Discover Nikkei is JANM’s community-based web project that promotes connections and understanding among the global Japanese diaspora. Browse exhibition resources available on Discover Nikkei for articles and videos showcasing Nikkei in a variety of sports.
Articles
More Than A Game—Sport in the Japanese American Community, 1885 to Present
Sport has played a major role in the life of Japanese American communities from the late nineteenth century to the present. Learn how that role has changed over time.
Memories of the 1932 Olympics: A Page in Japanese American History
For Issei and Nisei, the 1932 Olympics realized their dreams of seeing Japan win athletic fame on American soil; their hopes for Japan’s Nisshoki (sun flag) and national anthem were fulfilled right before their eyes.
Rural and Urban Nisei Baseball—A Comparison
Sunday baseball contributed to the heartbeat of the Nisei generation. Find out how the game served as an important vehicle for recreation, community cohesion, and the boosting of morale.
Hawai‘i’s AJAs Play Ball
The recorded history of Japanese American involvement in baseball in Hawai‘i dates back to 1899, the same year that Reverend Takie Okumura formed a youth baseball team. Learn how they captured the youth league championship in 1905.
From Our Collection: Sumo and the “Threads” of Community
On February 9, 1885, the first official Japanese migrants arrived in Hawai‘i. Discover how they celebrated their arrival with a sumo match.
Video Interview Clips
Kristi Yamaguchi
Professional figure skater and Olympic gold medalist
Kristi Yamaguchi is a fourth-generation Japanese American. She captured the gold medal in womens’ figure skating at the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville, France. (2000)
Tommy Kono
Weightlifter and Olympic gold medalist
Tamio “Tommy” Kono learned the basics of weightlifting while incarcerated in Tule Lake concentration camp during World War II. His Olympic potential saved him from being sent to combat in the Korean War. (1999)
Wayne Miyata
Surfer and surfboard artist
Wayne Miyata was a pioneering professional surfer in Hawai‘i and Southern California who appeared in the classic surfing film The Endless Summer and was one of the leading surfboard shapers in Southern California. (1999)
Wally Kaname Yonamine
Nisei baseball player, coach, scout, and manager in Japan
Wally Kaname Yonamine had a thirty-eight-year career in Japan as a successful baseball coach, scout, and manager. He is credited with introducing several American practices to Japanese baseball. (2003)
Johnnie Morton
Professional football player
Johnnie James Morton, Jr, the son of an African American father and Japanese American mother, is a twelve-year veteran in the NFL. He gained an appreciation for his multicultural heritage growing up. (2000)
Eric Morton
Starred as a wide receiver for Dartmouth, now a patent attorney
Eric Morton is the son of an African American father and Japanese American mother and the brother of Johnnie and Chad Morton, both professional football players. Find out how he became a patent attorney after attending law school at George Washington University. (2000)
Chad Morton
Professional football player
Chad Morton is the younger brother of Eric and Johnnie Morton. He now plays professionally in the NFL for the New England Patriots. (2000)