Craig Ishii

Origin story at Orange County Buddhist Church. Founder of Kizuna. Cultural enthusiast. Interested in exploring the ins and outs of our community so we can discover our past and pave our future.

Posts by This Author

Yo! Accelerator: Spotlight on our 2024 Projects

Discover the inspiring stories behind three innovative community projects selected for the Yo! Accelerator and learn how they aim to preserve culture, uplift communities, and promote wellness.

Introducing the Latest Major Initiative from Yo! - the Yo! Accelerator

Introducing Yo! Accelerator - uniting and empowering builders and creators, driving innovation and lasting community impact.

Knights, Horses, Pirates, and Pokemon - Yeah They Were All At Camp This Year

Yo! Camp 2023 was one for the ages. Read on.

The Young Adult's Guide to Slapping Professional Anxiety in the Face

Now that the summer, graduation, and the prospect of the future are inching closer, I thought this might be the perfect time to assuage some of the growing fears around the job search and career transition, especially for our college-aged readers.

The Size of your Culture Night Doesn’t Matter - Just These Two Things

Move beyond the comparison game and discover the true purpose of Culture Nights. Learn how building community and educating audiences are the key ingredients to success.

Remember, Reflect, Renew: 5 Reasons to Attend a Day of Remembrance Program

What are you doing this February 19th? The Day of Remembrance is an important time for us as community members to reflect on our unique history and make connections to our endeavors in the present.

The Goldilocks Zone of Mochi: Instructions for Perfect Mochi Consistency & Texture

After painstaking trial and error spanning 30+ batches, three years, and three separate mochitsuki’s, we’ve compiled the essential notes for the “Goldilocks” zone of mochi consistency and texture: think not too hard, not too soft… just right. 

Yo! Camp: Make Magic, Every Day

Our inaugural year of Yo! Camp was something magical. Let's explore where that magic comes from.

Summer Camp - Parents, Your Questions Answered

When it comes to summer camps and programs, parents and kids often underestimate the importance and value of these opportunities. Let's explore the deep value of the summer camp experience.

Japanese Fashion Through the Years (Infographic)

The full infographic to accompany the "Japanese Fashion Through the Years" article.

The Evolution of Collegiate Taiko

Collegiate taiko has had a prolific expansion over the last couple of decades. Let's explore how it's grown and where it still needs to go.

Nuances of the Chinese Zodiac

While most have a basic familiarity with the animals of the Lunar New Year, there are a number of nuances and stories associated with the zodiac that many don't know. Let's jump right in!

Ozoni from Around the World

No two ozoni are alike. Join us as we explore the variety of mochi from around the world.

Starting Your Own Family Mochitsuki

A family mochitsuki can be a great way to bring the family together for the holidays and it's easier than you think.

This Article is About Family Therapy

Mental health and therapy have always been taboo topics within the Asian American community. But, if we’re able to move past that stigma, therapy can be a life-changing, super-charged version of self-care. 

Expectations & Reality for Legacy Family Businesses in the JA Community

When it comes to family-owned businesses in the Japanese American community, expectations are high. Here's what that pressure is like for the next generation.

Has Marie Kondo Gone Too Far?

For the past decade, Marie Kondo has built a base of followers, guided by her principles in decluttering and streamlined material possession. But has capitalism steered her away from her original purpose?

Don't Worry About Them, They're Just the Token Board Member...

As organizations seek to diversify their leadership, they often only bring on a single board member to represent an entire community. Why does tokenizing happen? What are the consequences?

Doing a Good Turn Daily: Japanese American Boy Scouts

Exploring the lasting legacy of youth development in the Boy Scout programs of the Japanese American community.

The Breakup Routine

Breaking up is hard to do. Relive the past with us as we share the floundering routines we used to do post-relationship.

Japanese American Basketball - The Community Behind the Game

Where did JA ball come from? More importantly, where is it going?

How Have You Not Seen These?

I caught up on all the movies that I should have seen... and it was worth it.

An Ode to Hair

Hey, come and check out this bowl cut.

Your 2021 Good Luck Charm

Take a short quiz and get yourself a good luck charm for the new year!

Next Generation Leadership Succession

Let's take a look at the methodologies and barriers to transitioning the leadership of our community's nonprofit organizations to the next generation. 

A History of Japanese American Nonprofits

Community-based organizations make up the backbone of the Japanese American community. But where did they come from? 

Mottainai: Culturally Embedded Sustainability

More than just a word, mottainai holds deep cultural and historical meaning. Let's explore how this word can be a critical rallying call for this generation.

GAME TIME: One Liners

You have a scenario, a delivery framework, and your wit. What's the best one-liner you can deal? Grab a group of friends and have a good time!

Infographic - Are the Kids (Going to Be) Alright?

Automated employment is looming, human education is in danger. This infographic explores how we can develop critical "human" competencies for the future success of our kids.

Are the Kids (Going to Be) Alright?

Employment, socializing, and life itself is evolving at an exponential rate... education is not. What do our kids need to truly be prepared for this rapidly changing reality?

Angeleno Magic: A Retrospective of the 1984 Olympics

No traffic in Los Angeles during a time when the entire world converges on the city?! Explore a retrospective on the wonder and mystery of the 1984 Olympic Games hosted by the greatest city on earth.

Diaspora: An Infographic

Where exactly is the Japanese diaspora? Check out our visual depiction of where the Nikkei community has settled around the world.

Dear Craig: The Best Ways to Flirt at a Summer Festival

With games, food, and friends all together under the summer sky, it's no wonder that the summer festival is an opportune moment where many have expressed (or attempted to express) their affections for that special person.

Are These Japanese American Antiques and Heirlooms Familiar to You?

We've collected and listed 20 of the most commonly mentioned Japanese American antiques and heirlooms that families have found in their cupboards, shelves, kitchens, and attics.