The Mochi Project
The Mochi Project Podcast illuminates the joys of modern Japanese American culture and complexities of Nikkei heritage. Host Madeline Hamaguchi, a Yonsei from California's Central Valley, connects with other Japanese Americans who are experts, artists, and historians to share lived experiences and demystify intersectional identities. How can we reclaim our hushed historical narrative, weave joy into our hereditary representation, and celebrate the unique ethnic spaces we represent?
The Mochi Project
Sally Hensel: If You Could Be The Mother of Your Mother…
Artist and adventurer Sally Hensel joins Madeline for a conversation about her experiences as the daughter of a Japanese immigrant and an American of western-European descent. We discuss the tenuous cultural balance she navigated growing up in the primarily-white Central Valley in California, and how that affected the quality of her experience living and working in Japan in 2019. We also chat about the impact of generational trauma and ask ourselves how we can acknowledge positive changes for future generations. Our conversation covers everything from playground bullies, favorite homemade snacks, and unexpected friendships in times of need.