Postwar Japanese Emigration to the Dominican Republic: A Conversation with Professor Greg Robinson

2024-08-10

In this insightful episode, host Wendy Aris welcomes Professor Greg Robinson, a distinguished historian from l'Université du Québec à Montréal, to discuss his compelling article "Postwar Japanese Emigration to the Dominican Republic." Together, they explore the fascinating and often overlooked chapter of history involving the migration of Japanese citizens to the Dominican Republic after World War II. Professor Robinson provides an in-depth analysis of the circumstances that led to this unique emigration wave, the cha...

Professor Robinson provides an in-depth analysis of the circumstances that led to this unique emigration wave, the challenges and opportunities faced by the Japanese immigrants, and the lasting impact on both Japanese and Dominican societies. Wendy and Professor Robinson delve into the cultural, social, and economic aspects of this migration, highlighting personal stories and historical contexts that bring the narrative to life.

Listeners will gain a richer understanding of the postwar period, the dynamics of migration, and the resilience of communities adapting to new environments. This episode sheds light on the interconnectedness of global histories and the diverse experiences that shape our world.

Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that uncovers the nuances of postwar Japanese emigration and its significance in the broader tapestry of history. Tune in to learn more about this intriguing historical phenomenon and the enduring legacy of the Japanese community in the Dominican Republic.

BIO

Greg Robinson, a native New Yorker, is Professor of History at l'Université du Québec À Montréal, a French-language institution in Montreal, Canada. He is the author of the books By Order of the President: FDR and the Internment of Japanese Americans (Harvard University Press, 2001), A Tragedy of Democracy; Japanese Confinement in North America (Columbia University Press, 2009), After Camp: Portraits in Postwar Japanese Life and Politics (University of California Press, 2012), Pacific Citizens: Larry and Guyo Tajiri and Japanese American Journalism in the World War II Era (University of Illinois Press, 2012), and The Great Unknown: Japanese American Sketches (University Press of Colorado, 2016), as well as coeditor of the anthology Miné Okubo: Following Her Own Road (University of Washington Press, 2008). Robinson is also coeditor of the volume John Okada - The Life & Rediscovered Work of the Author of No-No Boy (University of Washington Press, 2018).

His historical column “The Great Unknown and the Unknown Great,” is a well-known feature of the Nichi Bei Weekly newspaper. Robinson’s latest book is an anthology of his Nichi Bei columns and stories published on Discover Nikkei, The Unsung Great: Portraits of Extraordinary Japanese Americans (University of Washington Press, 2020). It was recognized with an Association for Asian American Studies Book Award for Outstanding Achievement in History Honorable Mention in 2022.

BOOKS:

https://uwapress.uw.edu/book/9780295747958/the-unsung-great/

https://www.press.uillinois.edu/books/?id=c036729

https://www.ucpress.edu/book.php?isbn=9780520271593

https://pum.umontreal.ca/catalogue/un-drame-de-la-deuxieme-guerre

https://www.amazon.com/Tragedy-Democracy-Japanese-Confinement-America/

https://www.amazon.com/Mine-Okubo-Following-Her-Road/dp/029598774X

WEBSITE:

https://www.gregjrobinson.com/

ArticlE:

https://discovernikkei.org/en/journal/2023/3/12/emigration-to-dominican-republic-1/

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