By R.Metalin (FSWC Manager, Professional Learning)

Pachinko by Min Jin Lee is a sweeping, multigenerational novel that traces the lives of a Korean family living in Japan across the 20th century. For educators seeking meaningful texts to highlight Asian Heritage Month in Canada this May, Pachinko offers a powerful, deeply human narrative that invites students to engage with themes of identity, discrimination, resilience and belonging.

The novel begins in early 1900s Korea and follows Sunja, a young woman whose life is shaped by a single decision that reverberates across generations. As her family migrates to Japan, they encounter systemic racism, economic hardship and the enduring marginalization faced by ethnic Koreans in Japanese society. Through richly developed characters and intricate storytelling, Lee illuminates a lesser-known history that challenges dominant narratives and broadens students’ global understanding.

For high school educators, Pachinko provides an excellent opportunity to explore complex questions around diaspora, cultural identity and social justice. Students can draw meaningful parallels between the discrimination faced by Koreans in Japan and other historical and contemporary examples of prejudice, including those connected more broadly to Holocaust education and human rights. This makes the novel particularly resonant for classrooms already engaged in discussions about bias, exclusion and the consequences of systemic oppression.

However, educators should note that Pachinko contains mature themes, including poverty, illness and instances of violence and exploitation. As such, it’s best suited for senior students (Grades 11–12) who are prepared to engage thoughtfully with its content. When taught with care, the novel can foster deep empathy and critical reflection — qualities central to transformative learning.

Ultimately, Pachinko is not only a story about survival, but about dignity and the search for home in a world that often denies it. Including this novel in your classroom during Asian Heritage Month offers a meaningful way to amplify diverse voices while reinforcing the importance of historical awareness and human connection.