PODCAST: Japanese America
Japanese America
Welcome to Japanese America, JANM’s new podcast that explores unique experiences, challenges, and triumphs of Japanese Americans and illuminates their contributions to the mosaic of American life.
From historical milestones to contemporary perspectives, join cohosts Michelle MaliZaki and Koji Steven Sakai on an insightful journey through JANM’s collection that showcases a diverse community that shapes the American story in extraordinary ways.
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Also on Overcast, Castro, Castbox, Podfriend, Goodpods
Recent Episodes
Episode 5: Blending Traditions and Finding Balance—Michelle’s Immigration Story
Michelle and Koji explore the unique journey of Japanese immigrants adapting to life in the US. 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.
Episode 4: From Dachau to Salvation A Story of Unexpected Heroes
May 8, 2025
In this poignant episode, Koji and Michelle explore the incredible journey of Holocaust survivor Solly Ganor and his unexpected salvation by Japanese American soldiers during World War II.
Related Resources
- Solly Ganor website
- Japanese Diplomat and “Visas for Life” (2017 article about Chiune Sugihara)
- Before They Were Heroes: Sus Ito’s World War II Images (2015 exhibition about a member of the 522nd FAB)
Episode 3: Bridging Generations: The Cultural Impact of Baseball in Japanese American Life
April 10, 2025
In this captivating episode, hosts Koji and Michelle explore the profound connections between baseball and cultural identity within the Japanese American community.
Related Resources
Hideo Nomo video profile produced for the 2014 exhibition, Dodgers: Brotherhood of the Game (YouTube)
Season 2, episode 2: Grace Under Fire: The Resilience of Japanese American Women in WWII
March 8, 2025
In this poignant episode of the Japanese America Podcast, hosts Koji and Michelle delve into the incredible story of Grace Obata-Amemiya, a Japanese American woman whose resilience during World War II and her journey from an aspiring public health nurse to enduring the hardships of the concentration camps.
Related Resources
Season 2, episode 1: A Journey into Japan’s Stationery Wonderland
February 13, 2025
In this engaging episode of the Japanese America podcast, hosts Michelle and Koji dive into the captivating world of Japanese stationery with special guest Mark Sakaguchi from Kinokuniya Bookstore and Yuri Aida from Design for America Inc.
Season 1, episode 11: Quakers Acts of Kindness and Resistance: Japanese American Incarceration and Holiday Traditions
December 16, 2024
In this episode, the hosts explore the powerful themes of kindness and resistance, highlighting the unwavering support of the Quakers and the American Friends Service Committee, who stood by the Japanese American community through advocacy and educational support during their World War II incarceration.
Related Resources
Season 1, episode 10: Honoring Nisei Heroes: David Ono on Valor, Legacy, and Cultural Reflections
November 18, 2024
David Ono, a renowned anchor from KABC-TV, joins the hosts to highlight the heroics of Japanese American Nisei veterans who displayed extraordinary bravery and patriotism during World War II.
Related Resources
Season 1, episode 9: Giant Robot with Eric Nakamura
October 21, 2024
This episode explores the journey of Eric Nakamura, the visionary behind Giant Robot. From his rebellious beginnings as a zine creator to establishing a cultural hub that fuses Asian American identity with punk rock culture.
Related Resources
Giant Robot Biennale 5—exhibition on view through January 5, 2025
Related Article
Exchanging Enlightenment Through a Modern Medium
September 16, 2024
Discover Nikkei interviews Japanese America podcast cohosts, Koji Steven Sakai and Michelle MaliZaki, about how each episode uncovers new facts and perspectives on what makes up the diverse Japanese American experience in the 20th century.