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On Being Yukiko
Two of Canada’s most notable Japanese Canadian artists, Jeff Chiba Stearns and Lillian Michiko Blakey, come together in an exciting graphic novel collaboration to tell an intergenerational story on family history and cultural identity.
Through the blending of two unique artistic styles, Jeff’s cartoony Hapanimation and Lillian’s mixed media realism, 12-year-old Emma learns about her Japanese roots when her Ba-chan tells her the true-life story of her great-great grandmother Maki, a Japanese picture bride, who journeyed to Canada at the turn of the 20th century.
Maki’s story of extreme perseverance and sacrifice inspires Emma, who identifies as a quarter Japanese, to discover a deeper connection to her Japanese Canadian identity...and on being Yukiko.
Through the blending of two unique artistic styles, Jeff’s cartoony Hapanimation and Lillian’s mixed media realism, 12-year-old Emma learns about her Japanese roots when her Ba-chan tells her the true-life story of her great-great grandmother Maki, a Japanese picture bride, who journeyed to Canada at the turn of the 20th century.
Maki’s story of extreme perseverance and sacrifice inspires Emma, who identifies as a quarter Japanese, to discover a deeper connection to her Japanese Canadian identity...and on being Yukiko.
56 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2021
2 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 21, 2020
My review, I admit, is on a very personal level. My Grandmother’s older sister is Lillian Michiko Blakey. All my life, Auntie Lillian has been encouraging me to honour and remember my Japanese heritage. I am so happy Auntie Lillian shared our family’s experience in Canada by producing this graphic novel. I have always been in awe of Auntie’s artistic skill and her vast knowledge of and experience in the education system. And now, with this book, I have discovered Jeff Chiba Stearns’ exceptional and fantastic hapanimation talent. Together, Auntie and Jeff have created a book which is a joy to read, highly educational and extremely informative. “On Being Yukiko 2”? Hope so! There is still lots to learn and improve upon in this crazy world.
May 5, 2021
My parents purchased this book for all of our family members in anticipation of their first grandchild, or our own Yukiko, if you will. I think it will serve as a wonderful tool to talk about our family history with this tiny human who will be from a very mixed heritage, just like the main characters of this book.
I read some similar story books as a kid that explained Japanese internment and it was important and formative for me to understand what my grandparents had gone through and sacrificed — this book takes it a step further and does an excellent job of noting how colonialism has caused significant harm for generations of people from all kinds of backgrounds. I really appreciated how hopeful the ending felt and how it gave actionable ideas, like for kids to be able to present curriculum changes so that students learn more about Canada’s true history.
I read some similar story books as a kid that explained Japanese internment and it was important and formative for me to understand what my grandparents had gone through and sacrificed — this book takes it a step further and does an excellent job of noting how colonialism has caused significant harm for generations of people from all kinds of backgrounds. I really appreciated how hopeful the ending felt and how it gave actionable ideas, like for kids to be able to present curriculum changes so that students learn more about Canada’s true history.
January 4, 2021
The book is so beautifully drawn and printed! I appreciate that you are not only touching upon Japanese-Canadian history and mixed identity, but also bringing in terms like colonialism, white privilege, racial profiling, third culture, etc. Kids (and adults) have definitely been hearing these terms more often lately but might not understand them, so this book really helps define them with context. This book resonates with me very strongly as there are many parallels between this story and my own. Our family history is similar to the grandmother in the story and my daughter is one-quarter Japanese like the main character of the book so basically every member and generation of my family identifies with it. It brought tears to my eyes, in fact - regarding the internment- trying to imagine myself in my grandma and her family's place. I can't even imagine what they went through and the strength that it took to endure and survive such racism and hardships. Your book really brings it to life as a graphic novel and the mixing of your artwork styles makes it so dynamic. I think that is such a fantastic way to reach a young audience!
My daughter's comments:
I found it interesting because like Yukiko, I am Gosei, quarter Japanese and I am 12 years old. My mom looks more Japanese than I do, and my grandma even more than her. The story that Yukiko’s Ba-chan told is very similar to the story my mom told me about her grandparents and great grandparents coming to Alberta from B.C. I have a Japanese name like Yukiko. I feel really grateful that I was born after the war. I think using the “flashback” technique is helpful, it helps add more detail to the story. It took me in a bit deeper than it would have if it was just words. I like how the art is a bit more photographic, and it seems more like a picture that Yukiko’s Ba-chan might have shown her. I think it was unfair to treat Japanese-Canadians different, like Maki’s family was treated. They were just as Canadian as anybody else. It isn’t fair that they lost their home, all of their stuff, and almost everything they had. I think it was unfair to treat Japanese-Canadians different, like Maki’s family was treated. I like being mixed race, most of my friends are Asian and my best friend is half Japanese. I feel like I fit in in my class/group of friends, and I like exploring my Japanese heritage, like learning how to speak Japanese, learning what kind of food they eat, how they would dress. I think having Yukiko’s friends being mixed race helps kids feel like there are other people/kids out there who are mixed. Ending the book by having Yukiko and her friends research different histories might make kids want to research their own history more. I think it would help children understand that many cultures make a Canadian by showing that you don’t need to be born in Canada, have only Canadian heritage, etc. to be a Canadian. It makes me remember the story that my family told me, and makes me want to ask questions to know a bit more about my history.
My daughter's comments:
I found it interesting because like Yukiko, I am Gosei, quarter Japanese and I am 12 years old. My mom looks more Japanese than I do, and my grandma even more than her. The story that Yukiko’s Ba-chan told is very similar to the story my mom told me about her grandparents and great grandparents coming to Alberta from B.C. I have a Japanese name like Yukiko. I feel really grateful that I was born after the war. I think using the “flashback” technique is helpful, it helps add more detail to the story. It took me in a bit deeper than it would have if it was just words. I like how the art is a bit more photographic, and it seems more like a picture that Yukiko’s Ba-chan might have shown her. I think it was unfair to treat Japanese-Canadians different, like Maki’s family was treated. They were just as Canadian as anybody else. It isn’t fair that they lost their home, all of their stuff, and almost everything they had. I think it was unfair to treat Japanese-Canadians different, like Maki’s family was treated. I like being mixed race, most of my friends are Asian and my best friend is half Japanese. I feel like I fit in in my class/group of friends, and I like exploring my Japanese heritage, like learning how to speak Japanese, learning what kind of food they eat, how they would dress. I think having Yukiko’s friends being mixed race helps kids feel like there are other people/kids out there who are mixed. Ending the book by having Yukiko and her friends research different histories might make kids want to research their own history more. I think it would help children understand that many cultures make a Canadian by showing that you don’t need to be born in Canada, have only Canadian heritage, etc. to be a Canadian. It makes me remember the story that my family told me, and makes me want to ask questions to know a bit more about my history.
December 25, 2020
It would be lovely to see this book in all public school boards! It provides some of the history on Japanese Canadians during WWII and their treatment at the hands of the government. The artwork and illustrations blend the history with present day and the graphic novel format is friendly to a large age group. The story is told in a factual but intimate way, giving an accurate account of events but focusing on a wider message of hope and inclusivity rather than blame. A wonderful book with an important message that should be shared with all Canadians.
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December 17, 2020I think the book is beautiful and will be a great addition to educational books for young readers! I think it is a very good resource for parents and teachers can use to speak to kids about the Japanese Canadian experience. I do like the difference in artistic style between current day and the past; it works very well. I think it explains the history very well in a way that is truthful and very informative, but not overly negative. I also think it can open up conversations in a class where kids share their mixed backgrounds and where family members came from. It can also open up conversations for kids who are not even mixed to share what countries their families come from. When I taught Kindergarten, kids were always enthusiastic to share about themselves. This book could be a segue from which many kids share about their own cultural backgrounds. Overall, I think it is fantastic!!
December 19, 2020
We were both moved and touched by your (Lillian's) family's story. It's incredible how much you were able to pack into the book. It speaks to every person's experience in Canada, in one form or another. By being specific, you made it universal. It will be a great resource for teachers and parents to use. While covering a wide breadth of Canadian history, it's not boring like a textbook. There is a lot of information, but it's relayed in an entertaining way. You ended it with the perfect final line.
December 19, 2020
An excellent "Graphic Novel" that explores sensitive topics, such as coming to terms with one's identity, finding self, and contemporary issues. The novel stresses the importance of family history, and provokes the reader in thinking of past injustice and current injustice and asks what we can do to prevent it.
December 17, 2020
I wish this book was around when my children were young! Japanese Canadian history is a very important part of Canadian history. This book would be a great in school libraries across Canada and as an aide for the curriculum of Japanese Canadian history. It would benefit both middle school students and teachers.
A well written book that tells a story to make learning easy. Highly recommended!!
A well written book that tells a story to make learning easy. Highly recommended!!
December 30, 2020
I read On Being Yukiko again today. Each time I read it, I am more grateful that Jeff and Lillian wrote this book. Historically, the authors both correctly told each part the history in a timeline as it happened. Because of that, it is easy to follow the story. When I saw the year 1899, I thought of my father because that was the year he was born in Hiroshima, Japan. Defining the words is an excellent way to keep the children understanding the thread of the story. By assigning the ID of each generation is also excellent: Issei, Nisei, sansei, yonsei, gosei, rokusei and so on. Explaining how children of Japanese and Caucasian are identified as hapas clarifies the person's ID. My great grandchildren are a quarter Japanese so they might be called quapas. My mother was a Nisei.
German prisoners are also mentioned, working in the sugar beet fields in Alberta. They were punished if they spoke with non prisoners. While we were on a sugar beet farm in Magrath, Alberta, my mother felt sorry for them working in the next field with only bread to eat. Although we really could not afford to feed others, mother made sandwiches for them. I now wonder if the prisoners were punished for accepting my mother's generosity.
My grandchildren proudly identify themselves as of Japanese descent. I suppose it is because my husband and I had so much influence on them while they were growing up. That is why I love how the story of Yukiko ends. All the members of my family have Japanese names except the Caucasian wives of my grandsons. My daughter-in-law was given the name Seiko by my father. My son-in-law was given the name Hideo by my mother.
I gave this book as Christmas presents to all of my grandchildren and great grandchildren.
German prisoners are also mentioned, working in the sugar beet fields in Alberta. They were punished if they spoke with non prisoners. While we were on a sugar beet farm in Magrath, Alberta, my mother felt sorry for them working in the next field with only bread to eat. Although we really could not afford to feed others, mother made sandwiches for them. I now wonder if the prisoners were punished for accepting my mother's generosity.
My grandchildren proudly identify themselves as of Japanese descent. I suppose it is because my husband and I had so much influence on them while they were growing up. That is why I love how the story of Yukiko ends. All the members of my family have Japanese names except the Caucasian wives of my grandsons. My daughter-in-law was given the name Seiko by my father. My son-in-law was given the name Hideo by my mother.
I gave this book as Christmas presents to all of my grandchildren and great grandchildren.
December 16, 2020
My partner Roger and I have both read this book, and were very moved. The two graphic styles, Lillian's and Jeff's work, well together and make the story more clear (Jeff showing the present and Lillian the past, with interesting historical details). The book includes so much: it is, of course, mainly the story of Japanese Canadians' history as immigrants and their oppressive experiences when their property was confiscated and they were forced to live in internment camps and do farm labour during W.W. II. In addition, it tells of other cultures)including Indigenous people) and their experience of racism in Canada, as well as being being "third culture kids." But the book also has a positive note: the story shows how families can get through horrific experiences and still survive with personal dignity, love, and respect for their culture. Finally, through the attitude of the young people at the end, the book gives hope for the future. By making the story personal (one girl and her family and friends), the authors help young readers (and their families) empathize with the characters -- yet gain a sense of the larger picture.
I have friends who are teachers and school librarians and I will definitely tell them about this book.
On a personal note, my family is not Japanese; we are of Jewish background, though my immediate family left Europe for North America well before the Holocaust. I think that this book will be meaningful for anyone whose family has experienced oppression -- and also will speak to people whose family has not experienced this but who want to learn what that felt like, and how we can live with more acceptance of each other's diversity and humanity.
I have friends who are teachers and school librarians and I will definitely tell them about this book.
On a personal note, my family is not Japanese; we are of Jewish background, though my immediate family left Europe for North America well before the Holocaust. I think that this book will be meaningful for anyone whose family has experienced oppression -- and also will speak to people whose family has not experienced this but who want to learn what that felt like, and how we can live with more acceptance of each other's diversity and humanity.
August 8, 2021
The must touching and inspiring story that I had ever read; while reading it, I almost had tears in my eyes! Beautifully illustrated; I really loved the combination of two different artistic styles all together; Jeff's hapanimation and Lilian's mixed media realism.
First, this book had allowed me to learn a bit more about the Japanese Canadian history such as the first immigration of Japanese in Canada during the 19th century, as well as their difficult life conditions during the time of the internment camps. To add, I had also learned the importance of knowing our own cultural identity as a mixed race (including myself). I got very touched by Maki’s story, because her both perseverance and courage were very inspiring; she had always stayed strong, brave and perseverant despite of how much her family had been through (difficult life conditions at a sugar beet farm in Alberta, racism in Japan, her husband Nitaro’s death from stroke in Japan, her daughter Rosie’s death of tuberculosis).
Finally, during the whole graphic novel, I had really enjoyed seeing Emma being more and more inspired by her great-great grandmother Maki’s story taught by her Ba-Chan. Which is why she is now very proud of her Japanese Canadian identity. As a mixed race, I am also very proud of being Japanese Canadian; I am a mixed nisei born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario. My father is a Japanese immigrant from Tottori Prefecture, while my mother, a French-Canadian from Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC.
I strongly consider this graphic novel as my Top Pick of Summer 2021. I strongly recommend this it to all book lovers, including those who are being confused with their own cultural identity.
First, this book had allowed me to learn a bit more about the Japanese Canadian history such as the first immigration of Japanese in Canada during the 19th century, as well as their difficult life conditions during the time of the internment camps. To add, I had also learned the importance of knowing our own cultural identity as a mixed race (including myself). I got very touched by Maki’s story, because her both perseverance and courage were very inspiring; she had always stayed strong, brave and perseverant despite of how much her family had been through (difficult life conditions at a sugar beet farm in Alberta, racism in Japan, her husband Nitaro’s death from stroke in Japan, her daughter Rosie’s death of tuberculosis).
Finally, during the whole graphic novel, I had really enjoyed seeing Emma being more and more inspired by her great-great grandmother Maki’s story taught by her Ba-Chan. Which is why she is now very proud of her Japanese Canadian identity. As a mixed race, I am also very proud of being Japanese Canadian; I am a mixed nisei born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario. My father is a Japanese immigrant from Tottori Prefecture, while my mother, a French-Canadian from Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC.
I strongly consider this graphic novel as my Top Pick of Summer 2021. I strongly recommend this it to all book lovers, including those who are being confused with their own cultural identity.
December 12, 2020
What a fantastic book!
This is a joint review from my mom (Japanese, sansei), me (half-Japanese, yonsei), and my daughter (quarter-Japanese, gosei). As soon as this book arrive in the mail today, my mom read it twice, then called her sisters to tell them about the book. I read it with my daughter later.
We adored the art (both styles), the inclusion of real documents, and seeing our history. My family's story is shockingly similar, from being poor fishermen, to arriving in Canada in 1906/1907, the picture brides, and all of the atrocities. I think my grandparents may have been in the same internment camp mentioned in this book. The only difference is they came back to Steveston afterward.
My daughter was brought to tears finding out what happened to her relatives. She asked to sleep in her bachan's room tonight and they spent the evening talking about her great-grandparents.
Thank you for making this book! My mom and I plan to gift it to family members (like all my half-Japanese and quarter-Japanese nieces). My daughter loves any time someone has a bachan in books or TV shows (which is pretty rare). She also likes that she has met one author in an art lesson and the other author shares her Japanese name.
This is a joint review from my mom (Japanese, sansei), me (half-Japanese, yonsei), and my daughter (quarter-Japanese, gosei). As soon as this book arrive in the mail today, my mom read it twice, then called her sisters to tell them about the book. I read it with my daughter later.
We adored the art (both styles), the inclusion of real documents, and seeing our history. My family's story is shockingly similar, from being poor fishermen, to arriving in Canada in 1906/1907, the picture brides, and all of the atrocities. I think my grandparents may have been in the same internment camp mentioned in this book. The only difference is they came back to Steveston afterward.
My daughter was brought to tears finding out what happened to her relatives. She asked to sleep in her bachan's room tonight and they spent the evening talking about her great-grandparents.
Thank you for making this book! My mom and I plan to gift it to family members (like all my half-Japanese and quarter-Japanese nieces). My daughter loves any time someone has a bachan in books or TV shows (which is pretty rare). She also likes that she has met one author in an art lesson and the other author shares her Japanese name.
February 10, 2021
I just received your beautiful book, On Being Yukiko and wanted to let you know how much I love and appreciate your book. I’m a pre-service teacher and have been learning more and more about the importance of creating a classroom environment where diversity and unique identity are seen as our strengths and how important it is to change the narratives of the marginalized people in our classroom in order for that to happen. I appreciate how your book touches not only on the important historical event but also how important it is to learn our history and to understand things that contribute to who we are. I also appreciate your book touches on issues such as colonialism, white privilege, belonging and what makes us Canadians. These are terms and issues that come up in classrooms but sometimes challenging to teach. Having your books will certainly help young students to begin reflecting on their words and actions to hopefully create more inclusive and kinder classrooms. I am in BC and am headed to my practicum in a grade 4/5 class where the curriculum touches on early Asian immigration and Japanese internment. I’m certain your book will become a valuable resource and I will be sure to recommend it to my students and colleagues.
December 21, 2020
This book is a good way for kids to find out what happened with the Japanese internment in Canada, because a graphic novel has pictures that make it more interesting. I love the art work and how the style changes from present to past. I liked the flashback technique and the two different types of art. It helped me visualize what life was like back then, rather than just reading about it with no pictures. It was really unfair what happened to Maki’s family because they had everything taken from them and had to live in really bad conditions. They were forced to work with no days off. They were treated like slaves and slavery is not right! They were citizens of Canada and the government didn’t care. They still considered them Japanese and forcibly moved them to Alberta. I love being mixed race.I know it’s not good that my family went through this but I like having the Japanese part of me. It makes me feel unique. Kids would like this if it was a school book. It makes the history more interesting because it is a true story. I think it could help kids share about their cultural backgrounds.
January 27, 2021
From the Hardcover, the beautiful illustrations to story line...All put together made
for factual information of the history of the Japanese Canadian to present day....Hapa Family.....
I was born in 1948 and spent 3 years at Greenwood, B. C., the first Internment Camp set up.
The book exemplifies the feelings of the Japanese Canadians and special values that instilled
each internee.
Thanks 🙏 so much for reflecting the enormity of the pain and suffering that was endured by the Issei, Nisei and Sansei.
Many changes had taken place as the internees had started to integrate with other cultures and
marrying into them.
Hapa Family was birthed.
My Great Nieces have a mixture of German, Philippine, English, Japanese and East Indian.
A beautiful blend and this book by Jeff Stern and Lillian is a refreshing look at the
endurance and suffering and contribution by the generation of Japanese Canadians.
My thanks to them and for those Japanese Canadians that Gamuned through 7 years of
hardships....
for factual information of the history of the Japanese Canadian to present day....Hapa Family.....
I was born in 1948 and spent 3 years at Greenwood, B. C., the first Internment Camp set up.
The book exemplifies the feelings of the Japanese Canadians and special values that instilled
each internee.
Thanks 🙏 so much for reflecting the enormity of the pain and suffering that was endured by the Issei, Nisei and Sansei.
Many changes had taken place as the internees had started to integrate with other cultures and
marrying into them.
Hapa Family was birthed.
My Great Nieces have a mixture of German, Philippine, English, Japanese and East Indian.
A beautiful blend and this book by Jeff Stern and Lillian is a refreshing look at the
endurance and suffering and contribution by the generation of Japanese Canadians.
My thanks to them and for those Japanese Canadians that Gamuned through 7 years of
hardships....
February 8, 2021
An excellent book on so many levels! A powerful story, historical truth, captivating illustrations, and a springboard for discussion, research and reflection. On Being Yukiko stirs so many emotions and appeals to both y0ung and old, as it deals with identity, family turmoil, hardship and resilience and the failure of Canadian government and society to deal with racism. Because the words and artwork are wrapped in the warmth of love between generations and reflected in friendships shared in our growing multicultural Canadian nation, it must be a bridge to understanding, respect and reconciliation.
December 17, 2020
The art is fascinating and beautiful, really captivating. I love the way that images from primary sources are artistically rendered. Having spent a lot of time with those documents myself, I found that just amazing. And the creators have gotten a lot into their readable text. A stunning achievement.
December 2, 2020
A graphic novel making Japanese Canadian history and hapa identity available to kids. This is important work for the Nikkei community and covers sad and real history of Canada. Thank you to Lillian and Jeff for collaborating to create this treasure.
December 16, 2020
I wish I had a book like this when I was younger. It wasn’t until I was much older that I truly understood what happened to my mother and father’s family. Thank you Jeff for keeping their stories alive!
December 24, 2020
On Being Yukiko is a remarkable story, enhanced by the graphic format which will keep young
readers engaged and enchanted as they learn. One of the very special elements is the Glossary of Italicized Words and Terms. Parents should read this along with their children !
readers engaged and enchanted as they learn. One of the very special elements is the Glossary of Italicized Words and Terms. Parents should read this along with their children !
March 27, 2022
Targeted towards young children, a good graphic novel to introduce topics such as racism and identity.
September 2, 2023
4.5 a bit didactic but overall I loved it, especially the two styles of illustrations and the fact that the characters line up generationally and in terms of mixed-ness to my family.
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September 9, 2021I really enjoyed this book. The art is very good for the events which happened in the past. Unfortunately, the lower quality of the rest of the art (and the lettering) really damages the overall experience.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews