“I moved to Huntsville, AL, from Honolulu, HI when I five years old. Despite Huntsville being the place I’ve called home for most of my life, I have struggled with feeling like an outsider because of my Japanese heritage. Whether it be the conversation and comments made regarding my Japanese features, family traditions, and stereotypes, I found myself self-conscious. As a young girl growing into her skin, it was something that set me apart. This was quite different coming from a culture flourishing with a variety of Asian-American culture. 

Embracing heritage in a place that feels so far removed has its’ challenges. The feeling of otherness within one’s own home is uncomfortable unless we have courage to embrace ourselves.

The Kimono is based off of traditional Japanese dress. Imprinted on each panel is a apart of who I am - where I came from. It is a collage of places and things from my past ancestry and childhood to early adulthood in Alabama blended together into one garment.”