Chapter 6: Legacy of the Nikkei

This piece, primarily written with special performances in mind, in which the piece Yellow Peril establishes the musical motif of a depiction of discrimination, fear and uncertainty, in rhythm – Azuma Jūdō subtly incorporates these early rhythms while contrasting them with a bright high-toned drum which plunges forward and above. This gradually evolves away from the sense of fear and uncertainty and stabilizes in a swung rhythm that invites positive emotions.

Azuma an alternate reading of Higashi or east refers to the new unknown interior lands of the prairies, Ontario, Quebec and beyond in which internees now find themselves surrounded by postwar discrimination. Jūdō refers to the martial art in which the gentle path turns hostile force on its head, Nikkei find themselves living with these hostilities and yet slowly converting distrust into appreciation and acceptance by the gentle way – carrying on with dignity, fortitude, and letting the punches roll by.