The Yon-Say Podcast Network

In this special episode, Matt and Hiro partner with the Little Tokyo Historical Society to share the story of Issei civil rights activist, Sei Fujii! In a discussion with director and researcher, Jeffrey Gee Chin; actor, Chris Tashima; and translator, Saeko Higa-Dickinson, learn about Sei Fujii's life and the legacy he leaves behind. You can also hear about the short film, Lil Tokyo Reporter based on Fujii's life and learn about the new book, A Rebel's Outcry published by LTHS, translated from Japanese for the first time! Huge thanks to LTHS and our guests for partnering with us on this episode!

In this episode, hosts Yoko and Michelle welcome fellow Yon-Say host Hiro Edeza, and Ethnic Studies student Kiara Konishi. We discuss the origin stories of our names, as well as our relationships to them. We also explore what factors may alter how we and our names are perceived (ie. location, gender). As we dive deeper into “what” our names mean, we ultimately uncover “how” they have impacted our identities.

In this Memorial Day episode, hosts Hiro and Matt sit down with descendants and supporters of the World War II Nisei Veterans of the 442nd, 100th, and MIS to give an overview of their history and legacy. From the bombing of Pearl Harbor to the beaches of Italy, the frozen forests of France, and war torn Japan, follow the story of the most highly decorated unit of its size in all United States military history from those who’s family experienced it. Join the Nikkei Rising team in remembering all those veterans who took part in World War II despite the racism and incarceration they faced at home. Remember, Go For Broke!

In this episode we welcome our new team member, Sachi Koide. Yoko and Sachi talk to Ryan Lee and Melanie Shojinaga about all things sports: we discuss our relationship to sports growing up as JA athletes, how sports serve as a community builder and a source of empowerment, how the history of playing sports in camp has been carried forward, the experience of being an Asian American girl athlete, and more! Plus, we get to hear about the amazing new Terasaki Budokan (www.terasakibudokan.org - IG: @terasaki.budokan )

79 years ago today, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, the document that allowed for the forced removal and mass incarceration of 120,000 persons of Japanese Ancestry during World War II. All these years later, the Japanese American community uses this date, February 19th, as Day of Remembrance, to honor that years of incarceration that the community suffered through. But it isn’t only a day for memories, but for action and to use the story of our community to help others. For this special episode, our host Matthew sits down with a few pasts guests to hear about their experiences with Day of Remembrance and a look ahead at what they think the day will bring for future generations to come.

The story of Japanese American Incarceration has, like many historical events, become the subject of countless books, movies, and other media. Though until recently, it was a story unshared by a major television network. With the premiere of AMC's The Terror: Infamy, the story of the incarceration made its way into the homes of hundreds of thousands of viewers. In this special episode of the Yon-Say, hosts Matt and Hiro get to sit down with The Terror: Infamy's own Derek Mio! Join the discussion as the three of them look at getting into the entertainment industry, the importance of telling Asian American stories, and what it was like bringing the story of the incarceration to a new generation with a twist.

In this January special, two families discuss how their Oshogatsu traditions have transformed over the generations, while the core spirit of this beloved holiday has remained the same. Hosted by Jonnie and Yoko. Featuring Sara, Amy and Dan Kubo, Hana Fedorenko and Leslie Morishita.

For many Japanese Americans, returning to Japan is always one of the big items on their bucket lists. But even that idea in itself, “returning to Japan” is a loaded thought and brings about the question of how we identify as Japanese Americans and what our ties are to Japan no matter how big or small. In this episode, hosts Michelle and Matt sit down with Kristy Ishii and Mika Zattera, fellow Nikkei who both got to spend time in Japan through different programs and jobs! If you’ve ever wondered a little bit about what it’s like for Japanese Americans to go back to Japan for work, school, or anything else, see some of the good, the bad, and the interesting about Nikkei in Japan.

The Japanese American community is one of the largest mixed-race/ethnicity communities in the nation. For our hosts, that's more than evident since four out of five us are all mixed themselves! In this episode, Hiro, Matt, Michelle, and Yoko discuss their experiences growing up mixed, what it means to them, and some of the quirks and interesting experiences that come along with it. For all of our mixed-race/ethnicity' friends, families, and listeners, this one's for you!

Welcome back to the Yon-Say podcast! To kick off season 2, with a little less than a week to the 2020 election, hosts Matt and Hiro sit down with community members Amy Watanabe and Karman Chao to discuss some history around the Japanese community and voting. Going from the early days of when Japanese Americans could barely vote, to the fight for voting rights, and the importance of not only voting today, but why the larger AAPI community is such a key player in local, state, and national elections! Make sure you get out and vote!