What my Asian and Pacific Islander heritage means to me

Mike Miyagi

Construction Sales Manager

What are you working on today?

I, along with my team members are working on some amazing and innovative projects here in the PLSCA IAQ Division. Although our world is in a pandemic and we are experiencing a challenging time, the timing couldn’t be better for our team. We are currently developing Indoor Air quality solutions in the home to protect what matters the most, our family’s health, wellness and wellbeing. And I am proud to say that I am currently working alongside my esteemed colleagues to bring awareness to everyone.

What does Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month mean to you?

This is a great question to address at this time. I know that many in the AAPI community are continuing to experience racism and my heart goes out to them during this challenging time. At the same time, it brings me great pleasure that Panasonic is taking a moment to recognize my community. Such recognition allows acknowledgement of the influential contributions made by generations of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders since the 1850’s in the U.S. These contributions by the AAPI are interwoven with the fabric of what America is today.

What is something unique about your heritage or country of origin?

I indeed have a unique heritage. I was born in San Jose, California and for the first four years of my life I spoke Castellano (Spanish). Although, my ethnicity is Okinawan, I also have roots in Peru. My roots originated with my grandfather who left the Island of Okinawa at the age of 17 for a better opportunity and a better way of life. He later landed in Callo, Peru. In addition, he saw that the United States had some of the best schools and sent my uncle and my father to the U.S. to get a college education. This allowed my father and my mother to continue that vision for better opportunities and they established roots in the heart of the Silicon Valley. I am now reaping the benefits of their quest and establishing my own roots by creating great opportunities with my own family and being a part of the Panasonic Team.

What do you consider the most important cultural value for you and for those close to you?

To be honest this one it a tough one to answer. The first few that come to mind are family, honor, respect, integrity, principles, work ethic, sacrifice and gratitude. I cannot just pick one as these are very much interwoven as well.

Youngah Kim

Sr. Graphic Designer

What are you working on today?

I’m working on graphics for all of our different social media channels, marketing materials for various businesses, digital banner ads, and many other projects.

What does Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month mean to you?

To me, the Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month means remembering our own history and being proud of who I will always be.

What is something unique about your heritage or country of origin?

Respect to elders. Like in many other Asian countries, the elders in Korea are given due respect through language and custom. For example, when asking for a person’s age, Koreans use two different words: Yeonsei (to elders) and Nai (to all others). In return, the elders must be a good and virtuous example to everyone younger than them.

What do you consider the most important cultural value for you and for those close to you?

Given how I was raised by my parents in Korea, my values and character are rooted deep in discipline and modesty. As a student, I was taught by my parents and teachers how being disciplined would lead me to be successful at what I do. On top of discipline, a moderate self-view has motivated me to try harder and push forward.

Manish Airen

Title Group Manager, Supply Chain

What are you working on today?

Ensuring that products reach our customers in a timely manner. Also working to digitize our customer experience in order to facilitate the sale of different types of solutions.

What does Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month mean to you?

It is a great time for us to share our culture with the rest of society. We can highlight all of the positive contributions that our culture has given to the world.

What is something unique about your heritage or country of origin?

I was blessed to have been brought up in an Indian household in America. I also had fairly understanding parents that allowed me to blend different cultures until I found something that worked for me. This has also allowed me to have an open mind and healthy curiosity when I meet people from different cultures.

What do you consider the most important cultural value for you and for those close to you?

Family traditions. Family coming together in order to celebrate successes and mourn/support each other during times of sadness.

Rina Desai

Director of Financial Planning & Analysis

What are you working on today?

At work, I am currently putting a monthly financial overview for leaders. Personally, I just finished an early morning workout and I'm feeling energized!

What does Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month mean to you?

It's a month of appreciating your culture and respecting the cultures of others. Asian-American and Pacific Islander Month is very broad, but there are so many different and beautiful cultures that are worth learning about. Also, it's a great time to recognize the accomplishments and successes of those with an Asian-American background.

What is something unique about your heritage or country of origin?

I'm an Indian American, and the unique thing about our culture is that there is always positivity and hope in everything – there is a strong foundation on faith, hope, respect and love. Right now, India is going through tremendous pain from COVID and needs everyone to say a prayer or donate if possible to help those in need.

What do you consider the most important cultural value for you and for those close to you?

Respect and family are very important in our culture. How you treat your elders, teachers and everyone. Children are taught an early age to treat family/elders with respect from their tone, actions and, most importantly, empathy. I use those cultural values in all my decisions I make daily and hope my daughters encompass the same values that I was taught by my parents.

Erwin Wu

Director, Industrial Automation

What are you working on today?

Implementing a strategy to broaden the Panasonic brand in the Industrial Automation industry and double our sales in the next five years.

What does Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month mean to you?

It's nice to have this month to highlight those like myself who have Asian heritage. It reminds everyone of the cultural diversity in this country. Hopefully, it gets people to explore and discover what Asian cultures around the world have to offer in terms of food, language, history and culture.

What is something unique about your heritage or country of origin?

I was born in Canada and raised in Georgia, but I also get to claim my wonderful Chinese heritage. I remember growing up, I would work up such an appetite playing soccer and basketball, and my mom always had delicious home cooked Chinese meals waiting for me. I think it goes without saying that Chinese cuisine is phenomenal, and there's so much I still haven't tried yet!

What do you consider the most important cultural value for you and for those close to you?

At our home, we teach our kids both Chinese values passed down from our parents and American values we learned growing up in the U.S. It makes for a motley crew of values, but all good and all positive. Our biggest goal is getting the kids to speak both English and Mandarin – that would be an incredible asset in today's global world.

Jessica Liu-Edmonds

Group Marketing Manager

What are you working on today?

Today, I'm working on an overview of our Security business while, at the same time, figuring out the best time to bake bread with my 6 year-old for her virtual health class.

What does Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month mean to you?

I didn’t really grow up with an AAPI Heritage month, and I only learned about it this year. I think it's a great opportunity to focus on ways to integrate more Asian voices into my home. In particular, I am surprised by a lot of the content being produced that features Asian cultures. We recently added the book Eyes that Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho to our library. It makes me happy to finally see books that star an Asian protagonist that talk about what it is like to be Asian. Mostly, I think AAPI Heritage month is an opportunity to remind our children that there are many aspects of our culture to be proud of and that we are not defined just by our physical looks.

What is something unique about your heritage or country of origin?

I think what makes my heritage unique is its diversity. My family has cultural roots based in East and South Asian traditions. My family identifies as Hakka Chinese from Kolkata, India.

Many may be familiar with Hakka Chinese food, which is the fusion of spicy and tangy flavors. Some of the most famous dishes are Hot and Sour Soup and Chili Chicken.

What do you consider the most important cultural value for you and for those close to you?

Asian cultures are most associated with a focus on collectivism rather than individualism. In terms of how this relates to my life, my family prioritizes our relationships with each other. Prior to the pandemic, my extended family would regularly gather at least once a month to enjoy a meal together. Over this past year, we have made efforts to stay close to each other, celebrating family birthdays virtually with Kahoot quizzes and creating group chats where we regularly joke and interact to stay in tune with each other’s daily lives.