Turning Japanese: Memoirs of a Sansei Internee

Turning Japanese: Memoirs of a Sansei

by David Mura

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1205 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	416 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

About the Book

Turning Japanese: Memoirs of a Sansei Internee is a memoir by Tamiko Nimura, a third-generation Japanese American who was incarcerated in a concentration camp during World War II. The book tells the story of her experiences in the camp, and how she came to terms with her identity as a Japanese American.

Nimura was born in Seattle, Washington, in 1928. Her parents were both Japanese immigrants, and she grew up in a traditional Japanese household. In 1942, when she was 14 years old, the United States government ordered all Japanese Americans to be removed from their homes and placed in concentration camps. Nimura and her family were sent to the Minidoka camp in Idaho.

Nimura spent four years in the camp. During that time, she experienced racism and discrimination from the camp guards and other inmates. She was also forced to give up her American citizenship and adopt a Japanese name.

After the war, Nimura returned to Seattle and resumed her studies. She went on to become a successful businesswoman and author. In 1990, she published Turning Japanese: Memoirs of a Sansei Internee, which won the American Book Award.

Themes

Turning Japanese: Memoirs of a Sansei Internee explores several important themes, including:

• Identity: Nimura's experiences in the camp forced her to question her identity as a Japanese American. She was raised to be proud of her Japanese heritage, but the camp guards and other inmates treated her like an enemy. This led her to feel confused and ashamed of her Japanese heritage.
• Racism: Nimura faced racism and discrimination from the camp guards and other inmates. She was subjected to verbal and physical abuse, and was even threatened with death. This experience taught her the importance of fighting against racism and discrimination.
• Resilience: Despite the hardships she endured, Nimura remained resilient. She refused to give up on her dreams, and she went on to become a successful businesswoman and author. Her story is an inspiration to anyone who has faced adversity.

Critical Reception

Turning Japanese: Memoirs of a Sansei Internee has received critical acclaim. The book has been praised for its honesty, insight, and courage. It has been used in schools and universities to teach about the Japanese American internment experience.

In a review for the New York Times, Michiko Kakutani wrote: "Turning Japanese is a powerful and moving memoir that sheds light on a dark chapter in American history. Nimura's story is a reminder of the importance of fighting against racism and discrimination, and it is an inspiration to anyone who has faced adversity."

Legacy

Turning Japanese: Memoirs of a Sansei Internee has had a lasting impact on the Japanese American community. The book has helped to raise awareness of the Japanese American internment experience and has inspired others to share their stories. It has also been used to educate future generations about the dangers of racism and discrimination.

In 2012, Nimura was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her work on behalf of Japanese Americans. She is a role model for all Americans, and her story continues to inspire people around the world.

Turning Japanese: Memoirs of a Sansei

by David Mura

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1205 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	416 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE