Episode 55: Author Naomi Hirahara

Award-winning author Naomi Hirahara joins the podcast to talk about her journey from growing up in the Pasadena area to her career as a reporter and mystery writer. Reflecting on her Japanese American heritage, she shares how her background and rich experiences have shaped her acclaimed works. 

Naomi discusses her transition from reporting to fiction writing, providing keen insights into her creative process and the significance of her characters. She talks about her numerous novels, which often feature compelling themes of resilience, justice, and multiculturalism, and dive into complex historical contexts, from the internment camps at Manzanar to post-war Japanese American communities. She also opens up about her love for sports, diving into her personal experiences as an athlete and sports enthusiast. 

Naomi’s latest project, a historical mystery set in 1903 Pasadena titled “Crown City,” will be published in 2025.