Uploaded December 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
In 1982, Shinji Takahashi was in high school when news spread of Vincent Chin’s killing and the light repercussions—probation and a $3,000 fine—for his two attackers. The news galvanized the local Asian American community to band together in protest. At the time, Takahashi remembers feeling more connected to Asian Americans in Detroit and Ann Arbor, who were becoming more vocal and visible to demand justice. He also shares how the movement inspired him to learn Japanese in college in an effort to connect more with his Japanese identity.
Mary Kamidoi recollects that many groups came together during that time because of Vincent Chin. Kamidoi attended the trial every day and supported Chin’s mother, Lily Chin, in her grief. She also talks about the lasting impact Vincent Chin’s killing had on her and those who became activists as a result.
Watch "One Detroit" Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. ET and Sundays at 9:30 a.m. ET on Detroit PBS (Channel 56). Stream "One Detroit" on-demand on the PBS App, YouTube TV, Hulu, and more.
Connect with us online:
Facebook: facebook.com/onedetroit
Instagram: instagram.com/one.detroit
Twitter: x.com/OneDetroit_PBS
Website: onedetroitpbs.org
In 1982, Shinji Takahashi was in high school when news spread of Vincent Chin’s killing and the light repercussions—probation and a $3,000 fine—for his two attackers. The news galvanized the local Asian American community to band together in protest. At the time, Takahashi remembers feeling more connected to Asian Americans in Detroit and Ann Arbor, who were becoming more vocal and visible to demand justice. He also shares how the movement inspired him to learn Japanese in college in an effort to connect more with his Japanese identity.
Mary Kamidoi recollects that many groups came together during that time because of Vincent Chin. Kamidoi attended the trial every day and supported Chin’s mother, Lily Chin, in her grief. She also talks about the lasting impact Vincent Chin’s killing had on her and those who became activists as a result.
Watch "One Detroit" Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. ET and Sundays at 9:30 a.m. ET on Detroit PBS (Channel 56). Stream "One Detroit" on-demand on the PBS App, YouTube TV, Hulu, and more.
Connect with us online:
Facebook: facebook.com/onedetroit
Instagram: instagram.com/one.detroit
Twitter: x.com/OneDetroit_PBS
Website: onedetroitpbs.org
