Nisei 2nd generation Immigrants. I spent countless hours leafing through my parents’ photo albums as a child. Each faded image offered a glimpse into the past, showing younger versions of my family and relatives. At the time, I attended a predominantly white school. It never struck me as significant that my family photos looked different from those of my classmates. Instead, I was drawn in by the quiet pull of stories and histories long held within those pages.
As I grew older, I gradually became aware of the cultural dynamics in my town. The differences between my family and the surrounding community began to surface, subtly shaping my understanding of identity. Through this process, I developed a deeper appreciation for the uniqueness and resilience of my heritage. In 2022, inspired by this journey of self-discovery and reflection, I wrote a song titled “Nisei.” This piece serves as a homage to those same family members in the photographs, capturing their experiences as second-generation immigrants and the legacy they passed down to me.
Nisei 2nd generation Immigrants
“Nisei” is not just a song; it’s a celebration of the people who withstood adversity and maintained their cultural identity, enriching the tapestry of who I am today. Through music, I aim to honor the stories and sacrifices of my relatives and to share a message of pride and recognition of our distinct place in the diverse fabric of society. I believe art transcends the process.
For me, this song never stood on its own. Perhaps I needed to bring the photos (which inspired the song) back into work. However, it feels complete now.
Creativity isn’t confined to a single medium—it flows between them. Morever, sometimes I’ll watch a movie, and it sparks an idea for a song. Other times, I’ll hear a song, and it inspires a picture I create. Art, in any form, has the power to ignite imagination and influence expression in ways that go beyond its original medium.
Nisei is a song written by Ken Hada and is available on Spotify, Apple, YouTube (free), and all streaming.