Video Project: Capturing the stories of Japanese-Americans in North Texas

When you think about Fort Worth, Texas, your mind probably goes to places like the Stockyards or the Trinity River (or possibly being stuck in never-ending construction traffic on I-35).

If asked about the vibrant cultural diversity of Texas, you might think of the incredible way Mexican and American cultures blend within our borders. But there’s another culture that has contributed immensely to north Texas, and Fort Worth especially, over the past several decades.

Japanese immigrants in Texas have had an undeniable impact on our region’s identity. Many of the people who helped make Fort Worth what it is today are Japanese-Americans who have found a home in the Lone Star State. Each and every one of them has led a fascinating life.

Sadly, as time marches on, a day will come when they are no longer with us to tell us their stories.

It was with this in mind that the Fort Worth Japanese Society partnered with TCU to begin our history project to record the lives of those who had the biggest impact.

Featuring Albert Komatsu, Makio Nishida, Kenji Nishikawa, and Nobuko Foshee, the first video in this project premiered at our September 2023 luncheon. The next, which will emphasize how the efforts of Tadashi Yamagata, his wife Elaine, and Asako Cosby helped to build our community as well as bridge the cultural gap between the United States and Japan, is expected to premiere in Fall 2024.

We hope you can learn a new side of our great state by hearing their stories.