Ryan Yokota’s current research focus is on comparative transnational ethnic studies in both East Asia and in the U.S., with a focus on Uchinānchu (Okinawans) under Japanese and American colonialism, Asian Latin Americans and Asians in Latin America, and Japanese American/Asian American history. His previous research focused on Okinawan post–World War II nationalism and included a focus on movements for independence, movements for regional autonomy, and the current push to redefine Okinawan identity as indigenous. Beyond his research work, Dr. Yokota is actively engaged in the field of public history and currently serves as the Development and Legacy Center Director at the Japanese American Service Committee. Most recently he served on the curatorial committee for the 2017 “Then They Came For Me: Incarceration of Japanese Americans During WWII and the Demise of Civil Liberties” exhibit at the Alphawood Gallery.

To learn more about Ryan Yokota’s research and publications, please see his profile page at DePaul University.