Yuri Kochiyama: A Legacy of Activism and Solidarity

Celebrating Yuri Kochiyama (May 19, 1921 – June 1, 2014), a tireless political activist who dedicated her life to social change through her participation in social justice and human rights movements, on International Womens’ Day.

Courtesy of the Kochiyama family/UCLA Asian American Studies Center.

Yuri Kochiyama was a fearless activist whose lifelong commitment to social justice left an indelible mark on American history. Born Mary Yuriko Nakahara in 1921 in San Pedro, California, she lived through one of the most painful chapters in Japanese American history when her family was forcibly incarcerated during World War II. The trauma of losing her father shortly after his arrest by the FBI and her time in an internment camp ignited a deep sense of injustice that fueled her activism for decades to come.

After the war, Yuri married Bill Kochiyama, a fellow Japanese American veteran, and they settled in Harlem, New York. Surrounded by a thriving Black and Puerto Rican community, she found herself drawn to the civil rights movement, forging connections with activists fighting against systemic racism and oppression. Her apartment became a hub for political discussion and organizing, and she famously worked alongside Malcolm X, standing by his side when he was assassinated in 1965. Yuri’s work extended far beyond any single movement—she advocated for political prisoners, protested the Vietnam War, and fought for reparations for Japanese Americans incarcerated during World War II. She believed in the power of solidarity and devoted her life to bridging communities in the fight for justice.

Emmy Award-winning director Bobby Yan has nominated Yuri Kochiyama for our “Asian, American, Amazing!” series, recognizing her relentless dedication to activism. Her passion for art, literature, and storytelling played a crucial role in her activism, as she used these mediums to amplify marginalized voices and inspire future generations. Even after her passing in 2014, her legacy continues to resonate.

Yuri Kochiyama’s unwavering commitment to justice serves as a powerful reminder that change is driven by those who refuse to stay silent. Her story continues to inspire activists, artists, and community leaders to carry on her fight for equality.