Yo! Accelerator: Spotlight on our 2024 Projects

As we introduced several months back, Yo! Accelerator is an initiative designed to promote the core mission of Yo!: to be a platform to support, grow, and promote innovative community projects from visionaries in our community. Be sure to check out our launch article to learn more about Yo! Accelerator and our support for new community initiatives. 

We’re excited to announce the three projects selected for this round of the Accelerator. While we’re just doing the intro here, be sure to follow our blog and subscribe to our social media to track their growth and evolution. 

The Shokudo

In Japan, shokudō (食堂) are casual mom-and-pop hole-in-the-wall restaurants that serve a variety of Japanese dishes. LA-based illustrator Jon Kenzo Okeya built one in his backyard to explore his Japanese roots in what he calls "The Shokudo". With his friends Luke Uyeda, the series director and videographer, and Michael Murata, the co-host and producer, this crew of fourth-generation Japanese Americans aims to discover more about themselves in their mixed media project. By learning family recipes and cooking the foods that have defined their unique culture, the Shokudo team is on a journey to learn about and preserve their culture and community history by documenting family stories before they are lost to time.

From The Shokudo

“We hope that by watching the Shokudo series on YouTube, viewing our short clips on Instagram, or attending one of our events, people can feel inspired and empowered to ask questions about these Japanese- and even more broadly Asian-American traditions that we can sometimes take for granted. Sometimes, it isn't necessarily about the details of what is learned, but rather, it's more about taking that journey of self-discovery.”

--Michael Murata

Why Are We Supporting? 

Though The Shokudo is new to the Yo! family, the project itself is not. Michael, Luke, and Jon have been connecting communities, telling stories, and hosting impactful events for several years. We’re thrilled to integrate The Shokudo into the Yo! network to amplify their impact and showcase their incredible knowledge as an example of what incredible community vision and execution can look like. 

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Okage Sama De Bakery

Okage Sama De is a bakery that aims to nourish the soul by celebrating and uplifting community and community members' stories. These are not your typical matcha, yuzu, or "Asian-inspired" goods. Instead, items are inspired by community members and initiatives to serve as a unique conversational point and educational piece to raise awareness and celebrate. They aim to have a design supported explicitly by the narrative of who/what is being celebrated. And the intention is to create food that puts the community first and at the center of it. 

From Dina

While I hope to celebrate those who have paved the paths that future generations get to walk on, I also hope to highlight those who are doing things that may not always get recognized. It is a way to tell people: "You matter, and what you do matters, and you deserve to be seen and celebrated". 

--Dina Furumoto

Why Are We Supporting? 

As a community leader of many (many) talents, Dina has been slowly building toward an initiative that unites her extensive skills and experiences for optimal community impact. With over a decade of contributions to numerous projects and organizations, we’re eager to see what she cooks up (pun intended).

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Kazoku

Kazoku, translated to "family" in Japanese, symbolizes the need for a balanced community on the East Coast for young Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Rooted in its online publication, Kazoku uplifts AANHPI people with mental health spaces, connects youth to non-profit work in wellness, and promotes healthcare advocacy through a culturally sensitive lens. Kazoku is more than just a resource; it's a new community that's always here for you.

From Kazoku

“Growing up in Japan and all over the East Coast, I have seen firsthand how cultural stigma and healthcare accessibility impact the emotional wellness of our friends and loved ones. I am most excited for Kazoku to be a welcoming place for nationwide story sharing and highlighting influential AANHPI voices. People deserve their own spaces — it’s incredible how far we can go when we feel heard by our communities.”

--Kenzo Kimura

Why Are We Supporting? 

Kenzo represents a new opportunity for Yo! to connect with community members on the East Coast. With both his academic & organizing background as well as his passion for this project, we’re looking forward to see how Kazoku will bring in new people and perspectives into the organization.

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To learn more about Yo! Accelerator, be sure to check out our website.