• The contribution of Japanese Americans to the culture of the United States is undeniable. Like other ethnic groups, these individuals have not only adjusted to the American way of life, but they have also enriched it. There are Japanese American artists, actors, politicians, athletes, news reporters and more. They have put in the effort, and their persistence has gained them a place in history.
  
  

Lance Ito

• Lance Ito, now 59, is best known as the judge in the O. J. Simpson murder trial of 1994-95. As the UMKC web page points out, the then-Governor of California, George Deukmajian, appointed Ito to the bench. Many viewed this as a wise political move, according to the UMKC Web site, because of his Japanese-American heritage.
  
  

Pat Morita

• Pat Morita (1932-2005) was best known as the wise old man, Mr. Miyagi in 1984's "The Karate Kid," a role that earned him an Oscar nomination. He also played Arnold, the restaurant owner, on the 1970s show on "Happy Days." As the New York Times Associated Press obituary points out, this was his breakthrough role.
  
  

Yoko Ono

• Yoko Ono, 76, was originally born in Japan, but has spent a significant amount of her adult life in the United States. Most people worldwide know her as the widow of Former Beatle John Lennon. Recently, as her biography Web page suggests, she has enjoyed a newfound respect in American culture in her own right. According to her biography, the public finally recognizes her as "an influential artist who pushes the boundaries of art, film, music and theater media." Her biography also cites the recent release of her off-Broadway theatrical piece, "Hiroshima."
  
  

Kristi Yamaguchi

• Kristi Yamaguchi, now 38, was a figure skater who skated her way to victory in the 1992 Winter Olympics. According to her biography, her motto is "Always Dream," which became the name of her nonprofit foundation, aimed at helping children with disabilities and kids without disabilities be able to understand each other and play together. Yamaguchi is a fundraiser and supporter of children's charities.
  
  

Ann Curry

• People best know Ann Curry, 53, as the news reporter for NBC's "Today" show. The daughter of a Japanese woman and an American man, Curry often takes humanitarian assignments, such as the tragedies of Sudan and Darfur, as the MSNBC Web page points out. Curry has won four Emmys, 4 Golden Mike awards, and an Associated Press Certificate of Excellence. She has also received numerous awards for her charitable work, including one from Save the Children.