Seattle-born author of Nisei Daughter, the first published autobiography written by a Nisei woman, and Ohio clinical psychologist. Monica Itoi Sone’s (1919–2011) sensitive, often humorous book, notable for its lack of bitterness, explored the themes of cultural identity, assimilation, racism and intergenerational conflict in the Seattle Japanese American community and at the U.S. government camp Minidoka.
Actress and artistic director of East West Players.
Osame Nagata Manago was a picture bride who co-founded the Manago Hotel in Captain Cook, Hawai’i.
Nisei singer and star of Flower Drum Song on Broadway.
Educator and author of books on Japanese Americans in Hawai’i.
A talented dancer and actress, Reiko Sato (1931–81) gained visibility as a performer on Broadway and in Hollywood and had some success fighting racial typecasting.
Riyo Sato (1913-2009) was an artist, photographer, and an arts educator for over thirty years.
Yoshiko Yamanouchi (1895–1973) was an early Buddhist community leader, businesswoman, and amateur painter.
While serving as a Reginald Heber Smith Fellow for the Western Center on Law and Poverty she won the landmark educational law reform case, Serrano v. Priest, serving as the co-counsel of record.
A celebrated opera soprano, Ruby Yoshino was among the first Nisei to achieve national stardom as a singer, and later served as president of the New York City Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) chapter.