Mike Ishii
Michael Ishii
Michael Ishii, a Yonsei residing in New York City, leads a multifaceted life as a performing artist, organizer, and clinician. He holds pivotal roles, such as co-leader and co-founder of Tsuru for Solidarity, and has dedicated three decades of service as the co-chair of the New York Day of Remembrance Committee. Additionally, he serves as the chair for the New York Japanese American Oral History Project, which earned a prestigious 2018 JACS Grant, and he has previously held the position of president within the JACL, New York Chapter. Michael extends his commitment through volunteerism, contributing to the Tule Lake Pilgrimage Committee and holding a position on the board of the Hudson Valley Park for Study and Reflection. Furthermore, his artistic talents shine through his written and performed pieces, encompassing spoken word and performance art. These creations draw inspiration from his family's incarceration in the WRA camp, Minidoka, and are a poignant exploration of themes related to remembrance and the healing process from intergenerational trauma.
In the early chapters of Ishii’s life, he discovered the profound legacy of his Japanese-American heritage, marked by the harrowing experiences of internment and incarceration during World War II. This poignant chapter of history is etched deeply into his family’s narrative, as his mother and her entire family were among those who endured the internment camps.
The annals of history recount ten major concentration camps for Japanese-Americans administered by the War Relocation Authority during this tumultuous period. These are the well-known Japanese-American concentration camps, etched in the collective memory of those who are aware of this chapter in history. However, before being transported to these camps, his community was temporarily relocated to centers often closer to their original homes.
In the case of his family, who resided in Seattle then, they found themselves at Camp Harmony, situated at the Puyallup fairgrounds, which served as the temporary holding center. This facility served as an interim solution while the construction of the ten major camps unfolded, primarily in the inland regions of Western states, with some scattered in places like Arkansas.
During his teenage years, he got to know his great-aunt, Kei, who had survived this turbulent period in his family’s history. Her presence was a living testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
His family’s history profoundly impacted what was to be his lifelong passion and career.
Michael Ishii, a proud Yonsei, has established himself as a prominent figure in New York City, where his multifaceted journey unfolds as a performing artist, dedicated organizer, and compassionate clinician. A deep commitment to social justice, community empowerment, and the healing arts has driven his life's work.
As a co-leader and co-founder of Tsuru for Solidarity, Ishii plays a pivotal role in a grassroots movement that advocates for social justice, drawing upon the painful lessons of history to address contemporary issues. The term "Tsuru" is a Japanese word for crane, symbolizing transformation in his culture. For three decades, he has been the co-chair of the New York Day of Remembrance Committee, tirelessly working to ensure that the voices of those affected by the Japanese-American internment during World War II are heard and honored.
At the heart of Ishii's commitment to preserving history and fostering understanding is his role as the chair of the New York Japanese-American Oral History Project. This vital initiative received a prestigious 2018 JACS Grant, further highlighting Ishii's dedication to preserving the narratives of Japanese Americans. He has also contributed his leadership as a former president of the JACL, New York Chapter, advocating for civil rights and social justice.
Ishii's devotion extends beyond New York City, as he serves as a dedicated volunteer for the Tule Lake Pilgrimage Committee and holds a position on the board for the Hudson Valley Park for Study and Reflection, promoting reflection and learning in tranquil settings.
His artistic expression takes form through spoken word and performance art, where he skillfully delves into the deeply personal and intergenerational trauma stemming from his family's incarceration in the WRA camp, Minidoka. Through his art, Ishii explores themes of remembrance and healing, inviting audiences to join him on a journey of profound reflection.
Ishii's academic journey has been just as diverse as his community work. He initially pursued classical music at the Oberlin Conservatory and The Juilliard School, showcasing his talents as a French hornist with various New York City orchestras and chamber ensembles for two decades.
Transitioning to a new career path, Ishii ventured into East Asian medicine, and his compassion for healing took center stage. He served as the clinical chair for the University of Bridgeport Acupuncture Institute and has since established a private practice in New York City, where he applies his expertise to enhance the well-being of his clients.
Michael is a Ph.D. candidate embarking on a transformative academic journey, where he explores Traditional Chinese Medicine with a specific focus on the potential of five-phase nodal sounds to influence human blood pressure. This research represents another facet of his commitment to holistic healing and integrating ancient wisdom into modern healthcare.
Michael Ishii's remarkable life journey is a testament to the power of dedication, resilience, and a deep-seated desire to create a more just, compassionate, and harmonious world. His contributions as an artist, organizer, clinician, and scholar continue to leave an indelible mark on his community and beyond.
Democracy Now. (2019, June 28). Japanese Americans Were Jailed at Ft. Sill During WWII. Now Trump Wants to Cage Migrant Kids There. https://www.democracynow.org/2019/6/28/japanese_americans_were_jailed_at_ft.
https://tsuruforsolidarity.org/who-we-are/
Survey and interviews conducted by Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Sustainability Initiative staff. 2022-2023. Yale University-School of the Environment. New Haven, Connecticut.