Unexpected Journeys

Unexpected Journeys: Remarkable Stories of Japanese in America features interviews with individuals whose lives illuminate the astonishing diversity of the Japanese experience in America. From the little known early Yamato colony of Japanese in Florida where Sumi (Fukushima) Hughes’ parents settled to the challenges faced by Hamako (Amano) Schneider, one of the first Japanese war brides to be admitted to the U.S. following World War II, the film has uncovered many aspects of history that have remained unfamiliar to the public.

Featured profiles: sisters Sumi Hughes and Yuri Long; Terry Janzen; Harry and Hamako Schneider; Iris Teragawa; and Lloyd Inui. Narrated by traci kato-kiriyama. 

Produced and directed by John Esaki
35 minutes

Made possible through the generous support of Nitto Tire U.S.A. Inc.