You may not be familiar with the name, but for many Japanese American journalists in America – myself included – Bill Hosokawa was a pioneer.
Born in Seattle in 1915, Hosokawa continually defied widespread prejudice against Japanese Americans and countless occupational obstacles throughout his illustrious career. Due to his Japanese heritage, Hosokawa was doubted by his own journalism professor at the University of Washington, interned in Heart Mountain, Wyo. and forced to start his career in Singapore after numerous publications in American denied him employment. Through it all he persevered and went on to become a war correspondent in Korea and Vietnam, an author of ten books, a teacher and the recipient of numerous journalistic accolades.
Jack Broom from the Seattle Times summarizes his career, which included a 38-year stint at the Denver Post, in this article.
Hosokawa, who passed away on Nov. 9, 2007 at the age of 92, will be honored at a private memorial service this Saturday in Gates Concert Hall at the University of Denver.
