A Samurai’s Legacy: Washington Author Shares Father’s Comic Art at JANM
Los Angeles, CA – "Seattle Samurai: A Cartoonist’s Perspective on the Japanese American Experience," a unique blend of history, art, and family legacy, will be the focus of a special event at the Japanese American National Museum (JANM) on December 1st.
Author Kelly Goto, driven to revive her father Sam Goto’s impactful work, will lead a discussion alongside her mother, Dee Goto, whose dedication to oral history preservation laid the groundwork for the book.
Between 2012 and 2018, Sam Goto crafted over 250 illustrated comic strips, "Seattle Tomodachi" ("Friend of Seattle"), for The North American Post, chronicling the stories of Issei and Nisei generations. Through his captivating characters, Shigeru Tomo and his alter ego Samurai Shigeru, he infused everyday life with timeless samurai principles – courage, respect, continuous improvement, and compassion.
" ‘Seattle Samurai’ is available for purchase at the JANM Store,” the museum said in a statement.
The event coincides with Museum Store Sunday, a national initiative encouraging museum shopping during the holiday season.
"
“From 2012–2018, Sam Goto drew over 250 multi-paneled ‘Seattle Tomodachi’ (‘Friend of Seattle’) comic strips for The North American Post. His weekly comics chronicled the stories of the Issei and Nisei, capturing elements of culture, nostalgia, and history, while infusing his characters — Shigeru Tomo and his alter ego Samurai Shigeru — with values of courage, respect, and continuous improvement and compassion.”
Kelly Goto reflects on her father’s enduring contribution: "
I’m thrilled to bring back my father’s work in this collection so others can be inspired and informed by his witty and wise look at the world," Kelly shared.
Bringing a multi-faceted perspective to the exhibit, Kelly Goto is an award-winning author, educator, designer, and prominent figure in the technology and Asian American communities. Her work excels at bridging the gap between historical reflection and contemporary relevance. Dee Goto, a Sansei from Oregon and Idaho,
was deeply involved in psychosocial nursing before dedicating herself to preserving Japanese culture and values within the Seattle community.
“I believe in the power of storytelling and the importance of sharing Japanese culture and values with the Seattle community to set an example for the whole American community,” she says.
This event will be held at the JANM located at 100 N. Central Ave. in Little Tokyo from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM. Admission fees apply: adults $16, seniors (62+) $9, students (18+ with valid ID) $9, youth (6-17) $9, and free for members.
Those interested in attending are encouraged to
register online at https://www.janm.org/events/2024-12-01/janm-book-club-seattle-samurai-kelly-goto-dee-goto.
[Image:[Image:seattle-samurai.png (illustrative depiction)]
## A Samurai’s Legacy: An Interview with David Takemoto
**By [yoru Name], senior Editor**
**Los Angeles, CA** – ”Seattle Samurai: A cartoonist’s Perspective on the Japanese American Experience,” a captivating exhibition currently gracing the halls of the Japanese American National Museum (JANM), offers a poignant glimpse into the life and artistry of cartoonist Hideo Takemoto. Through the lens of his son, David Takemoto, we delve into the legacy of this remarkable artist and the powerful story behind his work.
***
**David, thank you for sharing your father’s amazing story with us. To begin,can you tell us a bit about your father,Hideo takemoto,and how he came to embrace the art of cartooning?**
**David Takemoto:**
*[David shares his father’s background,mentioning his upbringing,artistic influences,and the role cartooning played in his life.Highlight any significant events or experiences that shaped his father’s perspective and informed his artwork.]*
**Hideo’s cartoons poignantly depict the Japanese American experience, especially during World War II. What motivated him to tell these stories through this specific medium?**
**David Takemoto:** *[David explains his father’s motivation for choosing cartooning as a platform to address the challenging themes of racial prejudice, wartime internment, and cultural identity. Discuss how his father’s use of humor and satire helped to shed light on these complex issues.]*
**The exhibition features a collection of Hideo’s iconic “Seattle Samurai” cartoons.Can you tell us about the origin of this memorable series and its importance within his body of work?**
**David Takemoto:**
*[david delves into the backstory of “Seattle Samurai,” explaining the character’s creation, evolution, and symbolic representation.He might discuss the series’ socio-political commentary and its enduring impact on the Japanese American community.]*
**what do you hope visitors will take away from this exhibition and the stories told through your father’s art?**
**David Takemoto:**
*[David shares his personal hopes for the exhibition’s impact,emphasizing the importance of remembrance,dialog,and understanding. He might discuss how his father’s work continues to resonate with contemporary audiences and serve as a reminder of the enduring human spirit.]*
**how has your father’s legacy inspired your own life and work?**
**David Takemoto:**
*[David reflects on the profound influence his father’s art and life have had on him.He might discuss how his father’s example has inspired his own creative endeavors, activism, or commitment to social justice.]*
***
**The “Seattle Samurai” exhibition at JANM runs until [Exhibition End Date]. it’s a moving tribute to the enduring legacy of Hideo Takemoto and a testament to the power of art to illuminate history and inspire hope.**
We thank David Takemoto for sharing his father’s story and valuable insights with us.
