In this issue…

For Nikkei, the Japanese language is something that can either connect us or separate us from our cultural heritage and community. Oftentimes, hybrid languages form, mixing Japanese with the language of our adopted country.

Last year, we solicited and shared stories about language for Nikkei-go: The Language of Family, Community, and Culture. In this month’s update, we share a few additional stories from Nikkei-go that we have recently translated into our site languages, plus a few newer stories from Discover Nikkei.

Next month, we will launch a new Nikkei Chronicles theme. Stay tuned!

— Discover Nikkei Team

ANNOUNCEMENT:

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JOURNAL

• Né? [PT, EN, JA, ES]
By Hudson Okada
The Japanese language includes several words borrowed from Portuguese, including né. Originally written in Portuguese for Nikkei-go, we’ve recently translated Okada’s essay into our other site languages.

• Daikon, Kabu, Akadaikon, Akakabu [PT, EN, JA, ES]
By Nilton Suenaga
A Japanese Brazilian discovers that the terms for various radishes that his family uses may be adaptations. Originally written in Portuguese for Nikkei-go.

• How I Found Out I Was Uchinānchu (Okinawan) [ES, EN, JA, PT]
By Javier Takara
A Peruvian Sansei explains how he came to understand that he was Uchinanchu (Okinawan) as a child through the words his family used. Originally written in Spanish for Nikkei-go.

• Nisei: Immigration To Canada [EN]
By Chuck Tasaka
A Canadian Nisei shares stories of the struggles of Issei in adjusting in a new land, including communicating with limited English skills. The anecdotes are both poignant and amusing.

• Inaka: Moving from Scorn to Pride [EN]
By Tim Asamen
A Sansei from the Imperial Valley in Southern California reflects on the changes in connotation that the word “inaka” has gone through—from one of scorn to one of pride.

NIMA–KAI

It’s easy to create a Nima account! Log in to update your profile, add your own community’s events, share your stories, and post comments on articles.

Join our Nima–kai and meet other Nima >>

Nima of the Month

vkm (Gardena, California, United States)

Vicky K. Murakami-Tsuda (vkm) is a Yonsei from Southern California. She is the Communications Production Manager at the Japanese American National Museum. She joined the Discover Nikkei team in 2005 and has contributed articles, created Nikkei Albums, shared events, and posted comments. In addition to content on the site, she has worked with the project team to develop and grow the site and the project’s global Nima-kai community.

We asked her what she likes about Discover Nikkei and this is what she said:

[EN] Having worked at the Japanese American National Museum for almost 22 years, I have learned so much about Japanese American history, art, and culture. I’ve been fortunate to have worked on many fascinating exhibitions and projects and met many inspiring people. Discover Nikkei is my all-time favorite project because I get to learn something new almost every day. I vaguely knew about Nikkei in Latin America and Canada before, but I’ve learned so much more since working on this project. I have a much deeper appreciation and understanding for what it means to be Nikkei, and it fascinates me to learn about both the similarities and differences between the experiences in Southern California and those of Nikkei living in other parts of the world. I’ve had a lot of wonderful conversations discussing the impact of local history and culture on cultural identity, and how traditions are adapted.

I’ve also had the opportunity to meet (both virtually and in person) Nikkei from around the world. I’m planning on attending the COPANI conference in Lima, Peru, in November. It will be my first time participating and I really look forward to it! Let me know if you plan on attending. Would love to meet up!

Read Vicky’s articles here >>

*Nima is short for Nikkei Nakama (nakama meaning colleagues, fellows, or circle).

EVENTS

There are many Nikkei community festivals, exhibitions, workshops, and other events posted on Discover Nikkei.

Share your own community’s events with others on Discover Nikkei. It’s free! Just log in, then click on the “Add an Event” link on the Events page.

Find local Nikkei events in our online calendar >>

If you post earthquake and tsunami-related events, add the tag “JPquake2011” to make it appear on the list of earthquake relief events.

SUPPORT DISCOVER NIKKEI

Discover Nikkei continues to grow each year with the help of our volunteers and site contributors, but there is a lot more we’d like to do.

Please consider a donation to the Japanese American National Museum in support of our project!

Make a donation today >>

*When making your donation, please type “Discover Nikkei” in the comments section of the order form so we know that you are supporting our project.

—Thanks from the Discover Nikkei team!

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