North American Post

Original review of the 1957 publication of No-No Boy

North American Post
July 20, 1957

(Translated from the Japanese by Kiko Yasuda)

 

“No-No Boy,” a novel written by Seattle-born Nisei (second-generation Japanese American) John Okada, was published by the Charles E. Tuttle publishing company in Rutland, Vermont.

It is the story of a man, Ichiro Yamada, who was sent to an incarceration camp, became a draft resister and was sent to prison for two years. The story begins after he returns to the post-war Nihonmachi in Seattle and describes conflicts and dilemmas between American citizens, family, and Japanese community members.

The stories about Yamada and the other characters’ struggles are based on real events around the Japanese community. The title “No-No” is representative of those who resisted the war and were denied by society.

Okada graduated from the University of Washington and Columbia University. He volunteered for the U.S. military and served in the Military Intelligence Service. He resides in Detroit and has been writing novels. This is his first book.

The book cover was designed by M. Kuwata. The book price is $1.95, and $3 with premium binding added.

The history and literature of Japanese American resistance to wartime incarceration