Celebrate with Okaeri and join us for the official launch of our new book, Letters to Home: Art and Writing by LGBTQ+ Nikkei and Allies! Featuring discussions with the editors and selected contributors, the book launch will showcase the diversity of impact and beauty across the pieces. Light refreshments will be served.

About the Book

Letters to Home asks contributors to reflect on the Japanese phrase, okaeri (お帰り), which means “Welcome home” or “Welcome back,” as it relates to their lived experiences as queer Nikkei and allies. In the words of Okaeri’s founder, Marsha Aizumi, the word okaeri reflects the hope that “no matter how long or how far you have traveled from the Japanese American community, you can always return home and be welcomed.” Exploring topics of identity, community, and acceptance through poetry, essays, photography, and art, Letters to Home recognizes that such an environment can only be created when we find the courage to share our stories and foster love, empathy, and understanding.

Letters to Home: Art and Writing by LGBTQ+ Nikkei and Allies will be available for purchase at the JANM Store.