our american family japan

Our American Family: I am a Japanese American

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AkikoHi! My name is Akiko. I’m seven years old. My brothers and I are Japanese Americans. My mom and dad came to the United States from Japan. Even though we live in the U.S., my parents don’t want us to forget our heritage. So my family follows many Japanese traditions.

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RespectMy grandmother still follows all the Japanese traditions she learned when she was a little girl. Whenever I see her, we bow to each other. To the Japanese, respect is very important.

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TheaterBoth of my brothers are actors. Yoshi, the younger one, takes Noh classes. Noh plays are usually old stories about Japanese history. Seiji is a Kabuki actor. The Kabuki plays tell stories about life in Japanese towns and cities.

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KimonosFor special occasions, I wear a kimono. Kimonos are long robes that are made of colorful cloth and have special patterns on them. Around my waist, I tie an obi, or sash. I usually wear sandals and white socks with my kimono.

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Hina MatsuriMy favorite Japanese holiday is Hina Matsuri, or the doll festival. Hina Matsuri honors the little girls in a family. Later that day, my cousins come over with their dolls. We have our own party, with green tea and rice cakes.

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Sharing two cultures

Being Japanese American means sharing two cultures. I may wear t-shirts and jeans most of the time, but I also have beautiful kimonos. When I’m with my grandmother, she tells me what it was like to live in Japan. She hopes I won’t forget our traditions. I promise her that I never will.

Let’s learn moreabout Japan!

Let’s learn a little more about Japan!

Do you want to watch a video about Japanese music or a video about Japanese dance?

DancingMusic