Tamiko Nimura
How did you become a writer?
I always wanted to be a writer, since I was a little girl, but first I was a reader. My parents tell me that I started reading when I was one and half years old. I haven’t stopped reading every since. I read for fun, every single day, for at least 10 minutes.
To read more about my non-linear career paths, try these links:
VISIBLE: Women Writers of Color, The Rumpus (interview)
Artist Trust, Seattle (blog post)
Tacoma Historic Preservation/Tacoma Historical Society, “Falling Into Public History” (virtual lecture)
What is your racial/ethnic background?
My mother is Filipina American, and immigrated to the United States in the early 1950s. My father was a Nisei (second generation Japanese American), born in the United States; he died when I was 10 years old. I consider myself Asian American, Sansei, Pinay. I write about my “mixed” identity here.
Are you available to speak at my class, school, book club, or event?
I enjoy public speaking and connecting with readers. Please know that I appreciate every request. However, to make sure I have enough time and energy for my writing, health, and personal life, I try to space out the scheduling of events over the year. (I am an introvert at heart and need time to recharge.)
I have spoken at many virtual events. However, because virtual events are susceptible to hacking and attacks, I ask that event organizers perform due diligence to make sure that the event is secure for presenters and participants.
What is your rate for these events? Do you ever do events for free?
I work on a sliding scale depending on the audience, organization, and amount of preparation required.
Because I believe that artists should be compensated for their work, I ask that organizations make every effort to find an honorarium. I recommend WorkForWage.com to find a market rate for artists. I will usually ask if there is a budget for speakers.
I do a limited number of events every year where I donate my time and energy, based on causes or locations that I want to support.
**If you are asking me to volunteer my time, please note that in your initial request.**
Are you available for podcasts or interviews?
I’m happy to talk about these possibilities. Please send me a message (info below) with as many details as possible (timing, audience, length of interview, etc.) to see if these can be a good fit.
Where have you spoken in the past?
I taught at the college level for almost 10 years, so I am very comfortable speaking in public.
Selected organizations: National Parks Service, MOHAI Seattle, Mukai Farm and Garden, FOLIO Literary Seattle, City of Tacoma Historic Preservation, Pierce County Heritage League, Tacoma Public Library, King County Library System, Asia Pacific Cultural Center, Creative Colloquy, Blue Cactus Press
Selected lectures: University of Washington (Seattle, Bothell, and Tacoma), George Washington University, Northern Michigan University, University of Puget Sound, University of Groningen (Netherlands), Seattle University, Mills College, Mesa College, Bay City Community College, San Bernadino Valley Community College
Community events: Japanese American Memorial Pilgrimages, Seattle-area Japanese American Day of Remembrance, Wing Luke Asian Museum
Videos of some of my work and talks are available here:
KBTC Profile, “Remembering Tacoma’s Nihonmachi,”
“Writing and Remembrance,” MOHAI History Cafe
WILLO (Women’s Intergenerational Living Legacy Organization), Tacoma
Selected podcasts
Move to Tacoma
Paw’d Defiance, UW Tacoma podcast
Public radio interviews
What resources would you recommend for learning more about the Japanese American wartime incarceration?
Densho, a nonprofit in Seattle, is one of the very best places to begin learning camp history. On their website, try reading their short “Core Story” essays or watching the short videos that accompany these essays.
For other graphic novels about Japanese American wartime incarceration: Citizen 13660 by Miné Okubo; Displacement, by Kiku Hughes; They Called Us Enemy, George Takei.
For kids: Yoshiko Uchida’s books Journey to Topaz, Journey Home, The Bracelet, and The Invisible Thread are some of my favorites. Fish for Jimmy and It Started With a Page are two great picture books.
Where can I buy your books?
Thanks for asking!
My first book, a biography and oral history, is called Rosa Franklin: A Life in Health Care, Public Service, and Social Justice (2020). It is about the first African American woman to be elected to the Washington State Senate.
My second book, a co-written graphic novel, is called We Hereby Refuse: Japanese American Resistance to Wartime Incarceration (2021). It’s available from bookshop.org or your favorite independent bookstore.
As a lifelong book lover, I encourage everyone to order from independent bookstores. Some of my favorite independent bookstores include King’s Bookstore in Tacoma, Elliott Bay Books in Seattle, and Powell’s Books in Portland. If none of these carry your books, try bookshop.org.
How can I contact you?
If none of the answers above fit your request, please send a message to tfnimura at gmail.com