Heritage, Heirlooms, and Hand-me-downs

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More Than Just A Name: Embracing Our Names with Our Culture

When I was younger, my Japanese middle name was a source of shame, especially since I was surrounded by kids with American names. Now, I've learned how our names are innately tied to our culture.

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7 Layer Wonder

Join me on my quest to find the origins of the rainbow Jell-O - a fixture at many community events and parties.

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Family Ki (Tree) Investigation

This month as we celebrate our heritage, we have assigned you a mission: find out more about your ancestors. We can take advantage of this time to share stories about our families and reconnect with relatives.

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You Probably Didn't Know These Things About Okinawa

Vegetable superheroes, snake liquor, and fried doughnuts are just some of the things that make Okinawan culture amazing. To learn more about some of the things that make Okinawa's culture so rich and vibrant, read on.

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The Rise of the Mon Tattoo Trend: A Q&A with Japanese American Tattoo Artist Jun Osaki

More young Japanese Americans are getting their family mon, or crest, tattooed on their bodies today. In a Q&A with Portland-based artist Jun Osaki, we learn more about how tattoos can connect people to their culture.

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How Sansei Dances Revived the Asian American Cover Band Era of the '60s and '70s

The Sansei dances that many Japanese American parents in Southern California enjoy today hark back to a period in the 1960s and 1970s known as the Los Angeles Asian American dance scene.

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Are These Japanese American Antiques and Heirlooms Familiar to You?

We've collected and listed 20 of the most commonly mentioned Japanese American antiques and heirlooms that families have found in their cupboards, shelves, kitchens, and attics.

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Culture & Community

Three Reasons Why Queer Obon Just ~Makes Sense~

This past June, Okaeri LA hosted the first ever Queer Obon (we think), or a festival designed to bring LGBTQ+ people together in community for this important Buddhist holiday.

Knights, Horses, Pirates, and Pokemon - Yeah They Were All At Camp This Year

Yo! Camp 2023 was one for the ages. Read on.

A Lump of Play-Doh: Growing Up Mixed

If I really think about it I know there were many people who thought that my mix of backgrounds was cool throughout my childhood; however, I can’t help but focus on those in my life that made me feel like I didn’t belong.

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