Being Japanese American: A JA Sourcebook for Nikkei, Hapa . . . and Their Friends (Paperback)

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Key Phrases: jan ken pon, internment years, instant ramen, United States, Japanese Americans, World War (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

From immigration to discrimination and internment, and then to reparations and a high rate of intermarriage, Americans of Japanese descent share a long and sometimes painful history, and now fear their unique culture is being lost. Gil Asakawa's celebration of what makes JAs so special is an entertaining blend of facts and features, of recipes, songs, and memories that every JA will want to share with friends and family. Included are interviews with famous JAs and a look at how it's hip to be Japanese, from manga to martial arts, plus a section on Japantown communities and tips for JA's scrapbooking their families and traveling to Japan to rediscover their roots.

Gil Asakawa is a third-generation Japanese American, author of the weekly "Nikkei View" online column. He lives in Denver.

About the Author

Gil Asakawa is a Sansei (3rd-generation Japanese American) writer and editor who was born in Tokyo and moved to the United States as a child. His roots in both cultures have led him to write extensively about pop culture and politics from a JA perspective. He has written the weekly "Nikkei View" column online and in syndication since 1998. He is currently director of the website of the Denver Post.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Stone Bridge Press; illustrated edition edition (June 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 188065685X
• ISBN-13: 978-1880656853
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 7 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #309,538 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A superb guide to avoiding breaches of tact around Japanese , October 7, 2004

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

Written by a third-generation Japanese American, being Japanese American: A JA Sourcebook for Nikkei, Hapa... & Their Friends is a straightforward introduction to the history of Japanese Americans, including the legacy of the American government's forced internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, and basic Japanese culture, customs, and etiquette. An especial note reflects on the how the high rate of mixed-race marriage has and continues to affect the Japanese-American community. Being Japanese American a superb guide to avoiding breaches of tact around Japanese friends, family, or visitors, regardless of one's own ethnic heritage or background, and is also chock-full of helpful ways to embrace, preserve, and treasure one's cultural identity.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I am Japanese American..., January 6, 2005

By	Sansei reader "Sansei reader" (CA) - See all my reviews

A fresh perspective on Japanese American culture with voices from multiple generations as well as mixed ethnicities (more realistic of America today!). The author moves towards why JAs are both Japanese and American and neither all at the same time. An excellent resource for anyone interested in Asian American cultures as well as a superb guide for chronicling one's own family history.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars the ultimate "go-to" guide for all things Japanese-American, September 3, 2004

By	miki_t (california) - See all my reviews

A wealth of knowledge and an amazing resource for anyone who wants to learn more about J-A culture and history. It's funny, hip, incredibly informative, and full of "I didn't know that!" details that will delight and surprise. If you've lost touch with your roots and want to rediscover them, this book is the perfect place to start.