Shin-Issei Affinity Group | Unpacking Instruments of a Beating Heart: A Conversation for the Shin-Issei Community with Ema Yamazaki

How does the essence of “Japanese-ness” as beautifully captured in Ema Yamazaki’s 2024 documentary film Instruments of a Beating Heart, resonate with and shape the lives of Japanese people living in the United States? We will speak with filmmaker and USJC Associate Ema Yamazaki about her movie, exploring how the essence of Japanese identity is portrayed in her work, discussing the cultural touchstones presented in her film, and examining how they connect with the experiences of Japanese individuals navigating life in America.

Ema will be joined by Steering Committee member Aya Iwasuji, who attended primary education in Japan before moving to the United States and focuses on Japanese education in the United States along with her consulting duties with SRI International.

This is an opportunity for connection, reflection, and deeper understanding. We encourage all attendees to view Ema’s film, which was nominated for an Academy Award and is now available online.

This is a meaningful opportunity for connection, reflection, and deeper understanding. We encourage all attendees to watch Ema’s Academy Award–nominated film, now available to view online (please note: access may be limited to viewers in the United States due to regional copyright restrictions).

About the Shin-Issei Affinity Group

The Shin-Issei Affinity Group hosts quarterly Zoom networking events focused on topics relevant to our identity as the newest Japanese Americans. Certain events are open to Shin-Issei members who are not yet part of USJC, allowing them to learn more about the organization. Other Shin-Issei programs, including networking events, the Shin-Issei Connection, and student outreach opportunities, are exclusively for USJC members. For questions, please contact the Shin-Issei Steering Committee at [email protected].