Seattle Samurai - by Kelly Goto (Hardcover)

About the Book

Sam Goto's Seattle Tomodachi cartoons illuminate Japanese American life in the 20th century. Daughter Kelly Goto explores his legacy in this stunning, full-color collection.

Book Synopsis

Between 2012 and 2018, Sam Goto drew over 250 multi-paneled Seattle Tomodachi ("friend of Seattle") comic strips for The North American Post. These comics chronicled the lives and stories of early Japanese settlers and their American-born offspring. Through his work, he captured elements of culture, nostalgia, and history, while infusing his characters -- Shigeru Tomo and his alterego Samurai Shigeru -- with the samurai values of courage, respect, and continuous improvement and compassion.

Design researcher Kelly Goto reflects on her father's legacy as she brings his work back to life in this collection so that others can be inspired and informed by his witty and wise look at the world.

Review Quotes

The comic strips of Sam Goto bring to life pivotal moments in the history of the Seattle Japanese American community, from immigration through mass removal and incarceration to the rebuilding of social connections upon their return - memories and feelings that would otherwise be lost to time. Kelly Goto blends her meticulous text with photos and memorabilia that contextualize her father's work into a cohesive narrative. Her beautiful book design is given a hand-crafted treatment by Chin Music Press to create a gorgeous collection that is a feast for the eyes, one that any family will treasure. Highly recommended.

--Frank Abe, lead author, We Hereby Refuse: Japanese American Resistance to Wartime Incarceration