The Seattle Samurai: How Kelly Goto Honors Her Father's Legacy

What happens when a daughter uncovers a treasure trove of her father’s cartoons, each panel capturing the humor, hardships, and heritage of Japanese American life?

In this heartfelt episode of The Samurai Way, I sat down with author, designer, and storyteller Kelly Goto, whose newest book The Seattle Samurai is more than just a tribute. It is a bridge connecting generations, identity, and honor.

Kelly’s father, Sam Goto, was a skilled dental technician by profession but an artist at heart. Over his lifetime, he sketched hundreds of cartoons that humorously and poignantly illustrated the Japanese American experience. These weren't just doodles. They were windows into a community's resilience, cultural pride, and quiet strength. As Kelly shared, her father’s work was deeply infused with the Bushido values of gi (righteousness), chu (loyalty), and jin (compassion), all subtly woven through the daily experiences of Japanese Americans navigating life in post-war America.

Growing up as a fourth-generation Japanese American, Kelly admitted she once struggled with her identity, wanting to fit in on Mercer Island where she was often one of the only Asian American students. Over time, however, she grew to deeply appreciate the values passed down through her parents: perseverance, resilience, and integrity. Her upbringing reflected the Japanese way of teaching through example, not lecture. As she put it, “We just worked right alongside them.”

Much of our conversation centered on Ganbaru, the Japanese concept of enduring, persisting, and never giving up. For Kelly, Ganbaru wasn’t a lesson taught in words. It was lived. Whether it was the “hang in there” cartoon her dad drew or the stories of discrimination he and her mother endured during World War II outside of internment camps, this unshakable spirit of forward movement became a guiding principle. “We don't blame the past,” she said. “You are who you are here and now, and you keep moving forward.”

Her book, The Seattle Samurai, took five years to complete and is lovingly structured around the principles of Bushido. The collection not only showcases her father’s vibrant cartoons but also highlights decades of oral histories collected by her parents' stories of immigration, injustice, humor, and community.

Kelly’s commitment to honoring this legacy extends beyond the page. As the founder of GoToMedia and GoToResearch, she applies these same cultural values, transparency, loyalty, and humility to the world of digital design and accessibility. She is also passionate about capturing intergenerational stories, encouraging all of us to preserve the voices of our elders before it is too late.

What truly stood out in our conversation was Kelly’s deep belief in continuous improvement, Kaizen, and her reverence for Japanese artistry and craftsmanship. From her father’s six-panel cartoons to her own daughter’s early talent for expression, the Goto legacy of creativity lives on, rooted in centuries of samurai discipline and a deep cultural sense of purpose.

As we closed, Kelly left listeners with a powerful reminder: “Your story matters. Your parents’ stories matter. Don’t wait. Capture them now.”

In a world rushing forward, The Seattle Samurai reminds us to pause, to honor our roots, live with honor, and pass down the values that shape not just our lives, but generations to come.

Explore More:

📘 The Seattle Samurai by Kelly Goto

🎧 Listen to the full episode of The Samurai Way

🌸 Follow us for more stories on Japanese wisdom, Bushido, and living with purpose