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 6: From Karate to Cuisine: Junki Yoshida’s American Dream
July 10, 2025
In this episode, Koji and Michelle delve into the fascinating journey of Junki Yoshida, the mastermind behind Yoshida Sauce. Yoshida recounts his remarkable transformation from a rebellious youth in Japan to a successful entrepreneur in the United States.
Episode 5: Blending Traditions and Finding Balance—Michelle’s Immigration Story
June 12, 2025
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)
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
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.