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Fresno State Library

Hiromi's Hands

Warning Sensitive Topics

Story Summary: The true story of Hiromi Suzuki, a Japanese American girl who defied tradition to train at her family s restaurant, and who became one of the first female sushi chefs in New York.

Hiromi’s Hands was written by Lynne Barasch in 2007 and is a true story of a young girl’s determination to follow her dream—making sushi!

The book follows Hiromi Suzuki and her life growing up in New York City where her family has a Japanese restaurant. When she was thirteen she began to learn how to make sushi, which led her to the forefront of a minor culinary revolution as women claimed their place in the once all-male world of sushi chefs.

Hiromi’s Hands has been identified as a potentially problematic book due to stereotypical and inaccurate representations of Japanese culture (Rodriguez & Kim, 2019). Specifically, the book features “Japanese” text which consists of made up characters, as well other examples showing that the author has a limited understanding of Japanese culture. This book could potentially be harmful by perpetuating Japanese writing as "made-up" nonsensical characters. The PDF included in the supplementary materials identifies several examples of the problems with this text. Some explanations are highlighted below.

  • 本まぐろ on Pages 4 and 15, meaning "Bluefin Tuna." While this is correct Japanese, it seems odd to have such a large sign dedicated solely to one type of fish in a fish market or sushi restaurant where there must be a wide range of fish sold.

  • 近海 on Pages 4 & 5, meaning "inshore," which could be used to describe some fish sold in this market, but it feels strange to have "inshore" included on these signs.

  • on Page 4, the way the two women are wearing Kimono is wrong. Kimono has to be wrapped with the left side over the right side. Only the diseased are dressed right over left. While this may seem like a minor mistake, no Japanese person would make this particular mistake.

  • すし一番 on Page 5, meaning "Sushi the Best." While this could be the name of a sushi restaurant, it seems strange to have that big of a sign there.

  • 米 on Page 5, meaning "rice." Why advertise for rice in a fish market?

  • おつまみ on Page 10, meaning "appetizer." It is unlikely for there to be a sign only about appetizers in front of a restaurant in Japan, as appetizers are often complementary.

    • Alternatively, you may wish to look for books in which an author is themselves from a marginalized or under-represented group, and writing about their experiences from their own perspective.

    Alternative Book Choices

     

    Two Mrs. Gibsons

     

    The biracial daughter of an African American father and a Japanese mother fondly recalls growing up with her mother and her father’s mother, two very different but equally loving women.

    Find a Copy of Two Mrs. Gibsons

     

    Japanese traditions : rice cakes, cherry blossoms, and matsuri : a year of seasonal Japanese festivities

     

    A wonderful look at Japanese culture and family life, Japanese Traditions is an intricately illustrated romp through the childhood reminiscences of author/illustrator Setsu Broderick. Told via a series of short text blocks and lighthearted illustrations based on cats, Japanese Traditions displays seasonal festivals and activities such as O-Bon (Festival of the Souls), O-hanami (cherry blossom viewing) and preparing for the New Year.

    Find a Copy of Japanese traditions

    The Japanese Samurai

     

    Introduces the history and lifestyle of Japanese samurai, including information on weapons, social status, and notable figures.

    Find a Copy of The Japanese Samurai

    Reflections and Other Materials

    We encourage you to explore our other Critical Literacy Resources .