About Yo!

Through platforming voices and turning ideas into action, we're building the community space for the next generation.

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Our Platforms & Programs

Yo! Media is the parent organization, providing a home for our various groups, initiatives, and events. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, our core mission is to establish a vibrant community space for the next generation, where we uplift diverse voices and catalyze innovative ideas into meaningful action.

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Visit our Channel

Yo! Magazine is our online publication that serves as a platform for thought-provoking opinion pieces. With a focus on identity and culture, our blog provides a space for emerging voices to share their perspectives on a wide range of topics.

Through a seven-day overnight experience, carefully crafted curriculum, an all-star staff, and a little bit of camp magic, Yo! Camp provides a special experience for youth in the Japanese American community by providing a safe, hands-on environment for family fun, personal discovery, and life-lasting memories.

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Content Committee

Ambie Yamaji

Ambie (she/her) is a Shin-Nisei born and raised in Central California with Kansai pride. She loves anything delicious, arts and crafts, and spending time with her pets.

Kayla Tanaka

A yonsei/shin-nisei who discovered her appreciation and passion for the JA community during her time in college. Full-time pursuer of a career in the legal field; part-time snowboard and beach-going enthusiast based in Torrance, CA.

Justin Kawaguchi

Justin (he/him) is a Los Angeles-based Trojan alum currently navigating grad school, adulthood (yikes), and finding ways to stay connected with cultural roots. You can often find him en route to the next best street taco stand or in Little Tokyo. (Fight On!)

Lisa Aihara

Lisa Aihara is a visual artist and writer based in Los Angeles. A mom of two, Lisa draws (pun intended) inspiration from her own life, her sense of humor, playful art style, and her knack for storytelling to create an emotional connection. Find her online at www.lisaaihara.com.

Mackenzie Walker

Maker, Baker, Plant Propagator. Washington state raised Yonsei based in DC.

Andrew Takahashi

Andrew Takahashi is a 30-year-old closet otaku who loves biking, eating, and playing video games. In his spare time, he works as an environmental engineer. CHEEHOOO.

Nicole Sato

Shin-Nisei born and raised in Torrance, trying to find the perfect medium of being Japanese and JA. Constantly on the quest for the best boba and french fries.

Hiro Edeza

Hiro Edeza received a bachelor's degree in history with minors in Asian American studies and museum studies at San Francisco State University. After graduating, Hiro moved to the countryside of Japan to teach English and connect with his extended family in Kyushu. While across the Pacific, he does his best to remain active within the Japanese American community and looks forward to returning to it soon.

Stephanie Nitahara

Chicago yonsei turned Los Angeles nonprofit executive with a passion for building the Nikkei community nationwide. Avid advocate for social justice and mental wellness to undo systems of oppression. Mother to a senior pomchi, sourdough starter, and the occasional succulent.

Nicole Oshima

Nicole (she/her) is a yonsei/gosei that is passionate about community building, hair dye, and pop culture. Based in Los Angeles, with her heart in Little Tokyo.

Taylor Weik

Taylor is an LA-based writer with essays and journalism in Teen Vogue, NBC Asian America, and more. She’s passionate about celebrating and sharing Asian American stories in all creative mediums, and is currently developing a game about the U.S. Japantowns called J-Town: A Visual Novel.

Michelle Hirano

Born and raised in Gardena, CA, Michelle has a passion for education, food, social deduction games, and dogs.

And Interns!

Erin Hayashida

Erin is a mixed yonsei CSULB student raised in Orange County. Currently, she enjoys playing in her recently created Seishun Taiko group, serving on cabinet for Nikkei Student Union, and taking long naps.

Halle Fukawa

Halle is a second-year undergraduate student at UC Berkeley who's just Trying Her Best. She loves talking, tarot cards, taiko, and other things that don't start with a "t."

Marketing Committee

Marlee Goto

Born and raised in Torrance, CA, a Shin-Nisei UCLA alum working in marketing in Los Angeles. Passionate in all things creative, always dreaming of illustrating Japanese and Japanese American culture through artistic representations of our stories.

Umiri Kimura

A proud UCLA NSU Alumni. Born in Japan and raised in Torrance, Umiri grew up being exposed to both Japanese and Japanese American culture. Always hunting for new Trader Joe’s snacks and cute cafés.

Megan Nagasaki

Has a soft spot for community and is fascinated by culture, connection, and authentic storytelling. Marketing professional and social media enthusiast based in Los Angeles.

Craig Ishii

Origin story at Orange County Buddhist Church. Founder of Kizuna. Cultural enthusiast. Interested in exploring the ins and outs of our community so we can discover our past and pave our future.

And Interns!

Erin Moore

Erin currently works part-time as a barista and is active in UCSD's Nikkei Student Union. Her hobbies include thrifting, taking pictures with her film camera, and, most recently, going to art galleries/museums. She's also trying to expand her record collection :)

Malia Nagashiki

Malia is a Japanese-Chinese American and current undergrad at UC Berkeley. She is a lover of dogs, boba, music, sanrio, reading, and all things related to design!

Yua Watanabe

Yua Watanabe is currently an undergraduate theater major at UCLA’s School of Theater, Film, and Television, studying Design and Production. Outside of school, she is active as a crew member in Changing Tides: Little Tokyo Service Center’s AAPI Youth Mental Health Non-profit, and with her Graphic Design work around numerous groups on campus.

Jules Yap

Raised in the Bay Area, Jules is a third-year college student at UCSD. He loves storytelling and giving people the voices that they need through these articles. Jules is also pursuing to become a creative writer in the film industry.