Fort Minor - Kenji Lyrics

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is the song 'Kenji' about?

   'Kenji' is about Mike Shinoda’s family and their experiences during World War II. The song narrates the internment of Shinoda’s father and aunt, who were Japanese Americans forced into camps after Japan bombed Pearl Harbor.

2. What historical events are referenced in 'Kenji'?

   The song references the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II following the bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. It highlights how Japanese Americans were unjustly detained in camps by the U.S. government, despite being innocent civilians.

3. What is the significance of Manzanar in 'Kenji'?

   In 'Kenji', Manzanar is a reference to one of the ten internment camps where Japanese Americans were held during World War II. It symbolizes the unjust treatment and hardships faced by the interned families, serving as a reminder of this dark chapter in U.S. history.

4. Who narrates the interviews in the song 'Kenji'?

   The interviews within the song 'Kenji' feature Mike Shinoda’s father and aunt. They provide first-hand accounts of their internment experiences during World War II, adding a deeply personal and emotional layer to the narrative of the song.

5. How does 'Kenji' portray the aftermath of internment?

   'Kenji' describes the aftermath of internment as a continuation of hardship for returning Japanese Americans. When Kenji and his family return home, they find their property vandalized, demonstrating the persistent racism and hostility they faced even after their release from the camps.

6. What genre of music is 'Kenji' by Fort Minor?

   'Kenji' by Fort Minor is a hip-hop song. Fort Minor, a side project created by Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park, often blends hip-hop with personal storytelling, as exemplified in this song about the World War II internment of his family.