Japanese American Archives

January 28, 2025July 2, 2025

Nisei 2nd generation Immigrants

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.

June 18, 2024April 11, 2025

Ken Hada NBC article

Ken Hada NBC article. I’m Ken Hada, a 60-year-old photographer and father of two in Southern California. In a recent article by NBC, I highlighted my approach to parenting and focused on creating a warm and loving environment for my children.

“tiger parenting”

My father, a second-generation Japanese American, had a tough upbringing that made him more closed-off as a parent. Wanting to break this cycle, I prioritized emotional connection and openness with my kids. Despite the cultural norms that viewed vulnerability as taboo during my father’s time, I actively sought out resources and books to guide me toward a more nurturing parenting style.

Creating a loving atmosphere for my children has always been my goal. I made a conscious decision not to resort to physical discipline and ensured that my kids received the care and attention they needed. I aimed to provide them with a supportive and affectionate upbringing, different from what my father experienced.

My efforts reflect a shift towards more emotionally aware and involved parenting practices among Asian American parents. This story underscores the importance of breaking generational patterns and embracing a more empathetic and emotionally supportive approach to parenting.

In summary, my dad’s reaction to his father’s discipline style was to have a hands-off approach with me. And since I was a child I didn’t understand his reasoning for this. So with my kids I did what I had to do to make them feel seen.

Hopefully, all parents do the best they can with what they have.

The NBC article was written by Kimmy Yam and you can read it here

August 9, 2017November 23, 2024

Japanese American Turning Points

Japanese American Turning Points. After teaching in Minnesota for a few years, Dad received a job offer in California. Excited for the new opportunity, he and Mom packed up their Airstream and set off for the West Coast. Upon arriving in Cypress, California, they sought to settle in a mobile home park on Lincoln Avenue. However, they were turned away with the words, “We don’t take your kind here.” This was the 1950s, a time when Japanese Americans frequently faced discrimination and prejudice.

Undeterred, Mom and Dad drove further east to another mobile home park. The manager there, regretfully, informed them that he was full. However, when they mentioned their previous experience, he offered to help. “I know the guy who runs that place,” he said. “Let’s go talk to him together.”

With the manager’s assistance, Mom and Dad were eventually admitted to the mobile home park that had initially rejected them. Remarkably, over time they formed a deep friendship with the very man who had first turned them away.

Other things Japanese American