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 

(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" and is applicable here in our case. 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 as “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 ar eager to forge grassroots solidarity to grow our breoad-based social justice movmeent for justice.

his tour Is a methodology -- process matters not just destination. exploring and meandering about what does It mean to be nikkei and to reclaim japan that Is truly post-Imperial for participants.

The NEED

Hidden, erased, gaps everywhere -- there is NO WHOLENESS, NO CONFORMED SINGULARITY. 

Reconciliation. Making whole ‘again.’ disjointed pieces.

Creating an actual bridge across people.

emphasis on communal learning and sharing as a way NDT seems to be living and interacting 

not just informational/educational. It is not about static knowledge. To share the same experience with activists/organizers/great human beings that I respect and be able to listen to and learn from each other's perspectives is priceless.

I know about Japanese occupation of Korea, have heard of my families experiences and histories during this time period, want to ground myself in the history and current struggles more, highlight how the past is not the past.

To study connection b/w my struggles and their struggles.

To build connections across the Pacific Ocean and also within Turtle Island so we together can bring about a world that we would like to leave for future generations

continue relations developed in 2023 and before.  Educat & mobilize unfinished business from WWII re JLA, comfort women, etc.  and current struggles

beck: bring back connection and many things to org and communities.

Connection- and community building across the Pacific Ocean and across issues and groups

• Many movements in japan — don’t even have social media, no connection with us. So in person is crucial. To create a bridge. 

• emphasis on communal learning and sharing 

• Is not just informational/educational nor static knowledge. To share the same experience with activists/organizers/great human beings that I respect and be able to listen to and learn from each other's perspectives is priceless.

• grassroots, anti-imperialist perspective