Japanese America

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Celebrate the holidays through a Japanese American lens! 🎄🥢 From quirky Christmas traditions in Japan to the rich flavors of New Year’s osechi, this episode uncovers the meaning behind festive rituals. Featuring moving performances from "Unforgotten Voices From Heart Mountain: An Oral History of the Incarceration," co-authored by Joanne Oppenheim and Nancy Matsumoto, and the diary of Stanley Hayami, we honor resilience, gift‑giving in hard times, and the enduring legacy of the Japanese Americans.
Season 2 returns this February—don’t miss it!
For more information about the Japanese American National Museum, please visit our website at www.janm.org. 
CREDITS
The music was created by Jalen Blank
Additional Music by Maksym Malko and  Ievgen Poltavskyi from Pixabay
Written by Koji Steven Sakai
Hosts: Michelle Malazaki and Koji Steven Sakai
Edited by Koji Steven Sakai
Produced by Koji Steven Sakai in conjunction with the Japanese American National Museum

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Join hosts Koji and Michelle as they explore the fusion of Japanese and American cultures through food in the latest episode of the Japanese America Podcast. They delve into their Thanksgiving traditions, unique culinary experiences, and the impact of Japanese cuisine on identity. Koji shares a personal essay about his relationship with food, including his thoughts on natto, while Michelle reflects on her family's cooking. Discover the flavors that shape their stories and the connection between cuisine, culture, and belonging.
For more information about the Japanese American National Museum, please visit our website at www.janm.org. 
CREDITS
The music was created by Jalen Blank
Background music by music_for_video via Pixabay.
Written by Koji Steven Sakai
Hosts: Michelle Malazaki and Koji Steven Sakai
Edited by Koji Steven Sakai
Produced by Koji Steven Sakai in conjunction with the Japanese American National Museum

Send us a text
In this episode, we ride through the heart of Southern California’s Japanese American car culture with Dr. Oliver Wang, curator of the Cruising J-Town exhibition at the Japanese American National Museum. From the sleek lines of import tuners to the slow roll of classic cruisers through Little Tokyo, we explore how cars became more than machines—they became mirrors of identity, pride, and belonging.
Through personal stories and historical snapshots, we uncover how Japanese American communities used car culture to carve out space, style, and self-expression. Whether it’s the legacy of lowriders or the rise of the JDM scene, this episode reveals how the road has always been a place to gather, to flex, and to remember.
For more information about the Japanese American National Museum, please visit our website at www.janm.org. 
CREDITS
The music was created by Jalen Blank
Written by Koji Steven Sakai
Hosts: Michelle Malazaki and Koji Steven Sakai
Edited by Koji Steven Sakai
Produced by Koji Steven Sakai in conjunction with the Japanese American National Museum

Send us a text
In this episode of the Japanese America Podcast titled "Legacy of Hope: Clara Breed's Letters and the Art of Compassion," hosts Koji and Michelle embark on a touching exploration of the enduring power of empathy and small acts of kindness. They begin by sharing personal anecdotes about the impactful teachers in their lives, setting the stage for the inspiring story of Clara Breed, a courageous children's librarian from San Diego during World War II. Clara Breed's quiet defiance against the forced incarceration of Japanese American families is highlighted through her thoughtful gestures of sending letters and supplies to children in camps, creating a vital link to the outside world. The episode draws poignant parallels between Breed's actions and the historical support of the Quakers, reflecting on the lost art of letter writing and its lasting impact on human connection. Through heartwarming excerpts from the letters exchanged between Miss Breed and the children, listeners are reminded of the profound impact small, compassionate acts can have, even amidst adversity. Join Koji and Michelle as they honor Clara Breed's legacy and inspire listeners to become beacons of hope in their own communities.
For more information about the Japanese American National Museum, please visit our website at www.janm.org. 
CREDITS
The music was created by Jalen Blank
Written by Koji Steven Sakai
Hosts: Michelle Malazaki and Koji Steven Sakai
Edited by Michelle Malazaki
Produced by Koji Steven Sakai in conjunction with the Japanese American National Museum

Send us a text
In this engaging episode of the Japanese America Podcast, hosts Michelle and Koji take listeners on a nostalgic journey through the vibrant summer festivities of Japanese American culture. They share delightful anecdotes from events like Obon and Nisei Week, highlighting the unique traditions and foods that make these celebrations special. The episode features a captivating interview with Helen Ota, the 2025 Nisei Week Foundation President, who discusses her leadership journey and contributions to the community, including her work with the Cold Tofu improv group. For more information about the Japanese American National Museum, please visit our website at www.janm.org. 
CREDITS
The music was created by Jalen Blank
Written by Koji Steven Sakai
Hosts: Michelle Malazaki and Koji Steven Sakai
Edited and produced by Koji Steven Sakai in conjunction with the Japanese American National Museum