Mottainai

Issue
12

Hidden Ecologists: The Rise and Fall of Sustainable Agriculture in Japanese American Farming

Land and micromanagement and precision agriculture techniques are perceived as innovations by environmentalists in the late 20th century. Actually, Japanese American farmers implemented these techniques in the 1900s with remarkable success...until racism intervened. 

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Mottainai: Culturally Embedded Sustainability

More than just a word, mottainai holds deep cultural and historical meaning. Let's explore how this word can be a critical rallying call for this generation.

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For the People! Sustainability and Face Masks

One person's journey toward utilizing their passion for sustainability and activism through making face masks.

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Caring for Our Island Earth

We are all islanders. Let's learn about the habitual adjustments that are small for us, but make a big impact on the environmental sustainability for this island we call Earth.

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Pruning the Bonsai: How the History of Japanese American Gardeners Lives on Through Their Descendants

Though gardening was a common profession for Japanese American immigrants pre and post-war, their era is now over. How do their descendants perceive and preserve their family's history today?

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Bonsai Tree Roundup

Pandemic babies, pandemic dogs...how about a pandemic bonsai? Take a look through our Bonsai roundup.

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Chasing the Japanese Whaling Fleet as a Japanese American

My experience chasing the Japanese whaling fleet as a Japanese American ocean activist led me to realize that we can't approach conservation issues without also considering the historical, racial, and geopolitical context that comes along with them.

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Japanese Gardens in the States and Around the World

Whether it be a space for cultural exchange or to find a moment of peace, Japanese gardens (and elements of it) can be enjoyed around the world.

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Reversing the Cycle, and Then Some: From Buy Amazon to Bye Amazon

One writer reflects on her relationship with Amazon and why she made a conscious decision to not renew her account after learning about the company's abusive and exploitative practices.

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Recent Articles

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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