Sam Goto's Seattle Tomodachi cartoons illuminate Japanese American life in the 20th century. Sam Goto's daughter Kelly Goto explores his legacy in this stunning, full-color collection. On February 27th, join us to celebrate Kelly Goto, winner of a 2026 PNBA Book Award!

Seattle Samurai: A Cartoonist's Perspective of the Japanese American Experience chronicles the life and legacy of Sam Goto and his Seattle Tomodachi cartoons. Between 2012 and 2018, Sam Goto drew over 250 multi-paneled Seattle Tomodachi (“friend of Seattle”) comic strips for The North American Post. These comics chronicled the lives and stories of early Japanese settlers and their American-born offspring. Through his work, he captured elements of culture, nostalgia, and history, while infusing his characters—Shigeru Tomo and his alterego Samurai Shigeru—with the samurai values of courage, respect, and continuous improvement and compassion. This event is free and open to the public.

For important updates, RSVP is highly recommended in advance. This event will include a public signing and time for audience Q&A. Sustain our author series by purchasing a copy of the featured book!

Having trouble accessing Eventbrite? Click here.

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Join local author Kelly Goto at Island Books for the official launch of the new paperback edition of her award-winning book, Seattle Samurai: A Cartoonist’s Perspective of the Japanese American Experience, winner of a 2026 Pacific Northwest Book Award (PNBA). Kelly will share a few words about the journey of the book, sign copies, and celebrate with a glass of wine alongside friends, neighbors, and the local community. It’s a chance to gather, connect, and toast this special milestone together!

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Local Author Festival

We are pleased to announce our second Local Author Festival of 2025!

On October 26th we will host several of our local authors, all eager to put their books into your hands. Whether you are in the mood for memoir or romance, children’s picture book or fantasy epic, thriller or business management primer, you will find something for your TBR, all while rubbing elbows with the Pacific Northwest’s literati.

Join Kelly and other local authors for a book signing and holiday swag!

Join us for a joint book event for Seattle Samurai and Belly Like Drum, as part of J-Sei’s pre-festival program.  How do stories of our past shape our current trajectory? What stories and legacies are remembered through illustrative storytelling? Hear from author Kelly Goto about her father Sam Goto’s legacy as an illustrator.  Meet artist Rob Sato, Roger Oda and Kimi Maru, collaborators of Belly Like Drum, who seek to pass on stories and recipes for building community.

Be drawn into the artistry of Nikkei community. Buy a book. Then, stay and join J-Sei’s Annual Family Festival that follows from 12 to 3 pm.

In celebration of Asian and Pacific Islander Month, experience the lives of the first Japanese Americans in the Pacific Northwest through the cartoons and illustrations by Sam Goto. Author Kelly Goto explores the Japanese immigrant experience in the Pacific Northwest through the lens of her father's long-running comic strip, Seattle Tomodachi. Join us for an engaging conversation about her father's artistic legacy and her parents' lifelong efforts in preserving their cultural heritage for future generations.

This event will be held on campus at the Allen Libraries (ALB), in the Allen Auditorium. Advance registration is recommended but not required for this free event. A limited number of books will be available on-site, and Kelly will be available for signing.

Join us at the Seattle Art Book Fair at Washington Hall for a special book signing at the Chin Music Press booth! This free annual festival celebrates independent publishing, book design, and artist books—bringing together local, national, and international artists, designers, and publishers for a weekend of creative discovery.

Explore the rich world of art books, where storytelling meets artistic practice in innovative formats ranging from zines and journals to beautifully crafted handmade editions. While you're there, stop by to meet the author of Seattle Samurai: A Cartoonist’s Perspective of the Japanese American Experience and get your signed copy. Celebrate the intersection of history, illustration, and culture at one of Seattle’s most inspiring creative events!

Celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month at the Seattle Center Festál on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at the Armory Food & Event Hall, a free event honoring the diverse cultures and histories of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. As part of the festival, Kelly Goto will take the Main Stage (time to be announced) to share insights on identity, resilience, and the power of storytelling, drawing from her family's experiences and the legacy of Japanese Americans in the Pacific Northwest.

After her talk, Kelly will be available at the Chin Music Press booth inside the Armory to sign books and connect with festivalgoers. Whether you’re attending for the cultural performances, community discussions, or simply to celebrate AANHPI heritage, this is a meaningful opportunity to engage, learn, and be inspired!

Did you know that there was a successful comic based right here in Seattle? Between 2012 and 2018, artist Sam Goto drew over 250 multi-paneled comic strips called Seattle Tomodachi (“friend of Seattle”) for The North American Post. Seattle Tomodachi chronicled the lives and stories of early Japanese settlers and their Japanese-American children and other descendants. From immigration, mass removal and incarceration, to the rebuilding of social connections, Goto sought to portray the memories and experiences of the Japanese community. Through his work, he captured elements of culture, nostalgia, and history, while infusing his characters with the samurai values of courage, respect, compassion, and improvement.

Goto’s daughter Kelly reflects on her late father’s legacy as she revives his work in the collection Seattle Samurai: A Cartoonist’s Perspective of the Japanese American Experience. Kelly Goto blends her text with photos and memorabilia that help contextualize her father’s work and anchor its place in Seattle’s cultural history.

This special event will feature a drum performance with Seattle Kokon Taiko.

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Join Kelly Goto at the Chin Music Press booth during the Seattle Center Cherry Blossom Festival on Saturday, April 12th, from 1:00 - 4:00 PM to celebrate the beauty of Sakura season. She will be signing copies of Seattle Samurai and connecting with visitors to share stories about Japanese American history and culture.

This is a wonderful opportunity to meet Kelly, explore the festival’s vibrant offerings, and immerse yourself in the spirit of the cherry blossoms. Stop by to say hello, get a signed book, and enjoy a celebration of history, art, and community at Seattle Center! 🌸

Third Place Books is excited to host Kelly Goto at our Ravenna store for a special celebration of her new book, Seattle Samurai: A Cartoonist’s Perspective of the Japanese American Experience. Through the lens of her father’s iconic comic strip Seattle Tomodachi, Kelly weaves together history, culture, and storytelling to highlight the resilience and humor of Japanese Americans in the Pacific Northwest.

This event is free and open to the public. RSVP is highly recommended to receive important updates. The evening will feature a discussion with the author, a Q&A session, and a public book signing. Help sustain our author series by purchasing a copy of this beautiful and captivating book!

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Author: Kelly Goto in Conversation
“Preserving History Through Cartoons: The Enduring Stories of Seattle Samurai”

Through the vivid lens of storytelling, Seattle Samurai: A Cartoonist’s Perspective of the Japanese American Experience brings to life the resilience, honor, and quiet defiance of immigrants navigating their new world. Author Kelly Goto captures the spirit of her father Sam Goto’s long-running comic strip, Seattle Tomodachi, weaving together tales of Japanese immigrants in the Pacific Northwest and their enduring legacy for future generations.

This beautifully illustrated book invites readers to explore the immigrant journey—its struggles, its triumphs, and its quiet moments of perseverance—through the unique lens of Bushido, the samurai code of ethics. The stories reveal not just history, but lessons for today and tomorrow, as told through Sam Goto’s poignant, often humorous, cartoons.

Join us for an engaging conversation with Kelly Goto about preserving cultural history, passing it on to the next generation, and the power of art to shape identity. The event will explore the intersections of family, culture, and storytelling, illuminating a part of American history that is often overlooked but deeply relevant.

Books will be available for purchase on site, courtesy of publisher Chin Music Press and the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Washington (JCCCW), with proceeds supporting their programs.

About Kelly Goto

Kelly Goto is an author, designer, and advocate for storytelling that connects culture, history, and the human experience. A former Bay Area resident, she now lives in Seattle, where she leads gotomedia and gotoresearch, driving innovative design and research initiatives that bridge human-centered design with cutting-edge technology. Her work reflects a deep commitment to cultural preservation and accessibility. Inspired by her father Sam Goto’s dedication to capturing the Japanese American experience through art and storytelling, Kelly’s latest book, Seattle Samurai, honors his legacy while inspiring the next generation.

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Meet Seattle Samurai Author Kelly Goto @ JCC Hawai'i Craft Faire!
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Meet author Kelly Goto in person at the JCCHawai'i Craft Faire (somewhere on site...) and grab a signed copy of her newly released book Seattle Samurai: A Cartoonist's Legacy of the Japanese American Experience. Sam Goto’s comic strip Seattle Tomodachi, celebrating the resilience and legacy of Japanese immigrants in the Pacific Northwest. Through humor and Bushido-inspired storytelling, the book highlights the immigrant experience and its relevance today. This engaging event will discuss cultural preservation, family stories, and the role of art in shaping identity. Books will be available for purchase, with proceeds supporting JCCCW (Japanese Community and Cultural Center of Washington) programs.

Join local author Kelly Goto for a discussion of her new book, Seattle Samurai: A Cartoonist's Perspective of the Japanese American Experience. Kelly will explore themes of preserving cultural history, passing it to future generations, and the role stories have to shape identity. These stories, told through the lens of Bushido—the samurai code—she highlights the immigrant journey, from struggles to triumphs, to values such as 'doing what's right', loyalty and wisdom to share, as told through her father Sam Goto’s poignant and humorous cartoons.

This talk follows the morning Dharma session by Rev. Irene Goto, Sam Goto’s youngest sister, at 10:00 AM in the dining room. Books will be available for purchase, courtesy of Chin Music Press and the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Washington (JCCCW), with proceeds supporting JCCCW programs.

Join Shiga's Imports for a special evening with local author Kelly Goto — speaking about her new book, Seattle Samurai: A Cartoonist's Perspective of the Japanese American Experience. Explore the stories behind the book, followed by a Q&A and book signing. With extended holiday hours, it’s the perfect opportunity to start your holiday shopping! No registration required, but the first 25 to reserve a book will receive a free custom tote bag!

Holiday Author Event —JANM Book Club:

Join author Kelly Goto for a conversation around her new book, Seattle Samurai: a Cartoonist’s Perspective of the Japanese American Experience. The book pulls together threads of Samurai principles and stories of honor, resilience, and everyday life that were translated from interviews and family stories onto pen and paper. Kelly Goto will be joined by her mother, Dee Goto, whose work with oral history and preservation of Issei stories served as a foundation of the book.

Adult $16, Senior (62+) $9, Student (18+, with valid ID) $9, Youth (6-17) $9, Members FREE

Join local author Kelly Goto for a special event featuring her new book — Seattle Samurai: A Cartoonist's Perspective of the Japanese American Experience at the Readings Gallery at Village Books.

A Book Event at The Venue Ballard

Join local author and designer Kelly Goto for a short reading and signing of her new book, Seattle Samurai: A Cartoonist's Perspective of the Japanese American Experience. Wine and snacks will be served.

Join Seattle Samurai's Creators Kelly and Dee Goto for a Tea & Talk.

Dee Goto hosts a first-Sunday of every month discussion group at the Panama Hotel's tea room. Join our small group discussion on Sunday, November 3rd at 11:00 AM where Dee and Kelly discuss the creation of the cartoons, the book and the 'behind the scenes' discussion on how the book came to be, and the importance of the content for the next generation.

No RSVP needed. Show up early to get coffee and snacks from the counter before we start.

Join us at Mam’s Books in Seattle’s vibrant Chinatown for the launch of Seattle Samurai: A Cartoonist’s Perspective of the Japanese American Experience by Kelly Goto. Meet the author, explore the story behind the book, and hang out at one of the coolest indie bookstores in town. Celebrate the legacy of Japanese immigrants and their descendants in the Pacific Northwest while enjoying a lively atmosphere with book lovers, local history enthusiasts, and the Chinatown community. Don't miss this chance to grab a signed copy and enjoy a fun afternoon!

Join Kelly at Elliott Bay Book Company for a book reading, Q&A and signing event. 7:00 PM on Thursday, October 24th. See you there!

Island Books | Author Event

Join local author Kelly Goto for the launch week of her book, and a local community celebration. The event will include a book reading, Q&A and book signing. Local drinks and appetizers will be served.

Join Kelly at the JCCCNC for a Reading, Q&A and book signing!

The Center is excited to host author Kelly Goto as she presents her new book, Seattle Samurai: A Cartoonist’s Perspective of the Japanese American Experience, recounting her father Sam Goto’s work as a cartoonist depicting the lives of Seattle’s Japanese American community.

Bid on a special edition of the book “Seattle Samurai: A Cartoonist's Perspective of the Japanese American Experience” about the philosophy & life of local cartoonist Sam Goto, donated by his daughter Kelly Goto and his wife Dee Goto, along with a tour of Sam’s art studio on Mercer Island.Please go to our YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/c/JCCCWA/) and you can view the live program on Thursday, September 19, 2024, from 6:15 p.m. (PT) for free! To make it even more special, we invite you to organize a watch party with your friends and family. Gather together virtually and enjoy the program while supporting a great cause. During the event, you'll have the opportunity to donate, especially during the segments that resonate most with you.