The Japanese American Experience

Immigration and racism are contentious issues in many societies. This book deals, in part, with these two controversies through the experiences of the Japanese Americans. No other second-generation ethnic group is given the kind of recognition achieved by the Nisei (second-generation Japanese Americans). But it was a perilous journey, fraught with endless discrimination, questioning of loyalty, and even confinement in concentration camps. Yet they were able to achieve remarkable success in politics and made significant advances in American society. Although thoroughly assimilated, they kept alive their rich cultural heritage. America is a country with diverse cultures, and this diversity is to be celebrated and not feared, for herein lies the strength of America. The narrative begins with a historical perspective and ends with an observer-participant view of recent events. This is a story that needs to be told. Minoru Yanagihashi was brought up in the multicultural Hawaiian environment. Early on, he developed an interest in learning about his Japanese heritage and a desire to share this knowledge with others. He hold degrees from the University of Hawaii Manoa (BA), University of Washington (MLS), University of California, Berkeley (MA), and University of Michigan (PhD). His interest includes Japanese electoral politics and foreign policy. In recent years, he has focused on the role of Japanese Americans. He is a charter member of Pan-Asian Community Alliance, Japan-America Society of Tucson, and the Southern Arizona Japanese Cultural Coalition. OTHER BOOK BY AUTHOR Kumu Hula: Challenging Journey of a Hula Master, published by Xulon Press, tells the story of one aspect of Hawaiian culture-the hula. The Japanese embracement of hula is an example of the globalization of this dance form and reveals how cultural interchange takes place.