How We Work

we are the leaders we are waiting for. 

"Decolonization is the veritable creation of new man," famously said Franz Fanon. We take it to mean that it is a profound transformation of the self, as well as community, and the whole society. 

We believe that genuine decolonization must center, though not exclusively, 

(1) reconceptualizations of identity,

(2) political mobilization, and

(3) self-reflexive collective practice in the transformation of the self.

This idea is adapted from Chanda Mohanty's "Feminism Without Borders." NDT aims to provide a supportive space as part of an integrated community of kindred spirits and allies for the exercise of this process/praxis for all people In the Nikkei diaspora, both people of Japanese ancestry and those whose contemporary identity originate In the Japanese Empire, because, In spite of the colonial power dynamics and positionalities betwen the former and the latter, at the end of the day, it is we as a whole who have a direct personal, intimate stake in the future of today's Japanese society.  Therefore, decolonization and liberation to restore wholeness within each of ourselves and together as a whole is a prerogative that requires ALL of us to work together. 

Mohanty also said that identity possesses “a source of knowledge and a basis for progressive mobilization.” We believe we have something unique to offer, to be “of Japan” and "of the Japanese Empire" in the diaspora, even as we are not necessarily legally recognized citizens of today's postwar nation-state of Japan.

In fact, postwar national order and legal framework of rights and protections were to a large extent defined by the occupying United States guided by its national and geopolitical interest, rather than the people in postwar Japan at the time. Many of us hail from the very country directly complicit (if not responsible) for the creation of a racialized inequitable social and legal order in postwar Japan, and recognize our social responsibility in holding our own very government accountable and raising public awareness about this history. In addition, we have been actively involved in various liberation and social justice efforts in our given communities, and are eager to forge grassroots solidarity to grow our broad-based social justice movement for justice.

Rather than strategy, this tour is a methodology -- the very process of critically engaging 'Nikkei' and 'Japan' to question, interrogate and even deconstruct -- to then formulate anew via non-linear dialectic across and beyond temporal and geographical spectrums -- is the site of praxis. Our hope is that participation in NDT provides new insights and connections that comprise deeper nuanced understandings of the conditions in Japan for grassroots-alliance building that then inform strategies and direction for participants given their respective line of work and interests.   

Through Initial surveys, many participants express the following:

• So much of japan and Its history is hidden, erased, with gaps --- disjointed pieces that don't quite come together. It difficult to make sense of It all.

• It is difficult to spot bridges across people and where my entry points may be. 

• How can I engage In communal learning, not simply to study 'static' knowledge but through shared experiences and synthesis to build shared political consciousness and analysis?

• How is my own family's history related with the larger history of japan and asia?

• How is the struggle of today (of which I am part) connected to the struggles of the hidden oppressed communities In japan?

• How can I find grassroots community- and solidarity-building opportunities to grow as not just an activist but trans-Pacific organizer?

• where can I connect with kindred spirits that are commited to anti-Imperialist solidarity-buiding as Nikkei in relation with oppressed communities on the ground?

• how was my own family and our local cultures/traditions affected by japan's Imperialism?

While It may not be possible to deliver on every discovery objective of every participant, we create ongoing spaces for open sharing and reflection to process and synthesize our learnings together throughout the Tour process.

Before the Tour:

1. for about 3 months we meet regularly on zoom and build the team rapport and develop shared ownership of the key questions and goals.

2. we also learn to work together by assigning roles and responsibilities for execution and planning of various aspects of the tour -- from accommodations, to documentation, to organizing report-backs, to fundraising and budget management.

3. we squeeze In Informal study sessions In our zoom meetings to establish some readiness for the specific communities we decide to visit (the Itinerary Is determined based on Iterative process with prospective hosts and people that we have relationships with)

4. we create a 'press kit' to Introduce ourselves and NDT, In both english and japanese, and also produce a bunch of merch as Omiyage (japanese common practice of never showing up empty-handed!) and fundraising.

5. each participant purchases air tickets, travel Insurance, on their own. and In some cases, book their own accommodations (though by default participants will be put up In group lodging). 

6. the participants will do their own fundraising -- so far, every cohort has done one crowdfunding campaign as a group, to disburse the funds as decided. Typically, they are spent on need-based scholarships and purchase of Omiyage (souvenirs) and honoraria/donations for hosts.

the Tour:

1. Folks can either participate In the entire Itinerary or selective. In either case, prior RSVP Is required. The fee (of $100-200/person usually) Is required as a down payment to hold the spot. The specific amount Is more, If the participant joins the tour but doesn't do the work before and after the tour. There Is a simple application process for any one Interested for the first time.

2. Daily rates vary --- It will be anounced at each Tour.

3. During the tour, every participant Is required to upload at least one post on social media (any) per day of the tour. This Is to Increase visibility of the Issues and people on the ground and help amplify their messages, and also to leave a record for ourselves. Also such documentation helps provide stuff to work with, In doing the report-back, and promoting the tour In the future as well. 

After the Tour:

every participant Is expected to contribute to productin of report-backs that may take on the forms of local In-person event, a publication or video, or both. It's decided by the participants. NDT relies on grassroots support and our base of donor community Is an Important aspect of our work. Donors give money or goods, but this only becomes a genuine relationship conducive to community If the giving Is reciprocal. For us It Is a fundamental commitment not just to show up for the tour but to relay back to everyone back home and beyond that helped make It possible for us. And we carry a sense of community duty to relay back the precious wisdom we have gained through this experience and serve as 'ambassadors' of the work and people on the ground that are excluded from mainstream platforms and pipelines across the pacific.

Also those Interested can stay Involved as NDT Is an entirely grassroots, Informally run effort, all done by volunteers with full time jobs or students putting In labor of love. We are alwyas open to dedicated folks who can bring their love, skills, and discipline to create a growing network of kindred spirits!