Washington Kyudo Association – Archery

Food & Beverages

Egg Roll Hut

Hokkaido Ramen Santouka

Koto Jelly Coffee

Modern Japanese Cuisine & Setsuko Pastry

Sake Nomi – Sake Tasting

Sakura Sweets

Tokara Wagashi – Japanese Confectionary

Exhibitors

Amusy Entertainment – Japanese Claw Machines

Asato Ryuku Bingata Studio – Traditional Textile, Stenciled Dyeing Technique

 

Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle

Haiku Northwest – Japanese Poetry

Hokkaido Association of North America – Hokkaido Inu (Japanese Dog)

Hyogo Business & Cultural Center

Japan Business Association of Seattle

Japan-America Society of the State of Washington

Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) Seattle Chapter

Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Washington

Kagoshima Kenjin Kai of Seattle

Keiro Northwest

Kubota Garden Foundation

Meito Shodo Kai Calligraphy Association

North American Post & Soy Source

PAPER – Puget Area Paperfolding Enthusiasts Roundtable

Rainier Ginsha Haiku Club

Seattle Abacus School

Seattle Flying Dragon Boat Club

Seattle Fukushima Kenjinkai

Seattle Go Center

Seattle Hiroshima Club

Seattle Japanese Garden

Seattle Kishu Club

Seattle-Kobe Sister City Association

Seattle-Tacoma Fukuoka Kenjinkai

Shannon & Jason – Textile Artists

Tegata – Sumo Handprint Activity

Textures by Jan – Saganishiki (Japanese Gold Brocade)

Tsukasaya Arts – Martial Arts Supplies and Equipment

Washin Kai Presents Japanese Literature of Brazil

By
Barbara Mizoguchi
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By Barbara Mizoguchi
NAP Editor-in-Chief

On April 7, Washin Kai will present its spring lecture at the University of Washington (UW). They will feature Professor Edward Mack, UW Center for Japanese Studies, UW Department of Asian Languages and Literature. He will be discussing his second book, Acquired Alterity: Migration, Identity, and Literary Nationalism. It explores the literary activities of Japanese migrants to Brazil prior to the Second World War. Japanese language literature has been read and written in Brazil for more than a century creating an ever-expanding collection of works. The talk will introduce the first decades of their production by looking at authors, newspapers, bookstores, and readers. It will also raise some questions about what makes up “Japanese literature” and all other identity-based groupings of literary texts.

Portrait of Edward Mack. Photo courtesy: Edward Mack. 

Mack, originally from New York and Texas, graduated in history from the University of Texas in Austin. He continued on to graduate school in Modern Japanese Literature at Columbia University in New York then earned his Ph.D. in the same field at Harvard University in Massachusetts. Mack has always been interested in literature and how it helps him understand the world around him.

After visiting friends in Seattle, Washington, Mack thoroughly enjoyed the area and felt fortunate to be asked to teach Japanese literature at UW. He also felt he was following in the path of many great UW professors of Japanese. Later, Mack was appointed Director of the UW Center for Japanese Studies “which supports Japanese Studies throughout the University of Washington.” Mack’s goal is to help the center run effectively, support students in their studies, and help his colleagues in their teaching and research.

Mack’s own scholarship includes his first book called, Manufacturing Modern Japanese Literature. Mack says the title indicates “… my belief that such a group does not exist naturally but instead must be created or ‘manufactured.’”

Before his second book, Mack visited Brazil and was already studying Japanese language books from around the world. While in São Paulo, he discovered the archives at A Sociedade Brasileira de Cultura Japonesa (The Brazilian Society of Japanese Culture and Social Assistance). This research led to his second book which was awarded the Modern Language Association of America’s first-ever Aldo and Jeanne Scaglione Prize for East Asian Studies. The book was for outstanding scholarly work in the field of East Asian literary or linguistic studies in 2023. Mack felt it was a great honor to receive the award even though he was not the first to investigate the questions it asks. He is certain scholars will continue exploring these issues.

Mack is currently researching an obscure novel about a man in the 1920s who comes to the U.S. to create an elaborate crime ring. Sounds unusual from his regular work but he said he is having a lot of fun researching and writing about it.

Overall, Mack says, “…the world will open in a whole new way if you can learn another language well enough to read literary texts in their original language. Machine translation and AI [artificial intelligence] promise to reduce language barriers and make many things accessible but that will never compare to reading them in their original language. There is so much beauty, so much detail that is lost in translation.”

Washin Kai is a Washington State non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the study of Japanese literature and culture in the Puget Sound community. Washin Kai promotes awareness and appreciation of Japanese culture by connecting people with its cultural and literary traditions through educational programs and events.

Washin Kai Presents
JAPANESE LITERATURE OF BRAZIL
By University of Washington Professor Edward Mack
Tuesday, April 7, 5:30-7:00 p.m.
University of Washington
Kane Hall, Room 220
4069 Spokane Ln NE Seattle

⚫︎The lecture is free and open to the public.
⚫︎The lecture will also be livestreamed.
⚫︎Registration is required for both in-person and online.
⚫︎Registration link: https://ziply.pk/WK-spring2026.

This lecture is sponsored by UW Department of Asian Languages and Literature and Washin Kai. Nominal support is provided by the Consulate General of Japan in Seattle.

Event Calendar from March 27th Print Issue

By
N.A.P Staff
-

JASSW Annual Meeting & Spring Gala – Thu, Apr 24; 5-9 p.m. Doors open 4:30 p.m. Bellevue City Hall, 450 110th Ave NE, Bellevue. Japan-America Society of the State of Washington’s premier networking event will reflect on past accomplishments, a chance to learn more about the society, and connect with the leadership team as future goals are shared. Meeting will be followed by the spring gala featuring Japanese buffet-style dinner, raffle prizes, and more. Program details will be revealed soon. Register at: https://jassw.org/annual-meeting-2026.

ONGOING

Influences: Japanese Prints and Northwest Art – Now-Jun 7; Wed–Sun; 11a.m.–5 p.m., closed Mon–Tue.  Cascadia Art Museum, 290 Sunset Ave S, #E, Edmonds. Exploring the influences and interconnections between Japanese prints and early 20th century NW art in painting, photography and printmaking. For more info, see: www.cascadiaartmuseum.org/influences-japanese-prints-and-northwest-art.

Minidoka on Our Minds – Now-Jun 14, Wed-Sat; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun, 11 a.m.-4 p..m. Japanese American Museum of Oregon, 411 NW Flanders St, Portland. The Minidoka National Historic Site, part of the National Park Service, celebrates 25 years of preservation where Nikkei from OR and WA were incarcerated during World War II. Artwork by survivors, descendants, and Japanese American youth explore the park’s history and its importance as a site of memory. See: https://jamo.org/minidoka.

2026 Minidoka Pilgrimage – Jul 9-12 to Twin Falls, ID and Minidoka National Historic Site. Smaller capacity this year with priority to survivors and descendants of the Japanese American incarceration. This year, one bus from Seattle with a bus package available. Twin Falls package requires arranging own transportation to/from Twin Falls.

  • Seattle Bus Package: $575 + Eventbrite fees = ~$615
  • Twin Falls Package: $275 + Eventbrite fees = ~$295
  • General registration will open April 15th, if space is still available.
  • Survivors over 80 years of age may attend at no cost with a Senior Fellowship – please select the correct registration!

Register at: www.eventbrite.com/e/minidoka-pilgrimage-2026-tickets-1983458515814?aff=oddtdtcreator. For additional info, see: www.minidokapilgrimage.org/2026-minidoka-pilgrimage.

Beyond Mysticism: The Modern Northwest exhibition – Now–Aug 2; Wed, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Thu, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; Fri–Sun, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Mon-Tue, closed. Seattle Art Museum, 1300 1st Ave, Seattle. Featuring over 150 works by renowned artists including Morris Graves, Mark Tobey, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Salvador Dalí among others who helped to shape a distinctive art movement. Kenjiro Nomura, George Tsukakawa, Kamekichi Tokita, Paul Horiuchi, and Fay Chong were NW artists who applied their regional perspective to broader artistic developments to create a new form of American Modernism. See: www.seattleartmuseum.org/whats-on/exhibitions/beyond-mysticism-the-modern-northwest.

Travis Japan – Their newest song “Kage Nimo Hinata Nimo” now available to download and stream worldwide on YouTube Music, Spotify, Apple Music, and more! For local platform options, see: https://travisjapan.lnk.to/kagenimohinatanimo. Watch the official music video at: https://youtu.be/JAbLbKqZ1RY. A physical disc version is wherever Japanese CDs are sold including exclusive bonus songs and behind-the-scenes video content across four separate formats.

Yuko Mabuchi – New single “Paradiso” out now! Reflects the beauty and emotion that have always inspired her music. Listen at: https://srgils.lnk.to/Paradiso. Also, see: https://yukomabuchi.com.

Snow Man – moves and grooves in a dazzling disco of color and sound for their newest single “Odorouze!” now available to download and stream worldwide on YouTube Music, Spotify, Apple Music, and more! For local platform options, see: https://snowman.lnk.to/odorouze. Watch the official music video at: https://youtu.be/VEiBxLwfU3E.

APRIL

7th Annual Mukai Haiku Submission & Festival – Apr 1-14 submissions accepted at mukaifarmandgarden.org. Categories: Mukai centennial, food, and young poets. Sun, Apr 26; 2 p.m. haiku on display & festival. For more info, contact: info@mukaifarmandgarden.org or 206-463-1984 or see: mukaifarmandgarden.org.

Safe Passage by Evelyn Iritani – Thu, Apr 2, 7 p.m. Third Place Books Lake Forest Park, 17171 Bothell Way N.E., #A101, Lake Forest. The book tells the stories of American and Japanese civilians aboard the exchange ships and the government officials who negotiated their wartime journey during WWII. Free but RSVP recommended at 206-366-3333 or thirdplacebooks.com.

Friendship Garden Open House – Sat, Apr 4; 12-3 p.m.; ribbon-cutting 11:45 a.m. Friendship Garden in Carrie Blake Park, 202 N Blake Ave, Sequim. By Sequim-Shiso Sister City Association and Japan-America Society of the State of Washington. Featuring artists Marva Holmes and Tom Buscher, garden tours, digital story tours, paper crafts & decorating, and spring bloom photo-ops. For more info, see: https://sequimshiso.wixsite.com/sequim-shiso/friendship-garden.

2026 Cherry Blossom Bazaar – Sat-Sun, Apr 11-12; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Povey Building, 408 NW 5th Ave, 1st Fl, Portland. Japanese American Museum of Oregon’s rummage sale of Japanese treasures returns! Something for every age, taste, and budget. Unique sale of Japanese collectibles, clothing, books, housewares, artwork, furniture, and more. Accepting donations for the bazaar through April 5 by appointment only. Contact: jeremy@jamo.org. Also, Preview Night Benefit, Fri, Apr 10; 5-7 p.m. Tickets at: https://connect.clickandpledge.com/w/Form/04069aec-3092-456a-97da-9789b59df9c6.

Japantown Walk – Sat, Apr 11 & 18; 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Wing Luke Museum, 719 S. King St, Seattle. Take a Saturday morning walk to make new memories while revisiting the history of Seattle’s Japantown past. Follow @japantownseattle on Instagram for more updates. Contact: tours@wingluke.org. Reservations at: https://www.wingluke.org/tourcalendar/jart0411.

Plein Air Art Day – Sun, Apr 12, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mukai Farm & Garden, 18017 107th Ave SW, Vashon. Free. All ages, media, and artist levels. Paint, sketch or draw in the open air. Dress for the weather. Light refreshments provided. Some drawing & painting supplies provided by Cathe Gill Studio. Participating artists who have their work done that day will be displayed inside the Mukai house for a special exhibit later this year. For more info, contact: info@mukaifarmandgarden.org or (206) 463-1984 or see: mukaifarmandgarden.org.

USA v. Japan – Tue, Apr 14; 7 p.m. Lumen Field, 800 Occidental Avenue South, Seattle. International Friendly U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team will play Japan Women’s National Football Team. Tickets: www.ussoccer.com/schedule-tickets/uswnt.

As Many Weirdos As Possible, Celebrating the PNW Music Scene – Fri, Apr 17; 7:30 p.m. Town Hall Seattle, 720 Seneca St, Suite A, Seattle. Storytelling and portraiture that brings to life one of the most vibrant chapters of the PNW music scene (1985-1995). Live program will feature musicians, artists, and the community sharing personal memories and documentary portraits. Storytellers: Sheryl Wiser, Dejha Colantuono, Steve Manning, Jesse Higman, Susan Silver, and Hiro Yamamoto. Tickets at: https://ticketing.townhallseattle.org/events/019c919f-2384-8564-221e-712fd0f03349.

Estate Planning 101 – Fri, Apr 24, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Essential of estate planning and probate in WA. Learn wills, trusts, probate, and attorney work by Lauren Smith. Sponsored by Keiro NW. Register at: tfaasuamalie@keironw.org or 206-726-6474.

Youth Photography Workshop – Sat, Apr 26; 12-4 p.m. Seattle Japanese Garden, 1075 Lake Washington Blvd. E., Seattle. Student photographers Grades 8-12 learn from professional photography instructor Bryn Mooney (she/her) from Youth in Focus. Participants will expand their knowledge of operating DSLR cameras, photo composition, and storytelling through taking photographs in the garden. At the end of the workshop, participants will submit one picture to be printed and framed. It will be showcased in the Tateuchi Community Room at the garden in May and June. Students can bring their own camera or borrow one from Youth in Focus for the duration of the workshop. Register at: www.seattlejapanesegarden.org/events-calendar/2026/4/26/youth-photography.

MAY

Estate Planning, Wealth, and Tax Seminar – Fri, May 1; 1:30-3:30 p.m.; free. Nikkei Manor, 700 6th Ave S, Seattle. As the tax landscape continues to evolve, integrated planning between investment strategy, tax management, and estate planning has never been more important. In this seminar, expert panelists will explore how coordinating these three can help investors improve tax efficiency, protect long-term wealth, and position assets for a more effective generational transfer. These developments are particularly important for WA St. residents, where recent and proposed legislative changes are reshaping the tax environment. Register to attend: https://forms.gle/rzvkWkUAUVkCQoTcA.

Food Hub – Mukai Update

By
N.A.P Staff
-

During the Vashon Island Growers Association meeting at The Grange (future Heights Grocery Store), Mukai Farm & Garden shared updates about their Fruit Barreling Plant restoration that will become the Food Hub. They are currently submitting a construction permit for review and crossing their fingers for the green light from King County.

Mukai Farm & Garden displaying floor plan of future Food Hub. Photo courtesy: Mukai Farm & Garden.
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