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What happens when two distinct cultures become one lived experience? We’re kicking off Season 3 of Japanese America with a bit of a "chill" as we look ahead to the Winter Olympics starting next month. In this premiere, hosts Michelle and Koji dive into the archives of the Japanese American National Museum (JANM) to revisit a powerful interview with an American icon: Kristi Yamaguchi.

Originally recorded for JANM’s landmark exhibition, More Than a Game: Sport in the Japanese American Community, this interview captures Kristi reflecting on her journey long after her historic 1992 gold medal win. We go beyond the skating highlights to explore the deeply personal stories that shaped her, including:

• The "Reading Rule": Why a young Kristi had to master her ABCs before she was allowed to hit the ice.
• A Hidden Challenge: Kristi’s early years dealing with clubfoot and how corrective braces and dance therapy eventually led her to the rink.
• The Silence of the Camps: A moving look at the Sansei/Yonsei experience and the reluctance of her grandparents to discuss the wartime incarceration.
• Resilience through Loss: The turning point in 1991 when, following the loss of her grandfather and coach, Kristi had to choose between giving up or going for gold.
• The Secret Result: A charming behind-the-scenes story of how she actually found out she won the Olympic Gold before the cameras were even rolling.

Stick around until the end as we tease our upcoming special episode for Women’s History Month featuring the late Irene Hirano Inouye, the visionary leader who made preserving these stories possible.

Links & Resources:

• Learn more about JANM: Japanese American National Museum
• Explore the Exhibition: More Than a Game: Sport in the Japanese American Community

CREDITS

The music was created by Jalen Blank

Additional Music by Maksym Malko and  Ievgen Poltavskyi from Pixabay

Written by Koji Steven Sakai

Hosts: Michelle Malazaki and Koji Steven Sakai

Edited by Koji Steven Sakai

Produced by Koji Steven Sakai in conjunction with the Japanese American National Museum

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Celebrate the holidays through a Japanese American lens! 🎄🥢 From quirky Christmas traditions in Japan to the rich flavors of New Year’s osechi, this episode uncovers the meaning behind festive rituals. Featuring moving performances from "Unforgotten Voices From Heart Mountain: An Oral History of the Incarceration," co-authored by Joanne Oppenheim and Nancy Matsumoto, and the diary of Stanley Hayami, we honor resilience, gift‑giving in hard times, and the enduring legacy of the Japanese Americans.

Season 2 returns this February—don’t miss it!

For more information about the Japanese American National Museum, please visit our website at www.janm.org. 

CREDITS

The music was created by Jalen Blank

Additional Music by Maksym Malko and  Ievgen Poltavskyi from Pixabay

Written by Koji Steven Sakai

Hosts: Michelle Malazaki and Koji Steven Sakai

Edited by Koji Steven Sakai

Produced by Koji Steven Sakai in conjunction with the Japanese American National Museum

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Join hosts Koji and Michelle as they explore the fusion of Japanese and American cultures through food in the latest episode of the Japanese America Podcast. They delve into their Thanksgiving traditions, unique culinary experiences, and the impact of Japanese cuisine on identity. Koji shares a personal essay about his relationship with food, including his thoughts on natto, while Michelle reflects on her family's cooking. Discover the flavors that shape their stories and the connection between cuisine, culture, and belonging.

For more information about the Japanese American National Museum, please visit our website at www.janm.org. 

CREDITS

The music was created by Jalen Blank

Background music by music_for_video via Pixabay.

Written by Koji Steven Sakai

Hosts: Michelle Malazaki and Koji Steven Sakai

Edited by Koji Steven Sakai

Produced by Koji Steven Sakai in conjunction with the Japanese American National Museum

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, we ride through the heart of Southern California’s Japanese American car culture with Dr. Oliver Wang, curator of the Cruising J-Town exhibition at the Japanese American National Museum. From the sleek lines of import tuners to the slow roll of classic cruisers through Little Tokyo, we explore how cars became more than machines—they became mirrors of identity, pride, and belonging.

Through personal stories and historical snapshots, we uncover how Japanese American communities used car culture to carve out space, style, and self-expression. Whether it’s the legacy of lowriders or the rise of the JDM scene, this episode reveals how the road has always been a place to gather, to flex, and to remember.

For more information about the Japanese American National Museum, please visit our website at www.janm.org. 

CREDITS

The music was created by Jalen Blank

Written by Koji Steven Sakai

Hosts: Michelle Malazaki and Koji Steven Sakai

Edited by Koji Steven Sakai

Produced by Koji Steven Sakai in conjunction with the Japanese American National Museum

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Japanese America Podcast titled "Legacy of Hope: Clara Breed's Letters and the Art of Compassion," hosts Koji and Michelle embark on a touching exploration of the enduring power of empathy and small acts of kindness. They begin by sharing personal anecdotes about the impactful teachers in their lives, setting the stage for the inspiring story of Clara Breed, a courageous children's librarian from San Diego during World War II. Clara Breed's quiet defiance against the forced incarceration of Japanese American families is highlighted through her thoughtful gestures of sending letters and supplies to children in camps, creating a vital link to the outside world. The episode draws poignant parallels between Breed's actions and the historical support of the Quakers, reflecting on the lost art of letter writing and its lasting impact on human connection. Through heartwarming excerpts from the letters exchanged between Miss Breed and the children, listeners are reminded of the profound impact small, compassionate acts can have, even amidst adversity. Join Koji and Michelle as they honor Clara Breed's legacy and inspire listeners to become beacons of hope in their own communities.

For more information about the Japanese American National Museum, please visit our website at www.janm.org. 

CREDITS

The music was created by Jalen Blank

Written by Koji Steven Sakai

Hosts: Michelle Malazaki and Koji Steven Sakai

Edited by Michelle Malazaki

Produced by Koji Steven Sakai in conjunction with the Japanese American National Museum

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

In this engaging episode of the Japanese America Podcast, hosts Michelle and Koji take listeners on a nostalgic journey through the vibrant summer festivities of Japanese American culture. They share delightful anecdotes from events like Obon and Nisei Week, highlighting the unique traditions and foods that make these celebrations special. The episode features a captivating interview with Helen Ota, the 2025 Nisei Week Foundation President, who discusses her leadership journey and contributions to the community, including her work with the Cold Tofu improv group. For more information about the Japanese American National Museum, please visit our website at www.janm.org. 

CREDITS

The music was created by Jalen Blank

Written by Koji Steven Sakai

Hosts: Michelle Malazaki and Koji Steven Sakai

Edited and produced by Koji Steven Sakai in conjunction with the Japanese American National Museum

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Japanese America podcast, we delve into the fascinating journey of Junki Yoshida, the mastermind behind Yoshida Sauce. Through humorous and candid storytelling, Mr. Yoshida recounts his remarkable transformation from a rebellious youth in Japan to a successful entrepreneur in the United States. As an immigrant facing numerous challenges, he carved a niche for himself by popularizing Japanese flavors in America with his sweet and savory marinade. Listeners will be inspired by his resilience and innovation, as well as his strategic business decisions that propelled his brand to international recognition. Alongside Mr. Yoshida's personal anecdotes, the episode explores the broader evolution of Japanese cuisine in America, offering insights into cultural fusion and entrepreneurial spirit.

For more information about the Japanese American National Museum, please visit our website at www.janm.org. 

CREDITS

The music was created by Jalen Blank

Written by Koji Steven Sakai

Hosts: Michelle Malazaki and Koji Steven Sakai

Edited and produced by Koji Steven Sakai in conjunction with the Japanese American National Museum

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

In this engaging podcast episode, hosts Michelle and Koji explore the unique journey of Japanese immigrants adapting to life in the U.S. They delve into the cultural crossroads and identity challenges faced by these individuals, from nostalgic childhood dreams influenced by American commercials to the bittersweet farewell to Japanese citizenship. Through humorous anecdotes and heartfelt stories, listeners gain insight into the resilience required to blend traditions and find a sense of home in a foreign land. The episode also highlights the small, everyday connections that define American culture and the warmth of shared experiences. With chapter discussions ranging from immigration hurdles to the nuances of cheering for athletes during international sports events, this episode offers a rich narrative of embracing new beginnings and balancing cultural identities.

Support the show

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In this poignant episode of the Japanese American Podcast, we explore the incredible journey of Holocaust survivor Solly Ganor and his unexpected salvation by Japanese American soldiers during World War II. Through Solly's harrowing experiences on a death march from the Dachau death camp, listeners are introduced to the 522nd Field Artillery Battalion—soldiers who defied prejudice and became beacons of hope for many. Joined by guest Naoyuki Ikeda, the episode delves into the inner conflicts faced by these Japanese American soldiers, who were fighting abroad while their families faced internment back home. Featuring real stories of courage and kindness, including the actions of Sergeant Imamura and Chiune Sugihara, this episode highlights the complexities of wartime morality and the profound impact of individual acts of bravery. 

For more information about the Japanese American National Museum, please visit our website at www.janm.org. 

This episode the wonderful voice work of actor and friend of the podcast Naoyuki Ikeda.

Here are some of the links we used to help us write this episode:

https://www.sollyganor.com/ 

https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/sugihara/readings/ganor.html 

https://www.instagram.com/holocaustmuseum/p/C7pm-LxsAKy/?img_index=1 

https://442sd.org/history/eric-saul-on-solly-ganor-and-the-holocaust/

https://blogs.chapman.edu/holocaust-education/2015/09/28/witness-heart-mountain/

https://www.sollyganor.com/unlikely-liberators-virtual-exhibit

CREDITS

The music was created by Jalen Blank

Written by Koji Steven Sakai

Hosts: Michelle Malazaki and Koji Steven Sakai

Additional Voice by Naoyuki Ikeda

Edited and produced by Koji Steven Sakai in conjunction with the Japanese American National Museum

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

In this captivating episode of "Bridging Generations: The Cultural Impact of Baseball in Japanese American Life," hosts Koji and Michelle explore the profound connections between baseball and cultural identity within the Japanese American community. They delve into personal stories, from Koji's admiration for Hideo Nomo to Michelle's son's early baseball antics, highlighting how the sport serves as a bridge between generations. Special guest Jason Murai, president of the Japanese American Baseball Organization, shares insights into the Sansei Baseball League's vital role in fostering cultural identity and community spirit. Through engaging anecdotes and reflections, the episode underscores baseball's enduring impact on Japanese American heritage, resilience, and representation in sports, celebrating figures like Shohei Ohtani who inspire future generations.

For more about the Sansei baseball league go to:  https://www.sanseibaseball.com/ 

To see some of JANM's baseball related programs click on this YouTube playlist https://www.youtube.com/@janmdotorg/search?query=baseball : 

For more information about the Japanese American National Museum, please visit our website at www.janm.org. 

CREDITS

The music was created by Jalen Blank

Written by Koji Steven Sakai

Hosts: Michelle Malazaki and Koji Steven Sakai

Edited and produced by Koji Steven Sakai in conjunction with the Japanese American National Museum

Support the show