It is held that Japanese American poetry has most often been seen as a social and political, rather than aesthetic or spiritual expression. In an effort to integrate these two dimensions, psychological, philosophical, and artistic elements of the Japanese American experience are explored. (GC)

Defines the "circle of ethnicity" as a logical paradox that grows out of the relationship between Japanese American and Euro American language, thought, and culture. From psychological and metaphysical perspectives, discusses how the paradox confronts every Japanese American striving for personhood in United States society. Includes author's…