List of Japanese Americans
Encyclopedia
This is a list of Japanese American
s, including both original immigrants who obtained American citizenship and their American descendants, but not Japanese nationals living or working in the U.S. The list includes a brief description of their reason for notability.
To be included in this list, the person must have a Wikipedia article showing they are Japanese American or must have references showing they are Japanese American and are notable.
Japanese American
are American people of Japanese heritage. Japanese Americans have historically been among the three largest Asian American communities, but in recent decades have become the sixth largest group at roughly 1,204,205, including those of mixed-race or mixed-ethnicity...
s, including both original immigrants who obtained American citizenship and their American descendants, but not Japanese nationals living or working in the U.S. The list includes a brief description of their reason for notability.
To be included in this list, the person must have a Wikipedia article showing they are Japanese American or must have references showing they are Japanese American and are notable.
Arts and architecture
- Shusaku ArakawaShusaku Arakawawas a Japanese artist and architect. He had a personal and artistic partnership with writer and artist Madeline Gins that spanned more than four decades.-Life:...
(1936–2010), artist and architect - Jeff MatsudaJeff MatsudaJeff Matsuda is a Japanese-American concept artist, comics artist, and animator. He served as the chief character designer for both Jackie Chan Adventures and The Batman, and is the president and creative director of X-Ray Kid Studios. Matsuda was discovered by Rob Liefeld after submitting some...
, Emmy award-winning concept artist, comics artist, and animator - Jimmy MirikitaniThe Cats of MirikitaniThe Cats of Mirikitani is a documentary film originally released in 2006.-Synopsis:In 2001, Japanese American painter Jimmy Mirikitani, born Tsutomu Mirikitani, over 80 years old, is living in the streets of lower Manhattan. Filmmaker Linda Hattendorf takes an interest and begins to engage with him...
, painter - Luna H. MitaniLuna H. MitaniLuna H. Mitani is a Japanese-American artist. He works in the fields of painting and pen & ink drawing.After traveling through more than 33 countries in Europe including England and Ireland, Mitani began his fine art training in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Afterward, he continued traveling around the...
, surrealist painter - Robert MuraseRobert MuraseRobert Murase was a world renowned landscape architect. His work throughout the Pacific Northwest demonstrates the skill and passion he had for landscape design. He was known as one of the best landscape designers locally and internationally.-History:Murase was born in San Francisco as a third...
(1938–2005), a world renowned landscape architect - George NakashimaGeorge NakashimaGeorge Katsutoshi NakashimaGeorge Katsutoshi NakashimaGeorge Katsutoshi Nakashima( was a Japanese-American woodworker, architect, and furniture maker who was one of the leading innovators of 20th century furniture design and a father of the American craft movement...
(1905–1990), NiseiNiseiDuring the early years of World War II, Japanese Americans were forcibly relocated from their homes in the Pacific coast states because military leaders and public opinion combined to fan unproven fears of sabotage...
, woodworker, architect, and furniture maker - Isamu NoguchiIsamu Noguchiwas a prominent Japanese American artist and landscape architect whose artistic career spanned six decades, from the 1920s onward. Known for his sculpture and public works, Noguchi also designed stage sets for various Martha Graham productions, and several mass-produced lamps and furniture pieces,...
(1904–1988), artist, sculptor, designer - Chiura ObataChiura Obatawas a well-known Japanese-American artist. He came to the United States in 1903, at age 17. After initially working as an illustrator and commercial decorator, he had a successful career as a painter, following a 1927 summer spent in the Sierra Nevada, and was a faculty member in the Art Department...
(1885–1975), a well-known artist and recipient of the Order of the Sacred TreasureOrder of the Sacred TreasureThe is a Japanese Order, established on January 4, 1888 by Emperor Meiji of Japan as the Order of Meiji. It is awarded in eight classes . It is generally awarded for long and/or meritorious service and considered to be the lowest of the Japanese orders of merit...
, 5th Class, for promoting good will and cultural understanding between the United States and Japan - Masi OkaMasi OkaMasayori "Masi" Oka is a Japanese-American actor and digital effects artist.He has performed in numerous feature films and TV series, most prominently as Hiro Nakamura in the NBC TV series Heroes from 2006 until its cancellation in May 2010. He resides in Los Angeles, California.-Early life:Oka...
- Actor Japanese and digital effects artist raiced in United States. - Arthur OkamuraArthur OkamuraArthur Okamura was an American artist, working in screen printing, drawing and painting. He lived in the San Francisco Bay Area, and was Professor Emeritus at the California College of the Arts in San Francisco, California...
(1932–2009), California painter, illustrator and screen-printer associated with the San Francisco RenaissanceSan Francisco RenaissanceThe term San Francisco Renaissance is used as a global designation for a range of poetic activity centered on San Francisco and which brought it to prominence as a hub of the American poetic avant-garde. However, others The term San Francisco Renaissance is used as a global designation for a range... - Miné OkuboMiné OkuboMiné Okubo , a pioneering Nisei woman, artist and writer, created approximately 2000 drawings and sketches of her experiences while confined along with approximately 110,000 Japanese Americans in US internment camps following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor...
(1912–2001), NiseiNiseiDuring the early years of World War II, Japanese Americans were forcibly relocated from their homes in the Pacific coast states because military leaders and public opinion combined to fan unproven fears of sabotage...
, painter, author of Citizen 13660, her book documenting life during her confinement in the Japanese American internmentJapanese American internmentJapanese-American internment was the relocation and internment by the United States government in 1942 of approximately 110,000 Japanese Americans and Japanese who lived along the Pacific coast of the United States to camps called "War Relocation Camps," in the wake of Imperial Japan's attack on...
. - Yoko OnoYoko Onois a Japanese artist, musician, author and peace activist, known for her work in avant-garde art, music and filmmaking as well as her marriage to John Lennon...
(1933–), IsseiIsseiIssei is a Japanese language term used in countries in North America, South America and Australia to specify the Japanese people first to immigrate. Their children born in the new country are referred to as Nisei , and their grandchildren are Sansei...
, artist, musician, author and peace activist, known for her work in avant-garde art, music and filmmaking as well as her marriage to John Lennon. - Sueo SerisawaSueo SerisawaSueo Serisawa was a Japanese American who became a modernist of the Los Angeles school.-Theme/style:Serisawa's painting genres included Impressionism, Modernism, Regionalism, Expressionism, and Abstraction...
(1910–2004), IsseiIsseiIssei is a Japanese language term used in countries in North America, South America and Australia to specify the Japanese people first to immigrate. Their children born in the new country are referred to as Nisei , and their grandchildren are Sansei...
, noted Californian Impressionist artist - Adrian TomineAdrian TomineAdrian Tomine , a popular contemporary cartoonist, is best known for his ongoing comic book series Optic Nerve and his periodical illustrations in The New Yorker.- Biography :...
, graphic novelist ("Shortcomings") - George TsutakawaGeorge TsutakawaGeorge Tsutakawa , sculptor and painter, was born in Seattle, Washington. Tsutakawa spent much of his childhood in Okayama, Japan. He returned to Seattle at the age of 16, where he attended Broadway High School before earning a BFA at the University of Washington. One of his early mentors was...
(1910–1997), sculptor and painter - Minoru YamasakiMinoru Yamasakiwas a Japanese-American architect, best known for his design of the twin towers of the World Trade Center, buildings 1 and 2. Yamasaki was one of the most prominent architects of the 20th century...
(1912–1986), NiseiNiseiDuring the early years of World War II, Japanese Americans were forcibly relocated from their homes in the Pacific coast states because military leaders and public opinion combined to fan unproven fears of sabotage...
, architect, best known for the New York World Trade CenterWorld Trade CenterThe original World Trade Center was a complex with seven buildings featuring landmark twin towers in Lower Manhattan, New York City, United States. The complex opened on April 4, 1973, and was destroyed in 2001 during the September 11 attacks. The site is currently being rebuilt with five new...
"Twin Towers."
Business and economics
- Takeshi AmemiyaTakeshi Amemiyais an economist specializing in econometrics and the economy of ancient Greece.Amemiya is the Edward Ames Edmonds Professor of Economics and a Professor of Classics at Stanford University...
, economist, Stanford professor - Hiroaki AokiHiroaki Aoki, known in the United States by the Anglicized name Rocky Aoki, was an Olympic wrestler, the founder of the Benihana chain of "Japanese Steakhouse" restaurants, entrepreneur, and thrillseeker.- Biography :...
, founder of BenihanaBenihanaBenihana can refer to:*Benihana, Benihana's Hibachi Restaurant*Benihana * Benihana, the Japanese word for safflower... - Glen FukushimaGlen FukushimaGlen Fukushima is a Japanese American business leader and former public servant.-Government Service:As Deputy Assistant United States Trade Representative for Japan and China and Director for Japanese Affairs at the Office of the United States Trade Representative , Fukushima gained a reputation...
, Co-President and Representative Director, NCR Japan, Ltd., and former President, American Chamber of Commerce in Japan - Francis FukuyamaFrancis FukuyamaYoshihiro Francis Fukuyama is an American political scientist, political economist, and author. He is a Senior Fellow at the Center on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law at Stanford. Before that he served as a professor and director of the International Development program at the School of...
, economist and historian - Robert HamadaRobert Hamada (professor)Robert Hamada is the former Edward Eagle Brown Distinguished Service Professor of Finance and former Dean of the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.-Early life:...
, Edward Eagle Brown Distinguished Service Professor of Finance and former Dean of the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business - Wayne InouyeWayne InouyeWayne Inouye formerly served as Gateway's president & CEO. Inouye announced his departure from Gateway on February 9, 2006.-Biography:...
, former president & CEO of Gateway, Inc.Gateway, Inc.Gateway Computer Corporation, is a computer hardware company headquartered in Irvine, California, USA which develops, manufactures, supports, and markets a wide range of personal computers, computer monitors, servers, and computer accessories... - Scott OkiScott OkiScott Oki is a former senior vice-president of sales and marketing for Microsoft who conceived and built Microsoft's international operations...
, former senior vice president of sales and marketing at Microsoft - George ShimaGeorge ShimaGeorge Shima was a Japanese American businessman in California who became the first Japanese American millionaire. At one point, he produced about 85% of the state's potato crop, which earned him the nickname "The Potato King"....
(1864–1926), the first Japanese American millionaire. - Gary A. Tanaka - financier, convicted fraudster
- Ken UstonKen UstonKen Uston was a famous blackjack player, strategist, and author, credited with popularizing the concept of team play at blackjack...
, blackjack player, strategist, and author
Entertainment
- Keiko AgenaKeiko AgenaChristine Keiko Agena is an American actress known professionally as Keiko Agena.-Personal life:Agena, a Japanese-American, was born in Honolulu, and began acting at the age of 10. She attended Mid-Pacific Institute preparatory school on O‘ahu, and Whitman College for one year as a drama major...
, actress (Gilmore GirlsGilmore GirlsGilmore Girls is an American family comedy-drama series created by Amy Sherman-Palladino, starring Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel. On October 5, 2000, the series debuted on The WB and was cancelled in its seventh season, ending on May 15, 2007 on The CW...
TV series) - Toshiko AkiyoshiToshiko Akiyoshiis a Japanese American jazz pianist, composer/arranger and bandleader. Among a very few successful female instrumentalists of her generation in jazz, she is also recognized as a major figure in jazz composition. She has received 14 Grammy nominations, and she was the first woman to win the Best...
, Shin-IsseiIsseiIssei is a Japanese language term used in countries in North America, South America and Australia to specify the Japanese people first to immigrate. Their children born in the new country are referred to as Nisei , and their grandchildren are Sansei...
, musician, jazz pianist, composer, arranger and big band leader - Daniella Alonso, actress (Her father is part of Japanese descent)
- Devon AokiDevon AokiDevon Edwenna Aoki is an American model and actress.-Early life:Aoki was born in New York City, New York, and grew up in California and London, attending high school at The American School in London...
, model and actress (half-Japanese) - Tsuru AokiTsuru Aokiwas a popular Japanese-American stage and screen actress whose career was most prolific during the silent film era of the 1910s through the 1920s. Aoki may have been the first Asian actress to garner top-billing in American motion pictures.-Life and career:...
(1892–1961), IsseiIsseiIssei is a Japanese language term used in countries in North America, South America and Australia to specify the Japanese people first to immigrate. Their children born in the new country are referred to as Nisei , and their grandchildren are Sansei...
, actress - Gregg ArakiGregg ArakiGregg Araki is an American independent filmmaker. He is involved in New Queer Cinema.-Early life:Araki was born in Los Angeles but grew up in Santa Barbara, California...
, film director - Fred ArmisenFred ArmisenFred Armisen is an American actor, comedian and musician best known for his work as a cast member on Saturday Night Live, and portraying off-color foreigners in various comedy films such as EuroTrip, Anchorman and Cop Out...
, actor and comedian - Dean CainDean CainDean Cain is an American actor. He is most widely known for his role as Clark Kent/Superman in the popular American television series Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman.-Early life:...
, actor; paternal grandfather is of Japanese descent - Asia CarreraAsia CarreraAsia Carrera is a former American pornographic actress.- Early life and education :Asia Carrera was born in New York City to a Japanese father and German mother, the eldest of four siblings. She was raised in Little Silver, New Jersey, attending the Little Silver School District and Red Bank...
(née Jessica Andrea Steinhauser), former pornographic actress; she is 1/2 Japanese - Louis Ozawa ChangchienLouis Ozawa ChangchienLouis Ozawa Changchien is an American actor. He is best known for his role in the 2010 film Predators.-Early life:...
, actor; he is 1/2 Japanese - Ian Anthony DaleIan Anthony DaleIan Anthony Dale is an American actor.Born in Saint Paul, Minnesota, he attended school in Madison, Wisconsin. He is of Japanese, French and English descent. Dale currently stars as Simon Lee on The Event, and was previously known for playing Davis Lee on Surface and his recurring role on Charmed...
, actor (Mr. 3000); father is Japanese, mother is French-English - Marié DigbyMarié DigbyMarié Christina Digby is an American singer, songwriter, guitarist, pianist and actress. She is known for her acoustic cover version of Rihanna's "Umbrella", which attracted attention on YouTube in 2007...
, singer-songwriter, guitarist, pianist; she is 1/2 Japanese - Alaura EdenAlaura EdenAlaura Eden is an American former pornographic actress. She first appeared in adult films in 2002 at the age of 25.-Award nominations:*2004 AVN Award nomination – Best New Starlet...
, porn star - Marie EguroMarie Eguro, also credited as , born January 13, 1972 in North Carolina) is an American actress, musician and model. She is Japanese American.Eguro has starred with Jackie Chan in the movie Thunderbolt, has starred in over 40 commercials in Asia and the United States, and has been featured on the cover of...
, actress, model, musician - Takayo FischerTakayo FischerTakayo Fischer is an American stage, film and TV actress, as well as voice-over actress and singer.-Personal life:Fischer was born in Hardwick, California, the daughter of Issei Chukuro and Kinko Tsubouchi...
, NiseiNiseiDuring the early years of World War II, Japanese Americans were forcibly relocated from their homes in the Pacific coast states because military leaders and public opinion combined to fan unproven fears of sabotage...
, actress - Tak FujimotoTak FujimotoTak Fujimoto , A.S.C. is an American cinematographer. A graduate of the London Film School, he has worked with filmmakers Jonathan Demme, M. Night Shyamalan, John Hughes, Howard Deutch and Terrence Malick. Early in his career, he worked on the second unit of the first Star Wars film...
, NiseiNiseiDuring the early years of World War II, Japanese Americans were forcibly relocated from their homes in the Pacific coast states because military leaders and public opinion combined to fan unproven fears of sabotage...
, cinematographerCinematographerA cinematographer is one photographing with a motion picture camera . The title is generally equivalent to director of photography , used to designate a chief over the camera and lighting crews working on a film, responsible for achieving artistic and technical decisions related to the image...
of many Hollywood films including The Silence of the Lambs and Ferris Bueller's Day OffFerris Bueller's Day OffFerris Bueller's Day Off is a 1986 American teen coming-of-age comedy film written and directed by John Hughes.The film follows high school senior Ferris Bueller , who decides to skip school and spend the day in downtown Chicago... - Jun FujitaJun FujitaJun Fujita was an Issei photojournalist, photographer, silent film actor, and published poet. He was the first Japanese-American photojournalist...
, Issei, silent movie actor, (1888–1963), Essanay Studios of Chicago - Koichi FukudaKoichi FukudaKoichi Fukuda is a Japanese American musician, and the lead guitarist, programmer, and keyboardist for the industrial metal band Static-X and Drugstore Fanatics -Biography:...
, Static X band memeber - Midori GotōMidori Gotois a Japanese American violinist. She made her debut at the age of 11 in a last-minute change of programming during a concert highlighting young performers by the New York Philharmonic under Zubin Mehta. When she was 21, she formed the philanthropic group Midori and Friends to help bring music to...
, a classical violinist and recipient of the Avery Fisher PrizeAvery Fisher PrizeThe Avery Fisher Prize is an award given to American musicians for outstanding achievement in classical music. Founded by philanthropist Avery Fisher in 1974, it is regarded as one of the most significant awards for American instrumentalists. The award is decided by members of the Avery Fisher... - Ann HaradaAnn HaradaAnn Harada is an American New York-based actress who is best-known for the musical Avenue Q in which she originated the role of Christmas Eve, the heavily-accented Japanese therapist.-Early life:...
, actress (musical Avenue QAvenue QAvenue Q is a musical in two acts, conceived by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx, who wrote the music and lyrics. The book was written by Jeff Whitty and the show was directed by Jason Moore and produced by Kevin McCollum, Robyn Goodman, and Jeffrey Seller...
) - Kayo HattaKayo HattaKayo Hatta was an Asian American filmmaker, writer, and community activist. She directed and co-wrote the independent dramatic feature-length film Picture Bride, which won the Sundance Film Festival Audience Award in 1995 for Best Dramatic Film.-Early Life:Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Hatta grew up...
(1958–2005), filmmaker (Sundance Award winner Picture BridePicture Bride (film)Picture Bride is a 1995 feature-length independent film directed by Kayo Hatta from a screenplay she co-wrote with Mari Hatta, and co-produced by Diane Mei Lin Mark and Lisa Onodera. It follows Riyo, who arrives in Hawaii as a "picture bride" for a man she has never met before. The story is based...
) - Sessue HayakawaSessue Hayakawawas a Japanese and American Issei actor who starred in American, Japanese, French, German, and British films. Hayakawa was the first and one of the few Asian actors to find stardom in the United States as well as Europe. Between the mid-1910s and the late 1920s, he was as well known as actors...
(1889–1973), IsseiIsseiIssei is a Japanese language term used in countries in North America, South America and Australia to specify the Japanese people first to immigrate. Their children born in the new country are referred to as Nisei , and their grandchildren are Sansei...
, Academy Award nominated actor - Matt HeafyMatt HeafyMatthew Kiichi "Matt" Heafy is a Japanese-American musician, best known as the lead vocalist and lead guitarist for the American Metal band Trivium. Heafy is also the vocalist for the band Capharnaum, along with Trivium's former producer Jason Suecof.-Biography:Heafy is Japanese from his mother...
, Lead vocalist of band TriviumTrivium (band)Trivium is an American heavy metal band from Orlando, Florida, formed in 1999. Signed to Roadrunner Records, the band has released five studio albums, eleven singles, and twelve music videos...
- mother is Japanese - Don HenrieDon HenrieDon Henrie, also known as "The Vampire Don" is best known for his role in the Sci-fi Channel reality show Mad Mad House, which first aired March 4, 2004. Prior to this, he worked nights as a micro electronics engineer in San Diego....
, self-proclaimed vampireVampireVampires are mythological or folkloric beings who subsist by feeding on the life essence of living creatures, regardless of whether they are undead or a living person...
and an Alt on the short-lived Sci Fi ChannelSyfySyfy , formerly known as the Sci-Fi Channel and SCI FI, is an American cable television channel featuring science fiction, supernatural, fantasy, reality, paranormal, wrestling, and horror programming. Launched on September 24, 1992, it is part of the entertainment conglomerate NBCUniversal, a...
series Mad Mad HouseMad Mad HouseMad Mad House is a 2004 reality television series about a group of ten contestants competing for $100,000. The contestants live together in a house inhabited by another group of people known as the alts...
; 1/2 Japanese. - Gina HiraizumiGina HiraizumiGina Hiraizumi is an American actress and singer. Her father is a third generation Japanese American and her mother is from Japan. She is Yonsei or part of the fourth generation Nikkei....
, YonseiYonsei (fourth-generation Nikkei)is a Japanese diasporic term used in countries, particularly in North America and in Latin America, to specify the great-grandchildren of Japanese immigrants . The children of Issei are Nisei . Sansei are the third generation, and their offspring are Yonsei...
, actress, singer - Shizuko HoshiShizuko HoshiShizuko Hoshi is an American actress and theatre director living in Southern California. She is a graduate of Tokyo Women's College and University of Southern California...
, Shin-Issei (Japanese-born), actress - James IhaJames IhaJames Yoshinobu Iha b. March 26, 1968 in Chicago, Illinois) is a Japanese American rock musician. He is best known as having been a guitarist and co-founder of the alternative rock band The Smashing Pumpkins and for his eclectic musical projects of recent years, most notably being a permanent...
, Guitarist for Smashing Pumpkins and A Perfect CircleA Perfect CircleA Perfect Circle is an American rock supergroup formed in 1999 by guitarist Billy Howerdel and Tool vocalist Maynard James Keenan. The original incarnation of the band also included Paz Lenchantin on bass, Troy Van Leeuwen on guitar, and Tim Alexander on drums... - Jeff ImadaJeff ImadaJeff Imada is an American marital artist, stuntman, actor and director. He has performed stunts in over 100 films and television programs and authored one of the first books published in the US about the balisong knife.-Life and career:...
, actor, stuntman, stunt coordinator - Grant ImaharaGrant ImaharaGrant Masaru Imahara is a Japanese American electronics and radio control expert, best known for his work on the American television show MythBusters.-Education and early work:...
, YonseiYonsei (fourth-generation Nikkei)is a Japanese diasporic term used in countries, particularly in North America and in Latin America, to specify the great-grandchildren of Japanese immigrants . The children of Issei are Nisei . Sansei are the third generation, and their offspring are Yonsei...
, builder and host on MythBustersMythBustersMythBusters is a science entertainment TV program created and produced by Beyond Television Productions for the Discovery Channel. The series is screened by numerous international broadcasters, including Discovery Channel Australia, Discovery Channel Latin America, Discovery Channel Canada, Quest...
TV series on Discovery ChannelDiscovery ChannelDiscovery Channel is an American satellite and cable specialty channel , founded by John Hendricks and distributed by Discovery Communications. It is a publicly traded company run by CEO David Zaslav... - Carrie Ann InabaCarrie Ann InabaCarrie Ann Inaba is an American dancer, choreographer, actress, game show host, and singer.She started her career as a singer in Japan, but became best known for her dancing, first introducing herself to American audiences as one of the original Fly Girls on the sketch comedy series In Living Color...
, dancer, actress - Joe InoueJoe Inoueis a Japanese American rock musician signed to Sony Music Entertainment Japan's Ki/oon Records label. He was born and grew up in Los Angeles, California, to two Japanese immigrants. It was not until middle school that he became interested in music and that eventually led him to start his musical...
, a Japanese-American pop and rock musician - Tatsuya Ishida, creator of the webcomicWebcomicWebcomics, online comics, or Internet comics are comics published on a website. While many are published exclusively on the web, others are also published in magazines, newspapers or often in self-published books....
SinfestSinfestSinfest is a webcomic written and drawn by Japanese-American comic strip artist Tatsuya Ishida. The first strip as a webcomic appeared on January 17, 2000, although the very first strip appeared in print on October 16, 1991 in the UCLA newspaper, Daily Bruin, while Ishida attended UCLA. A new strip... - Robert ItoRobert ItoRobert Ito is a Canadian voice, television, and movie actor of Japanese decent.A Canadian actor of Japanese descent, Ito was, for many years, a dancer with the National Ballet of Canada before turning to acting in the mid-1960s...
, NiseiNiseiDuring the early years of World War II, Japanese Americans were forcibly relocated from their homes in the Pacific coast states because military leaders and public opinion combined to fan unproven fears of sabotage...
(Canadian-born), actor, best known as "Dr. Sam Fujiyama" on the popular TV series Quincy, M.E.Quincy, M.E.Quincy, M.E., also called Quincy, is a United States television series from Universal Studios that aired from October 3, 1976, to September 5, 1983, on NBC... - Yuna ItoYuna Itois an American pop singer-songwriter and actress who is active in Japan.She was born in Los Angeles and was raised in Hawaii. Ito made her musical debut in Japan with the single, "Endless Story", which was used as one of the theme songs for the popular 2005 film Nana; she also starred in the film,...
, singer and actress, also of half-Korean descent - JeroJeroJerome Charles White, Jr. , better known by his stage name , is an enka singer of African-American and Japanese descent. He is the first black enka singer in Japanese music history.- Biography :...
, born Jerome Charles White, Jr., enkaEnkais a popular Japanese music genre considered to resemble traditional Japanese music stylistically. Modern enka, however, is a relatively recent musical form which arose in the context of such postwar expressions of modern Japanese nonmaterial nationalism as nihonjinron, while adopting a more...
singer in Japan; grandmother was Japanese - Miyuki Melody Ishikawa, singer and former host of NHK World TV music show, J-MeloJ-MeloJ-Melo is a weekly Japanese music television program broadcast by NHK. It is recorded entirely in the English language. It began broadcasting on October 7, 2005...
. - Austin St. JohnAustin St. JohnAustin St. John is a former American actor and martial artist known for his role in the popular Power Rangers children's television series as Jason Lee Scott, the original Red Ranger and first leader of the Power Rangers. He is an emergency medical technician and firefighter.-Personal life:St...
, actor (Mighty Morphin Power RangersMighty Morphin Power RangersMighty Morphin Power Rangers is an American live-action children's television series based on the 16th installment of the Japanese Super Sentai franchise, Kyōryū Sentai Zyuranger. Both the show and its related merchandise saw unbridled overnight success, catapulting into pop culture in mere months...
). - Rodney KageyamaRodney KageyamaRodney Kageyama is an American stage, film and TV actor. He is a Nisei Japanese American .In 2007, Kageyama was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. He underwent chemotherapy and as of spring 2008 was declared cancer-free.-Theatre:...
, NiseiNiseiDuring the early years of World War II, Japanese Americans were forcibly relocated from their homes in the Pacific coast states because military leaders and public opinion combined to fan unproven fears of sabotage...
, actor - Janice KawayeJanice KawayeJanice Kawaye is a Japanese-American actress, notable for providing the voice of Jenny "XJ-9" Wakeman on My Life as a Teenage Robot, Ami on Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi, Sarah on Invader Zim, Gi on Captain Planet and the Planeteers, Kioko and Julia on All Grown Up! and Yuzu Kurosaki on Bleach...
, voice actress - Hayley KiyokoHayley KiyokoHayley Kiyoko Alcroft , known professionally as Hayley Kiyoko, is an American actress, singer, songwriter, musician, and dancer...
, actress, singer - Ariane Koizumi, film actress
- Hokuto "Hok" Konishi, dancer and b-boy, member of the season threeAmerica's Best Dance Crew (Season 3)The third season of America's Best Dance Crew premiered on January 15, 2009. It was hosted by Mario Lopez and featured Layla Kayleigh as the backstage correspondent. The judges included rapper Lil Mama, former *NSYNC singer JC Chasez, and hip-hop choreographer Shane Sparks...
winning crew on "America's Best Dance CrewAmerica's Best Dance CrewAmerica's Best Dance Crew, often abbreviated as ABDC, is an American competitive dance reality television series that features street dance crews from the United States and around the world. It is produced by American Idol judge Randy Jackson and airs on MTV...
" - Sho KosugiSho KosugiSho Kosugi is a Japanese martial artist with training in shindō jinen-ryū karate who gained popularity as an actor during the 1980s, usually playing a ninja. He is the father of Kane Kosugi and Shane Kosugi. After taking a hiatus from film, he started a taiko group in California...
, Shin-Issei (Japanese-born), actor and martial artist - Shin KoyamadaShin Koyamadais a film actor, producer, philanthropist and martial artist.Koyamada co-starred as “Nobutada” opposite Tom Cruise in the Warner Bros. action epic film The Last Samurai , with a worldwide box office of $456 million. Koyamada also starred in the action original movie Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior...
, Shin-Issei (Japanese-born), actorActorAn actor is a person who acts in a dramatic production and who works in film, television, theatre, or radio in that capacity...
, producerFilm producerA film producer oversees and delivers a film project to all relevant parties while preserving the integrity, voice and vision of the film. They will also often take on some financial risk by using their own money, especially during the pre-production period, before a film is fully financed.The...
, philanthropistPhilanthropistA philanthropist is someone who engages in philanthropy; that is, someone who donates his or her time, money, and/or reputation to charitable causes...
, and martial artist - Asako KozukiAsako KozukiAsako Kozuki is a Japanese seiyū who was the voice of Princess Peach in Mario Kart 64 and Mario Party 1 and 2. She retired and has been replaced by Jen Taylor since Mario Party 3, although Jen Taylor has been the voice of Princess Peach since Mario Golf...
, voice actress - Emily KurodaEmily KurodaEmily Kuroda is best known for her role as Mrs. Kim on TV's Gilmore Girls, but she has had a long career on stage and screen and is a veteran of East West Players, Los Angeles' premier Asian American theater group.-Life and career:...
, actress (Gilmore GirlsGilmore GirlsGilmore Girls is an American family comedy-drama series created by Amy Sherman-Palladino, starring Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel. On October 5, 2000, the series debuted on The WB and was cancelled in its seventh season, ending on May 15, 2007 on The CW...
TV series) - Karyn KusamaKaryn KusamaKaryn Kusama is an American film director and screenwriter.A graduate of New York University's film school, her début production Girlfight won both the Director's Award and the Grand Jury Prize at the 2000 Sundance Film Festival...
, director - Clyde KusatsuClyde KusatsuClyde Kusatsu is a U.S. actor.Kusatsu was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, where he attended ʻIolani School. Kusatsu began acting in Honolulu summer stock, and after studying theatre at Northwestern University, started to make his mark on the small screen in the mid-1970s...
, actor - Bob KuwaharaBob KuwaharaRokuro "Bob" Kuwahara was a Japanese-born American animator best known for his work with Walt Disney and Terrytoons between the 1930s and 1960s....
animator for Walt Disney and TerrytoonsTerrytoonsTerrytoons was an animation studio founded by Paul Terry. The studio, located in suburban New Rochelle, New York, operated from 1929 to 1968. Its most popular characters included Mighty Mouse, Gandy Goose, Sourpuss, Dinky Duck, Deputy Dawg, Luno and Heckle and Jeckle; these cartoons and all of its...
. Created Hashimoto-sanHashimoto-sanHashimoto-san was an animated Japanese mouse created by the Japanese-born animator Bob Kuwahara for the Terrytoons animation company.The first cartoon in the series, Hashimoto-san, was a seven-minute short released theatrically on September 6, 1959. The final cartoon, Spooky-Yaki, was released on...
series. - Dan KwongDan KwongDan Kwong is an American performance artist, writer, teacher and visual artist. He has been presenting his solo performances since 1989, often drawing upon his own life experiences to explore personal, historical and social issues. He is of mixed Asian American heritage...
, performance artist, writer, playwright (Be Like WaterBe Like WaterBe Like Water is a play written by Dan Kwong, originally produced at East West Players, in association with Cedar Grove OnStage. The play received its world premiere in Los Angeles on September 17, 2008, directed by Chris Tashima, at East West Players' David Henry Hwang Theater at the Union...
) - Jeff LaBarJeff LaBarJeffrey Philip LaBar is an American guitarist most famous for playing in the band Cinderella, in which he replaced original guitarist Michael Smerick, also known as Michael Kelly Smith. LaBar also has a side band with Cinderella bandmate Eric Brittingham called Naked Beggars...
, guitarist of CinderellaCinderella (band)Cinderella is an American heavy metal band from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They emerged in the mid-1980s with a series of multi-platinum albums and hit singles whose music videos received heavy MTV rotation. They were famous for being a glam metal band, but then shifted over towards a more hard...
. - Jake E. LeeJake E. LeeJakey Lou Williams , commonly known as Jake E. Lee, is an American guitarist best known for playing with Ozzy Osbourne in the mid-1980s and later in his own band Badlands.- Musical education :...
, Heavy Metal guitarist known for his work with Ozzy OsbourneOzzy OsbourneJohn Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne is an English vocalist, whose musical career has spanned over 40 years. Osbourne rose to prominence as lead singer of the pioneering English heavy metal band Black Sabbath, whose radically different, intentionally dark, harder sound helped spawn the heavy metal...
and in his own band BadlandsBadlandsA badlands is a type of dry terrain where softer sedimentary rocks and clay-rich soils have been extensively eroded by wind and water. It can resemble malpaís, a terrain of volcanic rock. Canyons, ravines, gullies, hoodoos and other such geological forms are common in badlands. They are often...
. - Sean Ono Lennon, HapaHapaHapa is a Hawaiian language term used to describe a person of mixed Asian or Pacific Islander racial or ethnic heritage.-Etymology:In the Hawaiian language, hapa is defined as: portion, fragment, part, fraction, installment; to be partial, less. It is a loan from the English word half...
NiseiNiseiDuring the early years of World War II, Japanese Americans were forcibly relocated from their homes in the Pacific coast states because military leaders and public opinion combined to fan unproven fears of sabotage...
, musician, son of John LennonJohn LennonJohn Winston Lennon, MBE was an English musician and singer-songwriter who rose to worldwide fame as one of the founding members of The Beatles, one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed acts in the history of popular music...
and Yoko OnoYoko Onois a Japanese artist, musician, author and peace activist, known for her work in avant-garde art, music and filmmaking as well as her marriage to John Lennon... - Olivia Lufkin, singer, songwriter
- MakoMako (actor), born , was an Oscar- and Tony-nominated Japanese actor. Many of his acting roles credited him simply as Mako, omitting his surname. -Early life:...
(1933–2006), Shin-Issei (Japanese-born), actor, Academy Award nominee for Best Actor in a Supporting Role (The Sand PebblesThe Sand Pebbles (film)The Sand Pebbles is a 1966 American period war film directed by Robert Wise. It tells the story of an independent, rebellious U.S. Navy Machinist's Mate aboard the fictional gunboat USS San Pablo in 1920s China....
) and Tony AwardAmerican Theatre WingThe American Theatre Wing is a New York City-based organization "dedicated to supporting excellence and education in theatre," according to its mission statement...
nominee for Best Actor (Pacific OverturesPacific OverturesPacific Overtures is a musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, a libretto by John Weidman, and additional material by Hugh Wheeler. The musical is set in 1853 Japan and follows the difficult Westernization of Japan, through the lives of two friends caught in the change...
Original Broadway Cast), Founder of East West PlayersEast West PlayersEast West Players is an Asian American theatre organization in Los Angeles, founded in 1965. As one of the nation's first Asian American theatre organizations, East West Players today continues to produce works and educational programs that give voice to the Asian Pacific American... - Kyrie MaezumiKyrie MaezumiKyrie Mimi Maezumi is an American actress and musician of Russian, British and Japanese descent.-Private life:A Los Angeles native, Kyrie grew up in a close family where her performing skills were apparent very early on. Kyrie is of Russian, British and Japanese descent...
, actrees and musician. - Lily MariyeLily MariyeLily Mariye is an American actress and filmmaker.From 1994-2009 she had a regular role as nurse Lily Jarvik on the NBC television series ER, for which she has won the Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Ensemble in a Drama Series four times.Mariye was born in Las Vegas, Nevada and graduated from...
, actress (ERER (TV series)ER is an American medical drama television series created by novelist Michael Crichton that aired on NBC from September 19, 1994 to April 2, 2009. It was produced by Constant c Productions and Amblin Entertainment, in association with Warner Bros. Television...
), filmmaker - Keiko MatsuiKeiko Matsui, born in Tokyo as Keiko Doi, is a Japanese smooth jazz/jazz fusion/new age/ keyboardist and composer whose career spans three decades, during which time she has released twenty CDs and has received international acclaim....
, Shin-Issei (Japanese-born), jazz musician - Kent MatsuokaKent MatsuokaKent Matsuoka is an American born independent producer and location manager of Japanese descent. Born in Sacramento, California, he studied film and photography at the California Institute of the Arts....
, NiseiNiseiDuring the early years of World War II, Japanese Americans were forcibly relocated from their homes in the Pacific coast states because military leaders and public opinion combined to fan unproven fears of sabotage...
producer and location manager - Nobu McCarthyNobu McCarthyNobu McCarthy was a Japanese Canadian actress, stage director, and fashion model.-Early life:McCarthy was born Nobu Atsumi in Ottawa, Ontario, the daughter of Yuki and Masaji Atsumi, a Japanese fashion designer and diplomatic attache stationed in Canada at the time. She was raised in Japan, where...
(1934–2002), Kibei (Canadian-born), actress (Farewell to Manzanar, Wake Me When It's OverWake Me When It's OverWake Me When It's Over is Faster Pussycat's second album, moving from the hair metal sound of their first album to a blues-influenced sound....
, Walk Like A Dragon) - Meiko, L.A.-based singer/songwriter; she is 1/4 Japanese on her mother's side
- Anne Akiko MeyersAnne Akiko MeyersAnne Akiko Meyers is an American concert violinist. Meyers has toured and collaborated with a number of symphony orchestras and Il Divo, Chris Botti and Wynton Marsalis. Meyers tours with a 1730 Stradivarius violin called the 'Royal Spanish'...
, classical violinist - Derek MioDerek MioDerek Mio is an American film and TV actor. He attended USC School of Cinematic Arts. He is a fourth-generation Japanese American.-Acting career:...
, YonseiYonsei (fourth-generation Nikkei)is a Japanese diasporic term used in countries, particularly in North America and in Latin America, to specify the great-grandchildren of Japanese immigrants . The children of Issei are Nisei . Sansei are the third generation, and their offspring are Yonsei...
, actor (GreekGreek (TV series)Greek is an American comedy-drama television series, which follows students of the fictional Cyprus-Rhodes University , located in Ohio, who participate in the school's Greek system...
TV series, Day OneDay One (TV series)Day One is a planned NBC sci-fi television movie—originally a TV series pilot—about apartment residents that survive an unknown worldwide cataclysm, that destroys modern infrastructure. The movie/pilot was directed by Alex Graves, who previously directed the pilot episodes for the Fox TV series...
TV series) - Kim MiyoriKim MiyoriKim Miyori is an American actress, best known for the role of Dr. Wendy Armstrong on the first two seasons of the 1980s medical drama St...
, actress (St. Elsewhere TV series) - Diane MizotaDiane MizotaDiane Kiyomi Mizota is an American dancer, actress, and hostess.-Life and career:Mizota, a Japanese American, was born in Los Angeles, California and raised in Danville, California. Mizota studied dance in high school and in UCLA and graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Communication Studies...
, dancer, actress, TV host - Pat MoritaPat MoritaNoriyuki "Pat" Morita was an American actor of Japanese descent who was well-known for playing the roles of Matsuo "Arnold" Takahashi on Happy Days and Mr. Miyagi in the The Karate Kid movie series, for which he was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1984.-Early life:Pat...
(1932–2005), NiseiNiseiDuring the early years of World War II, Japanese Americans were forcibly relocated from their homes in the Pacific coast states because military leaders and public opinion combined to fan unproven fears of sabotage...
, Academy Award nominated actor and comedianComedianA comedian or comic is a person who seeks to entertain an audience, primarily by making them laugh. This might be through jokes or amusing situations, or acting a fool, as in slapstick, or employing prop comedy... - Glen MurakamiGlen MurakamiGlen Murakami is an Emmy Award winning American animator, animation director, and producer best known for his work on Batman Beyond, Teen Titans, Ben 10: Alien Force, and Ben 10: Ultimate Alien.-Animation:...
, Animator, director, producer - Doris Muramatsu, GirlymanGirlymanGirlyman is an American folk-rock band formerly based in Brooklyn, New York City, New York, now based in Atlanta, Georgia.Their self-released debut album, Remember Who I Am, sold 5,000 copies before it was re-released by Daemon Records, the independent record label run by Amy Ray of the Indigo...
band member - Alan MuraokaAlan MuraokaAlan Muraoka is an actor and theatre director who plays Alan, the current owner of Hooper's Store on the television show Sesame Street.-Early career:...
, actor and theatre director who plays the current owner of Hooper's StoreHooper's StoreMr. Hooper's Store is an integral business and meeting-place on the television show Sesame Street. Its owners have been Mr. Hooper, David, Mr. Handford, and Alan; these managers have been assisted by Tom, Cookie Monster, Bert, Petey, Gina, Carlo, Natalie, and Gabby at times.-Overview:Founded by Mr...
on Sesame StreetSesame StreetSesame Street has undergone significant changes in its history. According to writer Michael Davis, by the mid-1970s the show had become "an American institution". The cast and crew expanded during this time, including the hiring of women in the crew and additional minorities in the cast. The... - Kent NaganoKent Nagano__FORCETOC__Kent George Nagano is an American conductor and opera administrator. He is currently the music director of the Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal and the Bavarian State Opera.-Biography:...
, conductor, Los Angeles Symphony - Robert A. NakamuraRobert A. NakamuraRobert Akira Nakamura is a pioneering filmmaker and teacher, sometimes referred to as "the Godfather of Asian American media." In 1970 he co-founded Visual Communications the oldest community-based Asian Pacific American media arts organization in the United States.-Personal:Nakamura was born in...
, filmmaker, co-founder of Visual Communications (VC)Visual Communications (VC)Visual Communications – also known as VC – is a community-based non-profit media arts organization in Los Angeles, dedicated to creating, preserving and presenting Asian Pacific American history and culture through the media arts...
, teacher - Suzy NakamuraSuzy NakamuraSusan Aiko "Suzy" Nakamura is an American actress. She starred opposite Ted Danson in the ABC sitcom Help Me Help You. Nakamura has also had many guest appearances on American sitcoms such as According to Jim, Half and Half, 8 Simple Rules, Curb Your Enthusiasm and How I Met Your Mother and had a...
, SanseiSanseiSansei is a Japanese language term used in countries in South America, North America and Australia to specify the children of children born to Japanese people in the new country. The Nisei are considered the second generation, grandchildren of the Japanese-born immigrants are called Sansei and...
, actress - Desmond NakanoDesmond NakanoThis article about a United States film director is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by [/w/index.php?stub&title=&action=edit expanding it]....
, SanseiSanseiSansei is a Japanese language term used in countries in South America, North America and Australia to specify the children of children born to Japanese people in the new country. The Nisei are considered the second generation, grandchildren of the Japanese-born immigrants are called Sansei and...
, film director (White Man's Burden, American PastimeAmerican PastimeAmerican Pastime is the fourteenth album by American rock band Three Dog Night, released in 1976 . Their only studio album not to feature the band's three founding vocalists backed up by their long-time band, it sold poorly and the band broke up soon afterwards...
) and screenwriter (Last Exit to BrooklynLast Exit to BrooklynLast Exit to Brooklyn is a 1964 novel by American author Hubert Selby, Jr. The novel has become a cult classic because of its harsh, uncompromising look at lower class Brooklyn in the 1950s and for its brusque, everyman style of prose....
, American MeAmerican MeAmerican Me is a 1992 biographical crime drama film produced and directed by Edward James Olmos, his first film as a director, and written by Floyd Mutrux and Desmond Nakano. Olmos also stars as the film's protagonist, Montoya Santana...
, White Man's Burden, American PastimeAmerican PastimeAmerican Pastime is the fourteenth album by American rock band Three Dog Night, released in 1976 . Their only studio album not to feature the band's three founding vocalists backed up by their long-time band, it sold poorly and the band broke up soon afterwards...
) - Ken NarasakiKen NarasakiKen Narasaki is a Sansei playwright and actor. He is the former Literary Manager at East West Players theatre company in Los Angeles...
, SanseiSanseiSansei is a Japanese language term used in countries in South America, North America and Australia to specify the children of children born to Japanese people in the new country. The Nisei are considered the second generation, grandchildren of the Japanese-born immigrants are called Sansei and...
, actor, playwright - Hiro NaritaHiro NaritaHiro Narita, A.S.C. a Japanese American cinematographer, was born June 26, 1941 in Seoul, South Korea.In 1945, he and his family moved to Nara, Japan, and later on to Tokyo. Following his father's early death and his mother's remarriage to a Japanese American, he immigrated in 1957 to Honolulu,...
, Shin-Issei (Japanese-born), cinematographer - Lane NishikawaLane NishikawaLane Nishikawa is an American actor, filmmaker, playwright and performance artist. He is Sansei ; and his work often deals with Asian American history and identity issues. He is widely known for a series of one-man shows, including Life in the Fast Lane, I'm on a Mission From Buddha, Mifune and...
, SanseiSanseiSansei is a Japanese language term used in countries in South America, North America and Australia to specify the children of children born to Japanese people in the new country. The Nisei are considered the second generation, grandchildren of the Japanese-born immigrants are called Sansei and...
, actor and filmmaker - Kevin "KevNish" NishimuraKev NishKevin Nishimura is an Asian American rapper, singer, song-writer, member of the group Far East Movement who performs under the polynym Kev Nish. Nish is of 4th generation Chinese and Japanese descent American....
, musicianMusicianA musician is an artist who plays a musical instrument. It may or may not be the person's profession. Musicians can be classified by their roles in performing music and writing music.Also....* A person who makes music a profession....
, member of Far East Movement (half-Japanese) - Sophie OdaSophie Tamiko OdaSophie Tamiko Oda is an American actress.-Personal life:Oda, a Japanese American, was born in San Francisco, California. She is also a professional singer and performs frequently in concerts and benefits...
(1991 - ) child actress - Masi OkaMasi OkaMasayori "Masi" Oka is a Japanese-American actor and digital effects artist.He has performed in numerous feature films and TV series, most prominently as Hiro Nakamura in the NBC TV series Heroes from 2006 until its cancellation in May 2010. He resides in Los Angeles, California.-Early life:Oka...
, Shin-Issei (Japanese-born), Golden Globe nominated television actor (Heroes) - Daryn OkadaDaryn OkadaDaryn Okada, A.S.C. is a cinematographer and the current president of the American Society of Cinematographers.-External links:...
, cinematographer, current president of American Society of CinematographersAmerican Society of CinematographersThe American Society of Cinematographers is an educational, cultural, and professional organization. It is not a labor union, and it is not a guild. Membership is by invitation and is extended only to directors of photography and special effects experts with distinguished credits in the film... - Steven OkazakiSteven OkazakiSteven Okazaki is an American filmmaker. He is Sansei Japanese American and is based in the San Francisco Bay Area...
, SanseiSanseiSansei is a Japanese language term used in countries in South America, North America and Australia to specify the children of children born to Japanese people in the new country. The Nisei are considered the second generation, grandchildren of the Japanese-born immigrants are called Sansei and...
, Academy Award winning documentary filmmaker - Ryo OkumotoRyo OkumotoRyo Okumoto is a rock keyboardist, best known for his work with progressive rock group Spock's Beard. He joined the band in 1996 and has been a member ever since. When singer and keyboardist Neal Morse was in the band, Ryo played Hammond Organ and Mellotron on the albums...
, Spock's BeardSpock's BeardSpock's Beard is a progressive rock band formed in 1992 in Los Angeles by brothers Neal and Alan Morse. Neal played keyboards and was the lead vocalist, as well as being the primary songwriter before leaving the band in 2002 to pursue a solo career. Alan plays electric guitar...
band member - Yuji OkumotoYuji Okumotois an Japanese-American actor best known for his intimidating movie roles, such as Chozen in The Karate Kid, Part II.-Early life:...
, SanseiSanseiSansei is a Japanese language term used in countries in South America, North America and Australia to specify the children of children born to Japanese people in the new country. The Nisei are considered the second generation, grandchildren of the Japanese-born immigrants are called Sansei and...
, actor - Lisa OnoderaLisa OnoderaLisa Onodera is an American independent film producer, of such noted films as Picture Bride, The Debut and Americanese. She grew up in Berkeley, California, and attended UCLA where she received a degree from the School of Motion Picture and Television.Early film credits include serving as...
, film producer (Picture BridePicture Bride (film)Picture Bride is a 1995 feature-length independent film directed by Kayo Hatta from a screenplay she co-wrote with Mari Hatta, and co-produced by Diane Mei Lin Mark and Lisa Onodera. It follows Riyo, who arrives in Hawaii as a "picture bride" for a man she has never met before. The story is based...
, The DebutThe DebutThe Debut is an independent feature-length film directed and co-written by first-time Filipino American filmmaker Gene Cajayon. It is the first Filipino American film to be released theatrically nationwide, although regionally and every few months starting in March 2001 in the San Francisco Bay...
, AmericaneseAmericaneseAmericanese is a 2006 American independent film acquired by IFC Films but not yet released. It is a romantic drama about the break-up of a couple, about love and memory, and how race plays into the lives of contemporary Asian Americans and Hapa/mixed-race Americans.- Background :The film was...
) - Ken and Miye OtaKen and Miye OtaKen Ota and Miye Ota are a married couple known for teaching martial arts, ballroom dancing, and social graces at their “cultural school” located in Goleta, California.-Ken Ota:...
, champion ballroom dancers, martial artists (AikidoKi-Aikidois the style of aikido developed by Koichi Tohei.- Koichi Tohei :Ki is a Japanese word meaning Life Force, which is conceptually related to the Chinese Qi and is of great importance to the way in which Koichi Tohei's style of aikido is taught...
and JudoJudois a modern martial art and combat sport created in Japan in 1882 by Jigoro Kano. Its most prominent feature is its competitive element, where the object is to either throw or takedown one's opponent to the ground, immobilize or otherwise subdue one's opponent with a grappling maneuver, or force an...
) - Seiji OzawaSeiji Ozawais a Japanese conductor, particularly noted for his interpretations of large-scale late Romantic works. He is most known for his work as music director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and principal conductor of the Vienna State Opera.-Early years:...
, conductor, director of the Boston Symphony OrchestraBoston Symphony OrchestraThe Boston Symphony Orchestra is an orchestra based in Boston, Massachusetts. It is one of the five American orchestras commonly referred to as the "Big Five". Founded in 1881, the BSO plays most of its concerts at Boston's Symphony Hall and in the summer performs at the Tanglewood Music Center...
from 1973–2002 - Douglas Robb, lead singer of HoobastankHoobastankHoobastank is an American rock band, best known for their 2004 hit "The Reason" and other hits "Crawling in the Dark" and "Running Away". They formed in 1994 in Agoura Hills, California, with singer Doug Robb, guitarist Dan Estrin, drummer Chris Hesse, and original bassist Markku Lappalainen. They...
, Japanese mother - Bianca RyanBianca RyanBianca Taylor Ryan is an American singer and guitarist, who won the debut season of NBC's America's Got Talent at age 11....
, winner of America's Got TalentAmerica's Got TalentAmerica's Got Talent is an American reality television series on the NBC television network, and part of the global British Got Talent franchise. It is a talent show that features singers, dancers, magicians, comedians, and other performers of all ages competing for the advertised top prize of...
, mother is 1/2 Japanese - Stan SakaiStan Sakaiis a third-generation Japanese American Cartoonist comic book creator. He is best known as the creator of the comic series Usagi Yojimbo. -Biography:...
, cartoonist, creator of Usagi YojimboUsagi Yojimbois a comic book series created by Stan Sakai in 1987. In 2011 IGN ranked Miyamoto Usagi 92nd in the top 100 comic books heroes.-Concept:Set primarily at the beginning of Edo period of Japan , with anthropomorphic animals replacing humans, the series features a rabbit ronin, Miyamoto Usagi, whom...
comic series - Harold SakataHarold SakataToshiyuki "Harold" Sakata was a Japanese American professional wrestler and film actor most famous for his role as the villain "Oddjob" in the James Bond film Goldfinger.-Career:...
(1920–1982), NiseiNiseiDuring the early years of World War II, Japanese Americans were forcibly relocated from their homes in the Pacific coast states because military leaders and public opinion combined to fan unproven fears of sabotage...
, actor ("Odd Job" from James Bond film GoldfingerGoldfinger (film)Goldfinger is the third spy film in the James Bond series and the third to star Sean Connery as the fictional MI6 agent James Bond. Released in 1964, it is based on the novel of the same name by Ian Fleming. The film also stars Honor Blackman as Bond girl Pussy Galore and Gert Fröbe as the title...
) and wrestler (see also Sports below) - Reiko SatoReiko SatoReiko Sato was an American dancer and actress.Born in Los Angeles, California, Sato was interned at the Gila River War Relocation Center during World War II. Sato is best known for playing seamstress Helen Chao in the movie Flower Drum Song. After her death in 1981, she was cremated, and half...
, (1931–1981), NiseiNiseiDuring the early years of World War II, Japanese Americans were forcibly relocated from their homes in the Pacific coast states because military leaders and public opinion combined to fan unproven fears of sabotage...
, dancer and actress (Flower Drum SongFlower Drum Song (film)Flower Drum Song is a 1961 film adaptation of the 1958 Broadway musical Flower Drum Song, written by the composer Richard Rodgers and the lyricist/librettist Oscar Hammerstein II. The film and stage play were based on the 1957 novel of the same name by the Chinese American author C. Y...
, The Ugly AmericanThe Ugly AmericanThe Ugly American is the title of a 1958 political novel by Eugene Burdick and William Lederer. The novel became a bestseller, was influential at the time, and is still in print...
) - Jake ShimabukuroJake ShimabukuroJake Shimabukuro is an ukulele virtuoso known for his complex finger work. His music combines elements of jazz and rock.- History :...
, ukulele virtuoso - James ShigetaJames ShigetaJames Shigeta is an American film and television actor. He is also a standards singer, musical theatre and nightclub performer, and recording artist. He is a Nisei or second-generation American of Japanese ancestry.-Early life:...
, SanseiSanseiSansei is a Japanese language term used in countries in South America, North America and Australia to specify the children of children born to Japanese people in the new country. The Nisei are considered the second generation, grandchildren of the Japanese-born immigrants are called Sansei and...
, actor (Bridge to the Sun, Crimson Kimono, Flower Drum SongFlower Drum SongFlower Drum Song was the eighth stage musical by the team of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. It was based on the 1957 novel, The Flower Drum Song, by Chinese-American author C. Y. Lee. The piece opened in 1958 on Broadway and was afterwards presented in the West End and on tour...
, Walk Like A Dragon) and American popular standards singer - Jenny ShimizuJenny ShimizuJenny Lynn Shimizu is an American model and actress. She was born in San Jose, California.- Career :While working as a mechanic she was approached to model for the Calvin Klein CK1 fragrance ads and model Calvin Klein fashions...
, fashion model - Yuki ShimodaYuki ShimodaYuki Shimoda was an American actor best known for his starring role as Ko Wakatsuki in the NBC movie of the week, Farewell to Manzanar in 1976. He also co-starred in a 1960s television series, Johnny Midnight , with Edmond O'Brien. He was a star of the silver screen, early television and the stage...
(1921–1981), NiseiNiseiDuring the early years of World War II, Japanese Americans were forcibly relocated from their homes in the Pacific coast states because military leaders and public opinion combined to fan unproven fears of sabotage...
, actor - Sab ShimonoSab ShimonoSab Shimono is an American actor who has appeared in dozens of movies and television shows in character roles.-Career:An accomplished stage actor, he has appeared on Broadway and in regional theaters including San Francisco's American Conservatory Theatre and Berkeley Repertory Theatre...
, actor - Larry ShinodaLarry ShinodaLawrence Kiyoshi Shinoda was a noted automotive designer who was best known for his work on the Chevrolet Corvette and Ford Mustang....
, automotive designer noted for his work on the CorvetteChevrolet CorvetteThe Chevrolet Corvette is a sports car by the Chevrolet division of General Motors that has been produced in six generations. The first model, a convertible, was designed by Harley Earl and introduced at the GM Motorama in 1953 as a concept show car. Myron Scott is credited for naming the car after...
and the Boss 302 MustangFord MustangThe Ford Mustang is an automobile manufactured by the Ford Motor Company. It was initially based on the second generation North American Ford Falcon, a compact car. Introduced early on April 17, 1964, as a "1964½" model, the 1965 Mustang was the automaker's most successful launch since the Model A... - Mike ShinodaMike ShinodaMichael "Mike" Kenji Shinoda is an American musician, record producer, and artist. He is best known as the rapper, principal songwriter, keyboardist, vocalist and rhythm guitarist of the rock band Linkin Park, along with his co-frontman and lead singer Chester Bennington, and as a solo rapper in...
, Linkin ParkLinkin ParkLinkin Park is an American rock band from Agoura Hills, California. Formed in 1996, the band rose to international fame with their debut album, Hybrid Theory, which was certified Diamond by the RIAA in 2005 and multi-platinum in several other countries...
band member; father is Japanese. - Jack SooJack SooJack Soo was a Japanese American actor. He is best known for his role as Detective Nick Yemana on the television sitcom Barney Miller.-Early life:...
(Goro Suzuki) (1916–1979), NiseiNiseiDuring the early years of World War II, Japanese Americans were forcibly relocated from their homes in the Pacific coast states because military leaders and public opinion combined to fan unproven fears of sabotage...
, actor (Flower Drum SongFlower Drum SongFlower Drum Song was the eighth stage musical by the team of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. It was based on the 1957 novel, The Flower Drum Song, by Chinese-American author C. Y. Lee. The piece opened in 1958 on Broadway and was afterwards presented in the West End and on tour...
, portrayed Det. Sgt. Nick Yemana in Barney MillerBarney MillerBarney Miller is a situation comedy television series set in a New York City police station in Greenwich Village. The series originally was broadcast from January 23, 1975 to May 20, 1982 on ABC. It was created by Danny Arnold and Theodore J. Flicker...
TV series) - StephanieStephanie (singer)-External links:*...
, singer (half-Japanese) - Pat SuzukiPat SuzukiPat Suzuki is an American popular singer and actress, who is best known for her role in the original Broadway production of the musical Flower Drum Song, and her performance of the song "I Enjoy Being a Girl" in the show.-Career:Suzuki is a Nisei or second-generation Japanese American...
, NiseiNiseiDuring the early years of World War II, Japanese Americans were forcibly relocated from their homes in the Pacific coast states because military leaders and public opinion combined to fan unproven fears of sabotage...
, American popular standards singer and actress (Flower Drum SongFlower Drum SongFlower Drum Song was the eighth stage musical by the team of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. It was based on the 1957 novel, The Flower Drum Song, by Chinese-American author C. Y. Lee. The piece opened in 1958 on Broadway and was afterwards presented in the West End and on tour...
Original Broadway Cast) - Shoji TabuchiShoji TabuchiShoji Tabuchi is a Japanese country music fiddler and singer who currently performs at his theater, the Shoji Tabuchi Theatre in Branson, Missouri.-Growing Up:...
, Shin-Issei (Japanese-born), famous fiddler - Cary-Hiroyuki TagawaCary-Hiroyuki Tagawais a Japanese-American actor.In addition to his extensive film work, he has appeared on television in Star Trek: The Next Generation - "Encounter at Farpoint" , Thunder in Paradise , Nash Bridges , Baywatch: Hawaiian Wedding , and Heroes . He also provided the voice of Sin Tzu for the video game...
, Shin-Issei (Japanese-born), actor - Kobe TaiKobe TaiKobe Tai is the professional name of a pornographic actress and adult model of Taiwanese and Japanese heritage. She entered the adult film industry at the age of 24, and appeared in over 70 films between 1996 and 2003. She returned to adult movies in December 2001 when she made Jenna Loves Kobe ...
, porn star (half Taiwanese and half Japanese) - Rea TajiriRea TajiriRea Tajiri is a Japanese American video artist and filmmaker.She was born in Chicago, Illinois. Tajiri attended California Institute of the Arts and worked as a producer on various film and video projects in Los Angeles and New York....
, SanseiSanseiSansei is a Japanese language term used in countries in South America, North America and Australia to specify the children of children born to Japanese people in the new country. The Nisei are considered the second generation, grandchildren of the Japanese-born immigrants are called Sansei and...
, filmmaker - Miiko TakaMiiko Takais a Japanese American actress best known for co-starring with Marlon Brando as Hana-ogi in the 1957 movie Sayonara.-'Sayonara':Taka was born in Seattle, but raised in Los Angeles, California as a Nisei; her parents had immigrated from Japan. She graduated from Los Angeles High School in 1943...
, NiseiNiseiDuring the early years of World War II, Japanese Americans were forcibly relocated from their homes in the Pacific coast states because military leaders and public opinion combined to fan unproven fears of sabotage...
, actress, starred opposite Marlon BrandoMarlon BrandoMarlon Brando, Jr. was an American movie star and political activist. "Unchallenged as the most important actor in modern American Cinema" according to the St...
in Sayonara - Iwao TakamotoIwao TakamotoIwao Takamoto was a Japanese-American animator, television producer, and film director. He was most famous as being a production and character designer for Hanna-Barbera Productions shows such as Scooby-Doo....
(1925–2007), NiseiNiseiDuring the early years of World War II, Japanese Americans were forcibly relocated from their homes in the Pacific coast states because military leaders and public opinion combined to fan unproven fears of sabotage...
, animator/producerFilm producerA film producer oversees and delivers a film project to all relevant parties while preserving the integrity, voice and vision of the film. They will also often take on some financial risk by using their own money, especially during the pre-production period, before a film is fully financed.The...
for Hanna Barbera, creator of Scooby Doo - Cyril TakayamaCyril TakayamaCyril Takayama is an American-Japanese illusionist of Japanese and French descent. He is perhaps best known for his magic performances around Japan.-Early life:...
, illusionist - George TakeiGeorge TakeiGeorge Hosato Takei Altman is an American actor, author, social activist and former civil politician. He is best known for his role in the television series Star Trek and its film spinoffs, in which he played Hikaru Sulu, helmsman of the...
, NiseiNiseiDuring the early years of World War II, Japanese Americans were forcibly relocated from their homes in the Pacific coast states because military leaders and public opinion combined to fan unproven fears of sabotage...
, actor, "Sulu"Hikaru SuluHikaru Sulu is a character in the Star Trek media franchise. First portrayed by George Takei in the original Star Trek series, Sulu also appears in the animated Star Trek series, the first six Star Trek movies, one episode of Star Trek: Voyager, and in numerous books, comics, and video games...
from Star TrekStar TrekStar Trek is an American science fiction entertainment franchise created by Gene Roddenberry. The core of Star Trek is its six television series: The Original Series, The Animated Series, The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager, and Enterprise...
TV series and films - Sara TanakaSara TanakaSara Tanaka is an American film actress. She is best known for her roles in Rushmore, Old School, and Race The Sun....
, actress - Chris TashimaChris TashimaChris Tashima is a Japanese American actor and director. He is co-founder of the entertainment company Cedar Grove Productions and Artistic Director of its Asian American theatre company, Cedar Grove OnStage. He is the son of U.S. Circuit Judge A. Wallace Tashima...
, SanseiSanseiSansei is a Japanese language term used in countries in South America, North America and Australia to specify the children of children born to Japanese people in the new country. The Nisei are considered the second generation, grandchildren of the Japanese-born immigrants are called Sansei and...
, actor, Academy Award winning director (Visas and VirtueVisas and VirtueVisas and Virtue is a 1997 narrative short film inspired by the true story of Holocaust rescuer Chiune "Sempo" Sugihara, who is known as "The Japanese Schindler"...
) - Teppei TeranishiTeppei TeranishiTeppei Teranishi is the lead guitarist and keyboardist of the post-hardcore band Thrice from Orange County, California. In addition to guitar and keyboard duties, he also provides backing vocals for Thrice's live performances. He favors Gibson Les Paul guitars and Fender Telecasters among others...
, ThriceThriceThrice is an American rock band from Irvine, California, formed in 1998. The group was founded by guitarist/vocalist Dustin Kensrue and guitarist Teppei Teranishi while they were in high school....
band member - Brian TochiBrian TochiBrian Keith Tochihara , better known as Brian Tochi, is a U.S. actor, screen-writer, movie director and producer. He was widely recognized as the most popular East Asian child actor working in U.S. television during the late 1960s through much of the 1970s having appeared in various T.V. series and...
, SanseiSanseiSansei is a Japanese language term used in countries in South America, North America and Australia to specify the children of children born to Japanese people in the new country. The Nisei are considered the second generation, grandchildren of the Japanese-born immigrants are called Sansei and...
, actor - Tamlyn TomitaTamlyn TomitaTamlyn Naomi Tomita is an actress, who has appeared in many Hollywood films and television series.-Early life:Tomita was born in Okinawa, the daughter of Shiro and Asako Tomita. Her father then later became a Los Angeles Police Officer, rising to the rank of sergeant. He succumbed to cancer in...
, Sansei on father's sideSanseiSansei is a Japanese language term used in countries in South America, North America and Australia to specify the children of children born to Japanese people in the new country. The Nisei are considered the second generation, grandchildren of the Japanese-born immigrants are called Sansei and...
(mother is Japanese/Filipina), actress - Miyoshi UmekiMiyoshi Umekiwas a naturalized American actress and standards singer. She was best known for her roles as Katsumi, the wife of Joe Kelly , in the 1957 film Sayonara, as Mei Li in the 1958 Broadway musical and 1961 film Flower Drum Song, and as Mrs. Livingston, the housekeeper of Bill Bixby's and Brandon Cruz's...
(1929–2007), Shin-IsseiIsseiIssei is a Japanese language term used in countries in North America, South America and Australia to specify the Japanese people first to immigrate. Their children born in the new country are referred to as Nisei , and their grandchildren are Sansei...
, Academy Award winning actress (Sayonara) and American popular standards singer - Michael Toshiyuki UnoMichael Toshiyuki UnoMichael Toshiyuki Uno is a film and television director, credited with directing television programs such as Alfred Hitchcock Presents , China Beach, The Outsiders, Early Edition, and Dawson's Creek....
, Academy Award nominated director - Hikaru Utada, singer/songwriter. Multi-million selling Japanese pop music star. Topped Billboard Club chart with "Devil Inside" in 2004
- Gedde WatanabeGedde WatanabeGedde Watanabe is an American theatre, film, and television actor.He was in several dramatic productions in high school, both acting and singing...
, SanseiSanseiSansei is a Japanese language term used in countries in South America, North America and Australia to specify the children of children born to Japanese people in the new country. The Nisei are considered the second generation, grandchildren of the Japanese-born immigrants are called Sansei and...
, actor, Long Duk Dong in Sixteen CandlesSixteen CandlesSixteen Candles is a 1984 American film starring Molly Ringwald, Michael Schoeffling and Anthony Michael Hall. It was written and directed by John Hughes.- Plot :... - Don "the Dragon" Wilson, HapaHapaHapa is a Hawaiian language term used to describe a person of mixed Asian or Pacific Islander racial or ethnic heritage.-Etymology:In the Hawaiian language, hapa is defined as: portion, fragment, part, fraction, installment; to be partial, less. It is a loan from the English word half...
, actor in Hollywood action films, mother is Japanese (see also Sports below) - Rachael YamagataRachael YamagataRachael Yamagata is an American singer-songwriter and pianist from Arlington, Virginia. She began her musical career with the band Bumpus before becoming a solo artist and releasing four EP's and three studio albums...
, HapaHapaHapa is a Hawaiian language term used to describe a person of mixed Asian or Pacific Islander racial or ethnic heritage.-Etymology:In the Hawaiian language, hapa is defined as: portion, fragment, part, fraction, installment; to be partial, less. It is a loan from the English word half...
, YonseiYonsei (fourth-generation Nikkei)is a Japanese diasporic term used in countries, particularly in North America and in Latin America, to specify the great-grandchildren of Japanese immigrants . The children of Issei are Nisei . Sansei are the third generation, and their offspring are Yonsei...
, singer, songwriter, pianist (SanseiSanseiSansei is a Japanese language term used in countries in South America, North America and Australia to specify the children of children born to Japanese people in the new country. The Nisei are considered the second generation, grandchildren of the Japanese-born immigrants are called Sansei and...
father & German-Italian mother) - Hiro YamamotoHiro YamamotoHiro Yamamoto is an American bassist who was a founding member of grunge band Soundgarden, along with Kim Thayil and Chris Cornell in 1984...
, original bass player for SoundgardenSoundgardenSoundgarden is an American rock band formed in Seattle, Washington in 1984 by singer Chris Cornell, lead guitarist Kim Thayil, and bassist Hiro Yamamoto... - Iris YamashitaIris YamashitaIris Yamashita is a Japanese-American screenwriter.She was hired by Clint Eastwood to write the Japanese side of the story of the Battle of Iwo Jima, once rumored to be titled Lamps Before the Wind, then called Red Sun, Black Sand, before being released as Letters from Iwo Jima...
, Academy Award nominated screenwriter (Letters from Iwo JimaLetters from Iwo Jimais a 2006 war film directed and co-produced by Clint Eastwood, and starring Ken Watanabe and Kazunari Ninomiya. The film portrays the Battle of Iwo Jima from the perspective of the Japanese soldiers and is a companion piece to Eastwood's Flags of Our Fathers, which depicts the same battle from the...
) - Sotaro YasudaSotaroknown as is an American actor and model in Japan. He was born in Newport Beach, California. He is best known for his portrayal of Ken Hisatsu/GekiChopper in the 2007 Super Sentai series Juken Sentai Gekiranger.-Biography:...
, actor - Patti YasutakePatti YasutakePatti Yasutake is an American film and television actress. She is best known for her portrayal of Nurse Alyssa Ogawa in the Star Trek universe....
, actress who played "Nurse Alyssa Ogawa" on Star Trek: The Next GenerationStar Trek: The Next GenerationStar Trek: The Next Generation is an American science fiction television series created by Gene Roddenberry as part of the Star Trek franchise. Roddenberry, Rick Berman, and Michael Piller served as executive producers at different times throughout the production...
TV series
History
- Kwan-Ichi Asakawa (1873–1948), historian, professor at YaleYALERapidMiner, formerly YALE , is an environment for machine learning, data mining, text mining, predictive analytics, and business analytics. It is used for research, education, training, rapid prototyping, application development, and industrial applications...
- Yamato IchihashiYamato IchihashiYamato Ichihashi was one of the first academics of Asian ancestry in the United States. Ichihashi wrote a comprehensive account of his experiences as an internee at the Tule Lake War Relocation Center where he was imprisoned in World War II along with other relocated Japanese Americans.Ichihashi...
(1878–1963), one of the first Asian academics in the US - Yuji IchiokaYuji IchiokaYuji Ichioka, was an American historian best known for his work in ethnic studies, particularly Asian American Studies. Adjunct Professor Yuji Ichioka . He coined the term "Asian American" to help unify different Asian ethnic groups Yuji Ichioka, (June 23, 1936 – September 1, 2002) was an...
(1936–2002), historian, coined the term Asian AmericanAsian AmericanAsian Americans are Americans of Asian descent. The U.S. Census Bureau definition of Asians as "Asian” refers to a person having origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia, or the Indian subcontinent, including, for example, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan,... - Akira IriyeAkira Iriyeis an historian of American diplomatic history especially United States-East Asian relations, and international issues. He is the only Japanese citizen ever to serve as President of the American Historical Association, and has also served as president for the Society for Historians of American...
, historian, professor at Harvard - Ronald TakakiRonald TakakiRonald Toshiyuki Takaki was an academic, historian, ethnographer and author. Born in Oahu, Hawai'i, his work addresses stereotypes of Asian Americans, such as the model minority concept.-Early life:...
(1939–2009), historian, University of California, BerkeleyUniversity of California, BerkeleyThe University of California, Berkeley , is a teaching and research university established in 1868 and located in Berkeley, California, USA...
professor
Literature and poetry
- Jun FujitaJun FujitaJun Fujita was an Issei photojournalist, photographer, silent film actor, and published poet. He was the first Japanese-American photojournalist...
, Issei, Poet, (1888–1963), wrote the first American Tanka Poetry Book in 1923, TANKA: Poems in Exile - Dale FurutaniDale FurutaniDale Furutani is the first Asian American to win major mystery writing awards. He has won the Anthony Award and the Macavity Award and has been nominated for the Agatha Award. His book, The Toyotomi Blades, was selected as the best mystery of 1997 by the Internet Critics Group. He has been called...
, novelist - Philip Kan GotandaPhilip Kan GotandaPhilip Kan Gotanda is an American playwright and filmmaker. Much of his work deals with Asian American issues and experiences.- Biography :...
, SanseiSanseiSansei is a Japanese language term used in countries in South America, North America and Australia to specify the children of children born to Japanese people in the new country. The Nisei are considered the second generation, grandchildren of the Japanese-born immigrants are called Sansei and...
, playwright - Jeanne Wakatsuki HoustonJeanne Wakatsuki HoustonJeanne Wakatsuki Houston is an American writer. Her writings are mostly focused on the ethnic diversity of the United States...
, NiseiNiseiDuring the early years of World War II, Japanese Americans were forcibly relocated from their homes in the Pacific coast states because military leaders and public opinion combined to fan unproven fears of sabotage...
, novelist, author of Farewell to ManzanarFarewell to ManzanarFarewell to Manzanar is a memoir published in 1973 by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston and James D. Houston. It was adapted in the form of a television movie in 1976 starring Yuki Shimoda, Nobu McCarthy, Pat Morita, and Mako.... - Naomi IizukaNaomi IizukaNaomi Iizuka is a playwright. Iizuka's works often have a non-linear storyline and are influenced by her multicultural background.Iizuka's mother is an American Latina and her father is a Japanese banker. Born in Tokyo, Iizuka grew up in Japan, Indonesia, Holland, and Washington, D.C., United...
, Shin-Issei (Japanese-born), playwright - Lawson Fusao InadaLawson Fusao InadaLawson Fusao Inada is an American poet and was the fifth poet laureate of the U.S. state of Oregon.-Early life:Inada is a third-generation Japanese American...
, NiseiNiseiDuring the early years of World War II, Japanese Americans were forcibly relocated from their homes in the Pacific coast states because military leaders and public opinion combined to fan unproven fears of sabotage...
, poet and current poet laureate of the state of Oregon - Hiroshi KashiwagiHiroshi KashiwagiHiroshi Kashiwagi is a Nisei poet, playwright and actor. For his writing and performance work on stage he is considered an early pioneer of Asian American theatre.-Biography:...
, NiseiNiseiDuring the early years of World War II, Japanese Americans were forcibly relocated from their homes in the Pacific coast states because military leaders and public opinion combined to fan unproven fears of sabotage...
, poet, playwright, actor - Soji KashiwagiSoji KashiwagiSoji Kashiwagi is a Sansei journalist, playwright and producer. He is the Executive Producer for the Grateful Crane Ensemble theatre company in Los Angeles...
, SanseiSanseiSansei is a Japanese language term used in countries in South America, North America and Australia to specify the children of children born to Japanese people in the new country. The Nisei are considered the second generation, grandchildren of the Japanese-born immigrants are called Sansei and...
playwright and producer (Grateful Crane EnsembleGrateful Crane EnsembleThe Grateful Crane Ensemble is a non-profit 501 Asian American theatre company based in Southern California, established in July, 2001.-Mission:...
) - John OkadaJohn OkadaJohn Okada was a Japanese-American writer. Born in Seattle, Washington, he was a student at the University of Washington when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. Okada and his family were interned at Minidoka in 1942...
(1923–1971), author of 'No-No BoyNo-No BoyNo-No Boy is the only novel published by Japanese American writer, John Okada. It deals with the aftermath of the Japanese American internment during World War II. The novel begins as Ichiro Yamada is returning home from prison, and follows him as he struggles to come to terms with his decision of...
' - Yoshiko UchidaYoshiko Uchida-Life:Yoshiko Uchida was the daughter of Japanese immigrants Takashi and Iku Uchida. Her father came to the United States from Japan in 1903 and worked for the San Francisco offices of Mitsui and Company...
(1921-1992), NiseiNiseiDuring the early years of World War II, Japanese Americans were forcibly relocated from their homes in the Pacific coast states because military leaders and public opinion combined to fan unproven fears of sabotage...
, author - Hisaye YamamotoHisaye YamamotoHisaye Yamamoto was a Japanese American author. She is best known for the short story collection Seventeen Syllables and Other Stories, first published in 1988...
(1921–2011), award winning short-story writer - Wakako YamauchiWakako yamauchiWakako Yamauchi is a Nisei Asian American female writer. Her plays are considered pioneering works in Asian American theatre.- Biography :...
, NiseiNiseiDuring the early years of World War II, Japanese Americans were forcibly relocated from their homes in the Pacific coast states because military leaders and public opinion combined to fan unproven fears of sabotage...
, playwright
News/Media
- Ann CurryAnn CurryAnn Curry is an American television news journalist and co-anchor on NBC's morning television program Today. She is the former news anchor on Today, a role she began in March 1997, and was the host of Dateline NBC from 2005-2011.Curry is a Board Member at the IWMF .-Biography:Curry was born in...
, anchor and correspondent for NBC NewsNBC NewsNBC News is the news division of American television network NBC. It first started broadcasting in February 21, 1940. NBC Nightly News has aired from Studio 3B, located on floors 3 of the NBC Studios is the headquarters of the GE Building forms the centerpiece of 30th Rockefeller Center it is...
and The Today Show - Dina EastwoodDina EastwoodDina Ruiz Eastwood is an American reporter, TV news anchor and film actress. In March 1996 she married actor/director Clint Eastwood and has acted in two films which he directed.- Private life :...
,anchor - Jun FujitaJun FujitaJun Fujita was an Issei photojournalist, photographer, silent film actor, and published poet. He was the first Japanese-American photojournalist...
, Issei, (1888–1963), photographer/photojournalist - Joseph HecoJoseph HecoJoseph Heco was the first Japanese person to be naturalized as a United States citizen and the first to publish a Japanese language newspaper.-Early years:...
(1837–1897), fisherman and writer, first to publish Japanese language newspaper - Michiko KakutaniMichiko Kakutaniis an American Pulitzer Prize-winning critic for The New York Times and is considered by many to be a leading literary critic in the United States.-Life and career:...
, New York Times literary critic and author - Guy KawasakiGuy KawasakiGuy Kawasaki is a Silicon Valley venture capitalist, bestselling author, and Apple Fellow. He was one of the Apple employees originally responsible for marketing the Macintosh in 1984. He is currently a Managing Director of Garage Technology Ventures, and has been involved in the rumor reporting...
, author, AppleApple ComputerApple Inc. is an American multinational corporation that designs and markets consumer electronics, computer software, and personal computers. The company's best-known hardware products include the Macintosh line of computers, the iPod, the iPhone and the iPad...
evangelistApple evangelistAn Apple evangelist, also known as Mac evangelist, Mac advocate or Apple fanboy is a promoter of Apple products such as the Macintosh, the iPod, the iPhone and the iPad. As a group, the followers are called the Cult of Mac.... - Sachi KotoSachi KotoSachi Koto was a news anchor on CNN Headline News for 16 years, usually during weekend evenings, until her contract expired in July 2005. At age 54, CNN opted not to renew her contract. She is also a founder of WWAAAC ....
, former CNN News anchor - Rob MayedaRob MayedaRob Mayeda is currently a meteorologist, reporter, storm chaser, and segment producer for KNTV in San Jose, California.- Education :...
, NBC Bay Area Weather Plus Meteorologist - Denise Nakano, Anchor, WCAU NBC 10, Philadelphia
- Kent NinomiyaKent NinomiyaKent Ninomiya is the first male Asian American broadcast journalist to be a primary news anchor of a television station in the United States. The Asian American Journalist Association, often referred to as the AAJA, notes that there are numerous Asian American women on the air at American...
, anchor, reporter and news executive - Scott SassaScott SassaScott M. Sassa is currently president of Hearst Entertainment & Syndication, the operating group responsible for Hearst’s interests in cable television networks, including ESPN, Lifetime, A&E and History; a joint venture with Mark Burnett Productions, and Manilla a start up that organizes people's...
, former President, NBC West Coast - Roxana SaberiRoxana SaberiRoxana Saberi is an American journalist who was arrested in Iran in January 2009. On April 8, 2009, the Iranian government charged Saberi with espionage, which she denied. She was subsequently sentenced to an eight-year prison term...
, reporter, mother is an immigrant from Japan. - Tricia TakasugiTricia TakasugiTricia Ann Takasugi is a Japanese-American general assignment reporter for KTTV Fox 11 in Los Angeles.- Biography :...
, anchor, KTTV Fox 11, Los Angeles - Iva ToguriIva Toguri D'AquinoIva Ikuko Toguri D'Aquino , was an American citizen who participated in English-language propaganda broadcast transmitted by Radio Tokyo to Allied soldiers in the South Pacific during World War II...
(1916–2006), radio broadcaster who has been nicknamed "Tokyo RoseTokyo RoseTokyo Rose was a generic name given by Allied forces in the South Pacific during World War II to any of approximately a dozen English-speaking female broadcasters of Japanese propaganda. The intent of these broadcasts was to disrupt the morale of Allied forces listening to the broadcast...
" - Tritia ToyotaTritia ToyotaTritia Toyota is a former Los Angeles television news anchor and a current adjunct assistant professor in anthropology, Asian-American studies and the media at the University of California at Los Angeles.- Early life and education :...
, former anchor - Jane YamamotoJane YamamotoJane Yamamoto has been a general assignment reporter at KTTV Fox 11 in Los Angeles since 1996. Prior to KTTV, she worked as an anchor/reporter at WCMH in Columbus, Ohio. She has also reported for KRCR-TV in Redding, California. Yamamoto is of Japanese descent and often volunteers in many cultural...
, anchor, KTTV Fox 11, Los Angeles
Martial arts
- Toshihiro OshiroToshihiro Oshirois a martial arts master and instructor from Haneji, Okinawa , Japan.-Early life:He began his study of Karate at age 6, eventually expanding his study to include Judo and Kendo. As a teen he began studying Yamanni Ryu with Chogi Kishaba, the direct student of Masami Chinen who was the only...
- a martial artsMartial artsMartial arts are extensive systems of codified practices and traditions of combat, practiced for a variety of reasons, including self-defense, competition, physical health and fitness, as well as mental and spiritual development....
master and instructor from Haneji, Okinawa, Japan and a founder of the Ryukyu Bujutsu Kenkyu Doyukai (RBKD). - Don "The Dragon" Wilson - former world champion kickboxer and action movie star.
Military
- Barney F. HajiroBarney F. HajiroBarney Fushimi Hajiro was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in World War II.-Biography:...
(1916–2011), Medal of Honor recipient in World War IIWorld War IIWorld War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis... - Mikio HasemotoMikio HasemotoMikio Hasemoto was a soldier in United States Army who received the Medal of Honor in World War II during actions in Cerasuolo, Italy. Hasemoto, of Asian Pacific descent, fought with the 100th Infantry Battalion when he was killed while repelling an attack against numerically superior German forces...
(1916–1943), Medal of Honor recipient in World War IIWorld War IIWorld War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis... - Joe HayashiJoe HayashiJoe J. Hayashi was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in World War II.-Biography:...
(1920–1945), Medal of Honor recipient in World War IIWorld War IIWorld War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis... - Shizuya HayashiShizuya HayashiShizuya Hayashi was a soldier in the 100th Infantry Battalion of the United States Army who received the Medal of Honor for actions in Cerasuolo, Italy during World War II. He distinguished himself by taking over a German position despite superior numbers...
(1917–2008), Medal of Honor recipient in World War IIWorld War IIWorld War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis... - Daniel InouyeDaniel InouyeDaniel Ken "Dan" Inouye is the senior United States Senator from Hawaii, a member of the Democratic Party, and the President pro tempore of the United States Senate making him the highest-ranking Asian American politician in American history. Inouye is the chairman of the United States Senate...
Senator from Hawaii, Medal of Honor recipient World War IIWorld War IIWorld War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis... - Terry Teruo KawamuraTerry Teruo KawamuraTerry Teruo Kawamura was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the Vietnam War.-Biography:...
(1949–1969), Medal of Honor recipient, Sergeant First Class in Vietnam WarVietnam WarThe Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of... - Yeiki KobashigawaYeiki KobashigawaYeiki Kobashigawa was a soldier in United States Army who received the Medal of Honor in World War II during actions near Lanuvio, Italy. Kobashigawa, who fought with the 100th Infantry Battalion, was awarded the Medal of Honor for leading a squad in destroying several German machine gun nests...
(1920–2005), Medal of Honor recipient in World War IIWorld War IIWorld War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis... - Robert T. KurodaRobert T. KurodaRobert T. Kuroda was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in World War II.-Biography:...
(1922–1944), Medal of Honor recipient in World War IIWorld War IIWorld War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis... - Ben KurokiBen KurokiBen Kuroki flew a total of 58 combat missions during World War II, and is the only Japanese-American in the United States Army Air Forces to serve in combat operations in the Pacific theater of World War II.-Biography:...
, only Japanese American Army Air Force pilot to fly combat missions in the Pacific theater in World War II - Susan K. MashikoSusan K. MashikoMaj. Gen. Susan K. Mashiko is Deputy Director, National Reconnaissance Office, Chantilly, Va. Her responsibilities include assisting the Director and Principal Deputy Director in managing the strategic and tactical operations of the NRO...
Major General (Two Stars) United States Air Force, November 2009–Present - Hiroshi Miyamura, Medal of Honor recipient, Corporal in Korean WarKorean WarThe Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
- Kenneth P. MoritsuguKenneth P. MoritsuguKenneth P. Moritsugu is an American physician and public health administrator.Rear Admiral USPHS, retired in September 2007 as acting United States Surgeon General...
, former acting Surgeon General of the United StatesSurgeon General of the United StatesThe Surgeon General of the United States is the operational head of the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and thus the leading spokesperson on matters of public health in the federal government...
, Rear Admiral, USPHSPublic Health Service Commissioned CorpsThe United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps is the federal uniformed service of the United States Public Health Service and is one of the seven uniformed services of the United States.... - Kaoru MotoKaoru MotoKaoru Moto was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in World War II.On July 7, 1944, Moto was serving as a private first class in the 100th Infantry Battalion...
(1917–1992), Medal of Honor recipient in World War IIWorld War IIWorld War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis... - Sadao MunemoriSadao MunemoriSadao "Spud" Munemori was a posthumous recipient of the Medal of Honor, after he sacrificed his life to save those of his colleagues at Seravezza, Italy during the closing stages of World War II. Munemori was a private first class in the United States Army, in Company A, 100th Infantry Battalion,...
(1922–1945), Medal of Honor recipient, Private First Class in World War IIWorld War IIWorld War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis... - Kiyoshi K. MuranagaKiyoshi K. MuranagaKiyoshi K. Muranaga was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in World War II.-Biography:...
(1922–1944), Medal of Honor recipient in World War IIWorld War IIWorld War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis... - Masato NakaeMasato NakaeMasato Nakae was a private in the United States Army who served with the 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry Regiment during World War II. He was one of 22 Americans of Japanese descent received the Medal of Honor on June 21, 2000 by President Bill Clinton...
(1917–1998), Medal of Honor recipient in World War IIWorld War IIWorld War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis... - Shinyei NakamineShinyei NakamineShinyei Nakamine was a soldier in the 100th Infantry Battalion of the United States Army who received the United States' highest decoration for valor - The Medal of Honor, for actions in La Torreto, Italy during World War II. He received the medal for advancing on enemy forces when his own unit...
(1920–1944), Medal of Honor recipient in World War IIWorld War IIWorld War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis... - William K. NakamuraWilliam K. NakamuraWilliam Kenzo Nakamura was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in World War II.-Biography:...
(1922–1944), Medal of Honor recipient, Private First Class in World War IIWorld War IIWorld War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis... - Joe M. NishimotoJoe M. NishimotoPrivate First Class Joe M. Nishimoto was a member of the highly decorated 442nd Regimental Combat Team which served in the European theater during World War II...
(1920–1944), Medal of Honor recipient in World War IIWorld War IIWorld War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis... - Allan M. OhataAllan M. OhataAllan Masaharu Ohata was a soldier in the 100th Infantry Battalion who received the Medal of Honor, the highest decoration for valor in the United States military, for action in Cerasuolo, Italy during World War II. Along with Mikio Hasemoto, who also received the medal, he helped repel a German...
(1918–1977), Medal of Honor recipient in World War IIWorld War IIWorld War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis... - Vincent OkamotoVincent OkamotoVincent Okamoto is a former U.S. Army officer. He is the most highly decorated Japanese American to survive the Vietnam War.-Biography:...
, highly decorated veteran of Vietnam WarVietnam WarThe Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of... - James K. OkuboJames K. OkuboJames K. Okubo was a United States Army soldier and posthumous recipient of the Medal of Honor for his actions in World War II.-Biography:...
(1920–1967), Medal of Honor recipient in World War IIWorld War IIWorld War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis... - Yukio OkutsuYukio OkutsuYukio Okutsu was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in World War II.-Biography:...
(1921–2003), Medal of Honor recipient in World War IIWorld War IIWorld War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis... - Frank H. OnoFrank H. OnoFrank H. Ono was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in World War II....
(1923–1980), Medal of Honor recipient in World War IIWorld War IIWorld War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis... - Kazuo OtaniKazuo OtaniKazuo Otani was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in World War II.-Biography:...
(1918–1944), Medal of Honor recipient in World War IIWorld War IIWorld War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis... - George T. Sakato, Medal of Honor recipient in World War IIWorld War IIWorld War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
- Eric ShinsekiEric ShinsekiEric Ken Shinseki is a retired United States Army four-star general who is currently serving as the 7th United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs. His final U.S. Army post was as the 34th Chief of Staff of the Army...
, United States Army General, Army Chief of Staff (1999–2003), Secretary of Veterans Affairs (2009) - Ted T. TanouyeTed T. TanouyeTed Takayuki Tanouye was a Japanese American soldier in the United States Army who posthumously received the United States military′s highest decoration for bravery—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in World War II....
(1919–1944), Medal of Honor recipient in World War IIWorld War IIWorld War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis... - Ehren WatadaEhren WatadaEhren K. Watada was a First Lieutenant of the United States Army. He was the first commissioned officer in the US armed forces to refuse to deploy to Iraq, in June, 2006...
, first commissioned officer in the U.S. armed forces to publicly refuse deployment to Iraq - Bruce YamashitaBruce YamashitaBruce I. Yamashita is a Japanese American lawyer and a former officer in the United States Marine Corps Reserves. His successful legal case against institutional racial discrimination at the Officer Candidate School of the Marine Corps became the subject of a 2003 documentary entitled A Most...
, worked to expose racial discrimination in the United States Marine Corps - Rodney James Takashi Yano (1943–1969), Medal of Honor recipient, Sergeant First Class in Vietnam WarVietnam WarThe Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of...
Politics, law and government
- Sanji AbeSanji Abewas a pre-World War II politician in Hawaii. He was the first Japanese American elected to the Senate of the Territory of Hawaii.-Early life and political career:...
(1895–1982), first Japanese American in the Hawaii Territorial Senate (1940–1943) - Richard AokiRichard AokiRichard Aoki was an American civil rights activist. He was one of the first members of the Black Panther Party and was eventually promoted to the position of "Field Marshall" . Although there were several Asian Americans in the Black Panther Party, Aoki was the only one to have a formal...
(1938–2009), civil rights activist and co-founder of the Black Panther PartyBlack Panther PartyThe Black Panther Party wasan African-American revolutionary leftist organization. It was active in the United States from 1966 until 1982.... - George AriyoshiGeorge AriyoshiGeorge Ryoichi Ariyoshi , served as the third Governor of Hawaii from 1974 to 1986. He is a member of the Democratic Party. He assumed the governorship when John A. Burns was declared incapacitated. When he was elected, Ariyoshi became the first American of Asian descent to be elected governor of...
, first Asian American governor of a U.S. state, HawaiiHawaiiHawaii is the newest of the 50 U.S. states , and is the only U.S. state made up entirely of islands. It is the northernmost island group in Polynesia, occupying most of an archipelago in the central Pacific Ocean, southwest of the continental United States, southeast of Japan, and northeast of... - Henry Hajimu FujiiHenry Hajimu FujiiHenry Fujii was a pioneer and Japanese American community leader in the state of Idaho. His primary vocation was in agriculture. In the 1930s, Fujii was recognized as a pioneer in large-scale onion farming, advancing the acreage scale of which a farmer could raise crops...
, Civic Leader, Order of the Rising SunOrder of the Rising SunThe is a Japanese order, established in 1875 by Emperor Meiji of Japan. The Order was the first national decoration awarded by the Japanese Government, created on April 10, 1875 by decree of the Council of State. The badge features rays of sunlight from the rising sun...
recipient, IdahoIdahoIdaho is a state in the Rocky Mountain area of the United States. The state's largest city and capital is Boise. Residents are called "Idahoans". Idaho was admitted to the Union on July 3, 1890, as the 43rd state.... - Warren FurutaniWarren FurutaniWarren T. Furutani , represents the 55th Assembly district of California. He is a Democrat and a fourth-generation Japanese American. Furutani was elected in a special election in 2008. He replaced Laura Richardson who won a special election to replace Juanita Millender-McDonald as the member of...
, California State Assemblyman, 55th District - Colleen HanabusaColleen HanabusaColleen Wakako Hanabusa is the U.S. Representative for . She is a member of the Democratic Party. She was formerly a member of the Hawaii Senate, representing the 21st District since 1998...
, Congresswoman from Hawaii - Bob HasegawaBob HasegawaBob Hasegawa is the Washington State Representative for the , Position 2, since 2005. Hasegawa is a lifelong resident of Seattle's Beacon Hill. He is retired from the Teamsters Union where he was a member and union leader for over 32 years. His District includes Renton, Tukwila, Burien, and parts...
, Member, House of Representatives, Washington State Legislature - S. I. HayakawaS. I. HayakawaSamuel Ichiye Hayakawa was a Canadian-born American academic and political figure of Japanese ancestry. He was an English professor, and served as president of San Francisco State University and then as United States Senator from California from 1977 to 1983...
(1906–1992), Canadian, former Senator from CaliforniaCaliforniaCalifornia is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
and linguistics scholar - Gordon HirabayashiGordon HirabayashiGordon Kiyoshi Hirabayashi is an American sociologist , best known for his principled resistance to the Japanese American internment during World War II, and the court case which bears his name, Hirabayashi v. United States.-Biography:Hirabayashi was born in Seattle to a Christian family who were...
, plaintiff in Hirabayashi v. United States, which challenged Japanese-American internment during World War IIWorld War IIWorld War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis... - Mazie HironoMazie Hironois the U.S. Representative for , serving since 2007. She is a member of the Democratic Party.She was the second Asian immigrant elected lieutenant governor of a state of the United States. She ran against Linda Lingle for governor of Hawaii in 2002, one of the few gubernatorial races in United...
, former lieutenant governorLieutenant governorA lieutenant governor or lieutenant-governor is a high officer of state, whose precise role and rank vary by jurisdiction, but is often the deputy or lieutenant to or ranking under a governor — a "second-in-command"...
of State of Hawaii, currently Congresswomen from Hawaii - Mike HondaMike HondaMichael Makoto "Mike" Honda is an American Democratic Party politician. He currently serves as the U.S. Representative for , encompassing western San Jose and Silicon Valley...
, Congressman from CaliforniaCaliforniaCalifornia is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area... - Paul IgasakiPaul IgasakiPaul M. Igasaki is the Chair and Chief Judge of the Administrative Review Board at the U.S. Department of Labor. Previously he was the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Equal Justice Works, a national organization that advances public interest law through fellowships, loan repayment programs, pro...
, former Vice Chair and Chair of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission - Daniel InouyeDaniel InouyeDaniel Ken "Dan" Inouye is the senior United States Senator from Hawaii, a member of the Democratic Party, and the President pro tempore of the United States Senate making him the highest-ranking Asian American politician in American history. Inouye is the chairman of the United States Senate...
, Senator from HawaiiHawaiiHawaii is the newest of the 50 U.S. states , and is the only U.S. state made up entirely of islands. It is the northernmost island group in Polynesia, occupying most of an archipelago in the central Pacific Ocean, southwest of the continental United States, southeast of Japan, and northeast of...
, Medal of Honor recipient, President pro tempore of the United States SenatePresident pro tempore of the United States SenateThe President pro tempore is the second-highest-ranking official of the United States Senate. The United States Constitution states that the Vice President of the United States is the President of the Senate and the highest-ranking official of the Senate despite not being a member of the body...
, and third in the United States presidential line of successionUnited States presidential line of successionThe United States presidential line of succession defines who may become or act as President of the United States upon the incapacity, death, resignation, or removal from office of a sitting president or a president-elect.- Current order :This is a list of the current presidential line of...
. - Lance ItoLance ItoLance Allan Ito is an American Los Angeles County Superior Court judge, best known for his presiding decision during the O. J. Simpson murder trial. He currently hears felony criminal cases at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center.-Early life and career:Ito was born to Jim and Toshi Ito...
, judge, presided over O.J. Simpson criminal trial - Yuri KochiyamaYuri KochiyamaYuri Kochiyama is a Japanese American human rights activist.Kochiyama was born Mary Yuriko Nakahara in San Pedro, California. After the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, Kochiyama's father was imprisoned the same day...
, the Japanese American civil rights activist and friend of Malcolm XMalcolm XMalcolm X , born Malcolm Little and also known as El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz , was an African American Muslim minister and human rights activist. To his admirers he was a courageous advocate for the rights of African Americans, a man who indicted white America in the harshest terms for its... - Russell S. KokubunRussell S. KokubunRussell S. Kokubun , is a Democratic politician who became a member and Vice President of the Hawaii Senate.-Life:Russell S. Kokubun was born May 15, 1948 in Honolulu...
, member, Hawaii State Senate - Fred KorematsuFred Korematsuwas one of the many Japanese-American citizens living on the West Coast during World War II. Shortly after the Imperial Japanese Navy attacked Pearl Harbor, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued Executive Order 9066, authorizing the Secretary of War and his military commanders to require all...
(1919–2005), Medal of FreedomPresidential Medal of FreedomThe Presidential Medal of Freedom is an award bestowed by the President of the United States and is—along with thecomparable Congressional Gold Medal bestowed by an act of U.S. Congress—the highest civilian award in the United States...
recipient who arguedKorematsu v. United StatesKorematsu v. United States, 323 U.S. 214 , was a landmark United States Supreme Court case concerning the constitutionality of Executive Order 9066, which ordered Japanese Americans into internment camps during World War II....
against the internmentJapanese American internmentJapanese-American internment was the relocation and internment by the United States government in 1942 of approximately 110,000 Japanese Americans and Japanese who lived along the Pacific coast of the United States to camps called "War Relocation Camps," in the wake of Imperial Japan's attack on... - Mari MatsudaMari MatsudaMari J. Matsuda is an American lawyer, activist, and law professor at the William S. Richardson School of Law. Matsuda returned to Richardson in the fall of 2008...
, first tenured Asian American, female law professor in the United States - Doris MatsuiDoris MatsuiDoris Okada Matsui is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 2005. She is a member of the Democratic Party. The district consists of the city of Sacramento and the surrounding area...
, Congresswoman from CaliforniaCaliforniaCalifornia is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
and widow of Robert Matsui - Robert Matsui (1941–2005), late Congressman from CaliforniaCaliforniaCalifornia is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
and former chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee - Spark MatsunagaSpark MatsunagaSpark Masayuki Matsunaga was a United States Senator from Hawaii. He was an American Democrat whose legislation in the United States Senate led to the creation of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians.-Career:Matsunaga became a United States Army Reservist in 1941,...
(1916–1990), US Senator from HawaiiHawaiiHawaii is the newest of the 50 U.S. states , and is the only U.S. state made up entirely of islands. It is the northernmost island group in Polynesia, occupying most of an archipelago in the central Pacific Ocean, southwest of the continental United States, southeast of Japan, and northeast of... - Stan MatsunakaStan MatsunakaStanley Toshi Matsunaka is a former Democratic member of the State Senate of the U.S. state of Colorado, serving from 1995 to 2003. He served as President of the Senate for two years...
, Colorado State Senator - Norman MinetaNorman MinetaNorman Yoshio Mineta, is a United States politician of the Democratic Party. Mineta most recently served in President George W. Bush's Cabinet as the United States Secretary of Transportation, the only Democratic Cabinet Secretary in the Bush administration...
, Congressman from California and Secretary of TransportationUnited States Secretary of TransportationThe United States Secretary of Transportation is the head of the United States Department of Transportation, a member of the President's Cabinet, and fourteenth in the Presidential line of succession. The post was created with the formation of the Department of Transportation on October 15, 1966,... - Patsy Takemoto Mink (1927–2002), first Asian American Congresswoman, HawaiiHawaiiHawaii is the newest of the 50 U.S. states , and is the only U.S. state made up entirely of islands. It is the northernmost island group in Polynesia, occupying most of an archipelago in the central Pacific Ocean, southwest of the continental United States, southeast of Japan, and northeast of...
- Hermina MoritaHermina MoritaHermina 'Mina' Morita , is a Democratic member of the Hawaii House of Representatives, representing the state's 14th district since her election in 1996. The district includes Hanalei, Princeville, and Kapaa on the island of Kauai...
, member, House of Representatives, Hawaii State Legislature - Kenneth P. MoritsuguKenneth P. MoritsuguKenneth P. Moritsugu is an American physician and public health administrator.Rear Admiral USPHS, retired in September 2007 as acting United States Surgeon General...
, United States Surgeon General (acting) from 2006–2007 - Alan NakanishiAlan NakanishiAlan S. Nakanishi, M.D., was a Republican Assemblymember from California's 10th State Assembly district, serving from 2002 to 2008. In 2010, Dr. Nakanishi was a candidate for the State Board of Equalization.-Early Life:...
, California State Assemblyman, 10th District 2002-08 - George NakanoGeorge NakanoGeorge Nakano served as a California State Assemblyman from 1998 until 2004. During his time in the Assembly, Nakano was chosen to serve as the chairman of the Democratic caucus. In 2006, Nakano sought the State Senate seat of his Assembly predecessor, Debra Bowen, who was running for the...
, Former California State Assemblyman - Paula A. NakayamaPaula A. NakayamaPaula A. Nakayama of Honolulu, Hawaii is Associate Justice of the Hawaii State Supreme Court. She served her first term from 1993 to 2003. She is currently serving her second term which lasts from 2003 to 2013. At a young age, Nakayama moved to San Jose, California where she graduated from...
, Associate JusticeAssociate JusticeAssociate Justice or Associate Judge is the title for a member of a judicial panel who is not the Chief Justice in some jurisdictions. The title "Associate Justice" is used for members of the United States Supreme Court and some state supreme courts, and for some other courts in Commonwealth...
of the Hawaii State Supreme CourtHawaii State Supreme CourtThe Supreme Court of Hawaii is the highest court of the State of Hawaii in the United States. Its decisions are binding on all other courts of the Hawaii State Judiciary. The principal purpose of the Supreme Court is to review the decisions of the trial courts in which appeals have been granted... - Karen NarasakiKaren NarasakiKaren K. Narasaki is a nationally renowned civil rights leader and human rights activist. She is the president and executive director of the Asian American Justice Center , formerly known as the National Asian Pacific American Legal Consortium...
, Executive Director of the Asian American Justice Center - Clarence K. NishiharaClarence K. NishiharaClarence K. Nishihara is a Democratic member of the Hawaii Senate, representing the state's 18th district since his appointment in 2004.-External links:* official government website* profile*Follow the Money - Clarence K. Nishihara...
, member, Hawaii State Senate - Pete RousePete RousePeter Mikami Rouse is an American political consultant who served as White House Chief of Staff to U.S. President Barack Obama. Rouse has spent years on Capitol Hill, becoming known as the '101st senator' during his tenure as Chief of Staff to Senate Democratic leader Tom Daschle...
, interim White House Chief of Staff in the Barack Obama administration - Scott SaikiScott SaikiScott K. Saiki is a Democratic member of the Hawaii House of Representatives, representing the state's 22nd district since 1996.In 2011, he introduced a bill that would criminalize the sale of toy guns.-External links:* official government website...
, member, House of Representatives, Hawaii State Legislature - Thomas SakakiharaThomas Sakakihara, referred to locally as Tommy Sakakihara in person and in print, was a Japanese American politician from Hawaii, interned due to his ancestry during World War II.-Political career:...
(1900–1976), member 1932-1954, House of Representatives, Hawaii Territorial Legislature - Sharon Tomiko SantosSharon Tomiko SantosSharon Tomiko Santos , American politician, is a Washington State representative representing the 37th legislative district. She has served as the majority whip since 2001.-Legislature :...
, Majority Whip, House of Representatives, Washington State Legislature - Maile ShimabukuroMaile ShimabukuroMaile S.L. Shimabukuro , is a Democratic member of the Hawaii House of Representatives, representing the state's 45th district since her election in 2003. The district includes Waianae, Makaha, and Makua on the island of Oahu. She is a graduate of Iolani School, Colorado College and the University...
. member, House of Representatives, Hawaii State Legislature - Dwight TakamineDwight TakamineDwight Y. Takamine is an Okinawan-American Hawaii state senator and state representative . A Democrat, he represents the first district on the island of Hawai'i.-Early life and education:...
, member, House of Representatives, Hawaii State Legislature - Robert Mitsuhiro TakasugiRobert Mitsuhiro TakasugiRobert Mitsuhiro Takasugi was a United States federal judge.-Early life:Takasugi was born in Tacoma, Washington. When he was 12 years old, he and his family were interned in the Tule Lake War Relocation Center, part of the World War II internment of 130,000 Japanese Americans.After the war,...
(1930–2009), first Japanese-American appointed to the federal bench. - Paul TanakaPaul TanakaPaul K. Tanaka. Mayor, City of Gardena. Assistant Sheriff, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.A 26 year veteran of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Tanaka has recently been promoted to Assistant Sheriff of Los Angeles County under Sheriff Lee Baca in January 2005 and elected Mayor...
, Mayor of the City of GardenaGardena, CaliforniaGardena is a city in Los Angeles County, California, United States. The population was 58,829 at the 2010 census, up from 57,746 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Gardena is located at ....
and Assistant Sheriff of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's DepartmentLos Angeles County Sheriff's DepartmentThe Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is a local county law enforcement agency that serves Los Angeles County, California. It is the fourth largest local policing agency in the United States, with the New York City Police Department being the first. The second largest is the Chicago Police... - A. Wallace TashimaA. Wallace TashimaAtsushi Wallace Tashima is the third Asian American and first Japanese American in the history of the United States to be appointed to a United States Court of Appeals.-Early life:...
, U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit - Jill N. TokudaJill N. TokudaJill N. Tokuda is a Democratic member of the Hawaii Senate, representing the 24th District since 2006.-External links:* official government site* profile*Follow the Money - Jill N. Tokuda** State Senate campaign contributions...
, member, Hawaii State Senate - Takuji YamashitaTakuji YamashitaTakuji Yamashita , born in Yawatahama on Ehime, Shikoku, Japan, was a civil-rights campaigner. In spite of social and legal barriers, he directly challenged three major barriers against Asians in the United States: citizenship, joining a profession, and owning land.-Biography:Yamashita emigrated to...
(1874–1959), early civil rights pioneer
Religion
- Robert T. HoshibataRobert T. HoshibataRobert Tsugio Hoshibata is an American Bishop of The United Methodist Church, elected in 2004. Robert is notable as a U.M. Pastor, District Superintendent, and Bishop.-Birth and family:...
, Bishop of the United Methodist Church - Roy I. SanoRoy I. SanoRoy Isao Sano is a retired Japanese-American Bishop of the United Methodist Church, elected in 1984.Sano was born on 18 June 1931 in Brawley, California, of Japanese immigrants to the U.S. Upon the death of their third child, Roy's parents were converted to Christianity...
, BishopBishopA bishop is an ordained or consecrated member of the Christian clergy who is generally entrusted with a position of authority and oversight. Within the Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox Churches, in the Assyrian Church of the East, in the Independent Catholic Churches, and in the...
of the United Methodist ChurchUnited Methodist ChurchThe United Methodist Church is a Methodist Christian denomination which is both mainline Protestant and evangelical. Founded in 1968 by the union of The Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church, the UMC traces its roots back to the revival movement of John and Charles Wesley... - Nyogen SenzakiNyogen SenzakiNyogen Senzaki was a Rinzai Zen monk who was one of the 20th century's leading proponents of Zen Buddhism in the United States.-Early life:...
(1876–1958), one of the 20th century's leading proponents of Zen Buddhism - Sam K. ShimabukuroSam K. ShimabukuroSam Koyei Shimabukuro is one of only two Japanese Americans to have been a general authority of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints . He was a member of the Second Quorum of the Seventy from 1991 to 1996....
, member of the Second Quorum of the Seventy within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Taitetsu UnnoTaitetsu UnnoRev Taitetsu Unno is a scholar, lecturer, and author on the subject of Pure Land Buddhism. His work as a translator has been responsible for making many important Buddhist texts available to the English-speaking world and he is considered one of the leading authorities in the United States on Shin...
, a Buddhist scholar, lecturer, and author
Science and technology
- Keiiti AkiKeiiti Akiwas a professor of Geophysics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology , seismologist, author and mentor. He co-authored with Paul G. Richards, "Quantitative Seismology: theory and methods".Aki was born in Yokohama, Japan...
(1930–2005), seismologist - George I. FujimotoGeorge I. FujimotoGeorge I. Fujimoto is an American chemist of Japanese descent. During his studies in Harvard his family was imprisoned in an American internment camp Minidoka in Idaho. He discovered the Fujimoto-Belleau reaction, which is named after him and Bernard Belleau....
, chemist - Ted FujitaTed Fujitawas a prominent severe storms researcher. His research at the University of Chicago on severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes and typhoons revolutionized knowledge of each.- Biography :Fujita was born in Kitakyūshū, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan...
(1920–1998), creator of the Fujita scaleFujita scaleThe Fujita scale , or Fujita-Pearson scale, is a scale for rating tornado intensity, based primarily on the damage tornadoes inflict on human-built structures and vegetation... - Harvey ItanoHarvey ItanoHarvey Akio Itano was an American biochemist best known for his work on the molecular basis of sickle cell anemia and other diseases...
(1920–2010), biochemist and member of the United States National Academy of SciencesUnited States National Academy of SciencesThe National Academy of Sciences is a corporation in the United States whose members serve pro bono as "advisers to the nation on science, engineering, and medicine." As a national academy, new members of the organization are elected annually by current members, based on their distinguished and... - Michio KakuMichio Kakuis an American theoretical physicist, the Henry Semat Professor of Theoretical Physics in the City College of New York of City University of New York, the co-founder of string field theory, and a "communicator" and "popularizer" of science...
, theoretical physicistTheoretical physicsTheoretical physics is a branch of physics which employs mathematical models and abstractions of physics to rationalize, explain and predict natural phenomena...
specializing in string field theoryString field theoryString field theory is a formalism in string theory in which the dynamics of relativistic strings is reformulated in the language of quantum field theory... - Akihiro KanamoriAkihiro Kanamoriis a Japan-born American mathematician. He specializes in set theory and is the author of the successful monograph on large cardinals, The Higher Infinite. He wrote several essays on the history of mathematics, especially set theory.Kanamori graduated from California Institute of Technology and...
, mathematician specializing in set theory - Dorinne K. KondoDorinne K. KondoDorinne K. Kondo is a Professor of Anthropology and American Studies at the University of Southern California. Kondo is author of Crafting Selves: Power, Gender, and Discourses of Identity in a Japanese Workplace and About Face: Performing Race in Fashion and Theater...
, anthropologist - John Maeda, computer scientist, artist, professor at MIT
- Yoky MatsuokaYoky MatsuokaYoky Matsuoka is an associate professor of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Washington , director of that university's Neurobotics Laboratory, director of the and a 2007 MacArthur Fellow...
, computer scientist, and a 2007 MacArthur Fellow - Yoichiro NambuYoichiro Nambuis a Japanese-born American physicist, currently a professor at the University of Chicago. Known for his contributions to the field of theoretical physics, he was awarded a one-half share of the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2008 for the discovery of the mechanism of spontaneous broken symmetry in...
, 2008 Nobel Laureate in physics - Susumu OhnoSusumu Ohnowas an Asian American geneticist and evolutionary biologist, and seminal researcher in the field of molecular evolution.- Biography :Susumu Ohno was born of Japanese parents in Seoul, Korea, on February 1, 1928. The second of five children, he was the son of the minister of education of the...
(1928–2000), geneticist and evolutionary biologist - Ellison OnizukaEllison Onizukawas a Japanese American astronaut from Kealakekua, Kona, Hawaii, who successfully flew into space with the Space Shuttle Discovery on STS-51-C, before losing his life to the destruction of the Space Shuttle Challenger, where he was serving as Mission Specialist for mission STS-51-L...
(1946–1986), first Asian American astronaut; one of the "ChallengerSTS-51-LSTS-51-L was the twenty-fifth flight of the American Space Shuttle program, which marked the first time an ordinary civilian, schoolteacher Christa McAuliffe, had flown aboard the Space Shuttle. The mission used Space Shuttle Challenger, which lifted off from the Launch Complex 39-B on 28 January...
Seven" - Ken OnoKen OnoKen Ono is an American mathematician who specializes in number theory, especially in integer partitions, modular forms, and the fields of interest to Srinivasa Ramanujan...
, mathematician specializing in number theory - Santa J. OnoSanta J. OnoSanta J. Ono is a Canadian-American biologist and university administrator. He is currently Senior Vice President and University Provost at the University of Cincinnati.-Biography:...
, immunologist, biologist, university administrator Emory UniversityEmory UniversityEmory University is a private research university in metropolitan Atlanta, located in the Druid Hills section of unincorporated DeKalb County, Georgia, United States. The university was founded as Emory College in 1836 in Oxford, Georgia by a small group of Methodists and was named in honor of... - Charles J. PedersenCharles J. PedersenCharles John Pedersen was an American organic chemist best known for describing methods of synthesizing crown ethers. He shared the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1987 with Donald J. Cram and Jean-Marie Lehn...
(1904–1989), 1987 Nobel laureate in Chemistry; his mother was Japanese - Gordon H. SatoGordon H. SatoDr. Gordon Hisashi Sato, Ph.D. is an American cell biologist who first attained prominence for his discovery that polypeptide factors required for the culture of mammalian cells outside the body are also important regulators of differentiated cell functions and of utility in culture of new types...
, cell biologist and member of the United States National Academy of SciencesUnited States National Academy of SciencesThe National Academy of Sciences is a corporation in the United States whose members serve pro bono as "advisers to the nation on science, engineering, and medicine." As a national academy, new members of the organization are elected annually by current members, based on their distinguished and... - Tsutomu ShimomuraTsutomu Shimomurais a Japanese scientist and computer security expert based in the United States, who became an instant celebrity when he, together with computer journalist John Markoff, tracked down and helped the FBI arrest hacker Kevin Mitnick....
, computer security expert - Daniel M. TaniDaniel M. TaniDaniel Tani is an American engineer and a NASA astronaut. Although born in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, he considers Lombard, Illinois, to be his hometown...
, astronaut - Takeshi Utsumi, computer simulationist
- Ryuzo YanagimachiRyuzo Yanagimachihas made major contributions in understanding the process and mechanism of mammalian fertilization. He is a pioneer of assisted fertilization technologies such as in vitro fertilization and direct sperm injection into egg which are widely used today in human infertility clinics throughout the world...
, pioneer in the cloning field and member of the United States National Academy of SciencesUnited States National Academy of SciencesThe National Academy of Sciences is a corporation in the United States whose members serve pro bono as "advisers to the nation on science, engineering, and medicine." As a national academy, new members of the organization are elected annually by current members, based on their distinguished and...
Sports
- Darwin BarneyDarwin BarneyDarwin James Kunane Barney is a Major League second baseman currently playing for the Chicago Cubs...
, MLB player, grandmother is from Japan and grandfather is from Korea. - Bryan ClayBryan ClayBryan Ezra Tsumoru Clay is an American decathlete. He is the reigning Olympic champion for the decathlon and was also World champion in 2005.-Biography:...
, 2008 Olympic gold medalist in the Decathlon - Rickie FowlerRickie FowlerRick Yutaka Fowler is an American professional golfer. He was the number one ranked amateur golfer in the world for 36 weeks in 2007 and 2008.-Amateur career:...
professional golfer, maternal grandfather is Japanese - Paul Fujii, professional boxer and WBA Junior Welterweight champion
- Tadd FujikawaTadd FujikawaTadd Fujikawa is a Japanese American professional golfer. Playing as an amateur at age 15, he qualified for the 2006 U.S. Open, the youngest golfer ever to do so. In 2007, he made the cut in a PGA Tour event at the Sony Open in Hawaii...
, teen golfer - Corey GainesCorey GainesCorey Yasuto Gaines is an American former professional basketball player and the current coach of the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury....
, NBA player - Miki GormanMiki GormanMiki Suwa Gorman was one of America's foremost women's marathoners during the mid 1970s. Gorman is the only woman to win both the Boston and New York City marathons twice, and one of only two woman runners to win both marathons in the same year.-Biography:Gorman, who grew up in Japan's Fukushima...
, two-time winner of both the BostonBoston MarathonThe Boston Marathon is an annual marathon hosted by the U.S. city of Boston, Massachusetts, on Patriots' Day, the third Monday of April. Begun in 1897 and inspired by the success of the first modern-day marathon competition in the 1896 Summer Olympics, the Boston Marathon is the world's oldest...
and New York CityNew York City MarathonThe New York City Marathon is a major annual marathon that courses through the five boroughs of New York City. It is one of the largest marathons in the world, with 45,103 finishers in 2010...
marathons; former American and unofficial world record holder in the marathon - Jeremy GuthrieJeremy GuthrieJeremy Shane Guthrie is a Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles.-Early life and education:...
, MLB player, mother is of Japanese descent - Hiroto HirashimaHiroto HirashimaHiroto "Hiro" Hirashima, of Kaneohe, Hawaii, was a Japanese-Americanwho was pivotal in obtaining equal rights and privileges for his fellow Japanese-American bowlers, as well as other minorities, at a time when non-caucasians were not eligible for American Bowling Congress membership.With ABC’s...
, member of the American Bowling Congress Hall of Fame - Christian HosoiChristian HosoiChristian Rosha Hosoi is an American professional skateboarder. He is also known by the nicknames "Christ" and "Holmes". Hosoi is married to a former night club dancer Jenn Lee and has four sons, James Hosoi, Rhythm Hosoi , Classic Hosoi and Endless Hosoi...
, professional skateboarder - Bryan IguchiBryan IguchiBorn:Los Angeles, CaliforniaSponsors:Volcom, Electric, Vestal, Blubirdwax, Illuminati, Grenade, ARBN, and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.Inspiration:Travis RiceWords of encouragement:"Live and let live"Snowboard:Volcom...
, professional snowboarder - Kyoko InaKyoko Inais a Japanese-American figure skater. With partner John Zimmerman, she is a three-time U.S. national champion and 2002 Olympian. With partner Jason Dungjen, she was a two-time U.S. Champion and a 1994 & 1998 Olympian.- Life and career :...
, first place in the 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002 U.S. Figure Skating Championships (pairs) - Rena InoueRena Inoueis an American pair skater. With partner John Baldwin, she is the 2004 and 2006 U.S. National Champion. Inoue previously competed for Japan as both a single skater and pair skater. Inoue and Baldwin are the first skaters to perform a throw triple axel in competition.-Personal life:Rena Inoue was...
, first place in the 2004 and 2006 U.S. Figure Skating Championships (pairs) - Travis IshikawaTravis IshikawaTravis Takashi Ishikawa |Washington]]) is an American Major League Baseball first baseman who is currently with the San Francisco Giants organization...
, MLB player - Evelyn Kawamoto won two Olympic bronze medals in swimming in 1952.
- Ford KonnoFord KonnoFord Hiroshi Konno is a former freestyle swimmer from the United States, who swam at McKinley High School and the Ohio State University....
, former world record holder, two-time Olympic gold medalist, two-time Olympic silver medalist in swimming (1952 and 1956). - Tommy KonoTommy KonoTamio "Tommy" Kono was a U.S. weightlifter in the 1950s and 1960s.Kono is the only lifter to have set world records in four different weightlifting classes: lightweight , middleweight , light-heavyweight , and middle-heavyweight .He won...
, former world record holder, two-time Olympic gold medalist and Olympic silver medalist in weightlifting (1952, 1956, and 1960). - Shogo Kubo, professional skateboarder
- Brandon LeagueBrandon LeagueBrandon Paul League is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher for the Seattle Mariners. He is married with three children. He resides in Honolulu, and is hapa Yonsei. His maternal great-grandparents were born and raised in Fukuoka prefecture on Kyushu Island in Japan...
, MLB player - Mike LumMike LumMichael Ken-Wai Lum was an Outfielder and First Baseman for the Atlanta Braves , Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs...
, first American of Japanese ancestry to play in the major leagues - Wataru MisakaWataru Misakais a retired American basketball player. He was the first player of Asian descent and the first non-Caucasian person to play in the National Basketball Association .-Biography:...
, professional basketball pioneer, broke the NBA color barrier in 1947 - Mirai NagasuMirai NagasuMirai Aileen Nagasu , born April 16, 1993 is an American figure skater. She is the 2008 U.S. national champion, 2010 U.S. silver medalist, 2011 Four Continents bronze medalist, and 2007–2008 Junior Grand Prix Final champion....
, won the singles title at the 2008 U.S. Figure Skating Championships - Hikaru NakamuraHikaru NakamuraHikaru Nakamura is an American chess Grandmaster . He has been ranked among the top six players in the world by FIDE....
, chessChessChess is a two-player board game played on a chessboard, a square-checkered board with 64 squares arranged in an eight-by-eight grid. It is one of the world's most popular games, played by millions of people worldwide at home, in clubs, online, by correspondence, and in tournaments.Each player...
grandmaster and US champion (2005 and 2009) - Keo NakamaKeo NakamaKeo Nakama was an American swimmer.Nakama was born in the town of Puʻunene, Hawaii on the island of Maui. His swimming career included a world record 20:29 in the mile swim, Big Ten Conference titles at Ohio State, and numerous national and international victories...
(1920–2011), swimmer and world record holder - Corey NakataniCorey NakataniCorey S. Nakatani is an American Thoroughbred horse racing jockey. He got his big break in 1990 when he rode Itsallgreektome to win big stakes races.Nakatani currently resides at Belmont Park...
, jockey with seven wins in Breeders' CupBreeders' CupThe Breeders' Cup World Championships is an annual series of Thoroughbred horse races, most but not all Grade I, operated by Breeders' Cup Limited, a company formed in 1982. From its inception in 1984 through 2006, it was a single-day event; starting in 2007, it expanded to two days. The location...
races - Teiko NishiTeiko NishiTeiko Nishi is an American former women's basketball player. She played for the UCLA Bruins each year from 1985 until 1988. In 1987, Nishi, from North Torrance, California, was the only Asian American woman playing Division I basketball in southern California....
, SanseiSanseiSansei is a Japanese language term used in countries in South America, North America and Australia to specify the children of children born to Japanese people in the new country. The Nisei are considered the second generation, grandchildren of the Japanese-born immigrants are called Sansei and...
, women's basketball starter for UCLA - Apolo Anton OhnoApolo Anton OhnoApolo Anton Ohno is an American short track speed skating competitor and an eight-time medalist in the Winter Olympics. He is the most decorated American Winter Olympic athlete of all time....
, won eight Olympic medals in short-track speed skating (two gold) in 2002, 2006, and 2010, as well as a world cup championship. - Yoshinobu OyakawaYoshinobu OyakawaYoshinobu "Yoshi" Oyakawa was a backstroke swimmer from the United States, who won the 100m Backstroke at the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki, Finland. He is considered to be the last of the great "straight-arm-pull" backstrokers....
former world record holder and 1952 Olympic gold medalist in the 100-meter backstroke. - Harold SakataHarold SakataToshiyuki "Harold" Sakata was a Japanese American professional wrestler and film actor most famous for his role as the villain "Oddjob" in the James Bond film Goldfinger.-Career:...
(1920–1982), 1948 Olympic silver medalist weightlifter, actor, and wrestler - Lenn SakataLenn SakataLenn Haruki Sakata is a former professional baseball player who played in the Major Leagues primarily as a utility player from 1977–1987 and was a member of the Baltimore Orioles 1983 World Series Championship team. He was the second Asian American to play Major League Baseball. He is Yonsei...
, Professional baseball player for the World Series Champions Baltimore Orioles - Eric SatoEric SatoEric Anthony Sato is a former American volleyball player, who was a member of the United States men's national volleyball team that won the gold medal at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea....
won an 1988 Olympic gold medal in volleyball - Liane SatoLiane SatoLiane Lissa Sato is a retired female volleyball player from the United States, who won the bronze medal with the USA National Team at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain...
won an 1992 Olympic bronze medal in volleyball - Alex ShibutaniAlex ShibutaniAlex Hideo Shibutani is an American ice dancer. He competes with younger sister Maia Shibutani. They are the 2011 World bronze medalists, 2011 Four Continents silver medalists, 2009 World Junior silver medalists, 2011 U.S. national silver medalists, 2011 NHK Trophy champions and 2010 U.S...
, figure skater - Maia ShibutaniMaia ShibutaniMaia Harumi Shibutani is an American ice dancer. She competes with her brother Alex Shibutani. They are the 2011 World bronze medalists, 2011 Four Continents silver medalists, 2009 World Junior silver medalists, 2011 U.S. national silver medalists, 2011 NHK Trophy champions and 2010 U.S...
, figure skater, Alex Shibutani's younger sister - Kurt SuzukiKurt Suzukiis a Major League Baseball catcher for the Oakland Athletics.-College career:Suzuki played at Cal State Fullerton. Cal State Fullerton captured the 2004 College World Series championship, thanks to Suzuki's two-out RBI single in the bottom of the seventh inning, giving the Titans a 3-2 win over the...
, MLB player - Robert SwiftRobert SwiftRobert Swift is an American professional basketball player, currently playing for Tokyo Apache...
, NBA player - Derek TatsunoDerek Tatsuno-College career:Tatsuno attended the University of Hawaii at Manoa from 1977 to 1979 where he amassed an impressive record in collegiate baseball as a pitcher....
, baseball player and selected to the All-Time All-Star Team of Collegiate Baseball America - Shane VictorinoShane VictorinoShane Patrick Victorino is an outfielder in Major League Baseball who plays for the Philadelphia Phillies. He is a switch-hitter and throws right-handed.-Career:...
, SanseiSanseiSansei is a Japanese language term used in countries in South America, North America and Australia to specify the children of children born to Japanese people in the new country. The Nisei are considered the second generation, grandchildren of the Japanese-born immigrants are called Sansei and...
, MLB player - Don WakamatsuDon WakamatsuWilbur Donald "Don" Wakamatsu is a former Major League Baseball catcher and manager. He was the manager of the Seattle Mariners for the season, as well as the majority of the season...
, YonseiYonsei (fourth-generation Nikkei)is a Japanese diasporic term used in countries, particularly in North America and in Latin America, to specify the great-grandchildren of Japanese immigrants . The children of Issei are Nisei . Sansei are the third generation, and their offspring are Yonsei...
, Major League Baseball's first Japanese-American manager - Rex WaltersRex Walters-External links:...
, NBA player - Kristi YamaguchiKristi YamaguchiKristine Tsuya "Kristi" Yamaguchi-Hedican is an American figure skater. She is the 1992 Olympic Champion in ladies' singles. Yamaguchi also won two World Figure Skating Championships in 1991 and 1992 and a U.S. Figure Skating Championships in 1992. She won one junior world title in 1988 and two...
, YonseiYonsei (fourth-generation Nikkei)is a Japanese diasporic term used in countries, particularly in North America and in Latin America, to specify the great-grandchildren of Japanese immigrants . The children of Issei are Nisei . Sansei are the third generation, and their offspring are Yonsei...
, won three national figure skating championships, two world titles, and the 1992 Olympic Gold medal. - Lindsey YamasakiLindsey Yamasaki-External links:* * *...
, Professional basketball player (Miami Sol, New York Liberty, San Jose Spiders), Stanford UniversityStanford UniversityThe Leland Stanford Junior University, commonly referred to as Stanford University or Stanford, is a private research university on an campus located near Palo Alto, California. It is situated in the northwestern Santa Clara Valley on the San Francisco Peninsula, approximately northwest of San...
(basketball, volleyball) - Roger YasukawaRoger YasukawaRoger Yasukawa is a Japanese-American auto racing driver.Yasukawa started karting in Southern California, winning the California State Championship in 1991 in Junior Sportsman. He then moved to Italy to compete in JICA...
, auto-racing driver (IRL) - Wally Kaname YonamineWally Kaname YonamineWallace Kaname "Wally" Yonamine , also known as Wally Yonamine, was a multi-sport American athlete who played in the All-America Football Conference and Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball....
(1925–2011), football player, first Japanese American in the NFL, as well as a professional baseball player in Nippon Professional Baseball League