The Pioneer's Manuscript: Fieldnotes 003
- Cameron P
- Jul 28
- 6 min read
The Pioneer's Manuscript strives to strengthen U.S.-Japan relations by highlighting historical and contemporary partnerships between African American and Japanese communities. The project also seeks to cultivate the next generation of global leaders through New Adventures, an international-local hybrid mentorship program.
In this edition of Fieldnotes, I explore Pyrrhus Concer, one of the earliest African Americans to travel to Japan; the contemporary music duo Diverse and Mizuki; and internationally recognized curator Dexter Wimberly. Finally, I provide an update on the New Adventures mentorship program.
Historical Pioneer: Pyyrhus Concer
Born in 1814, Pyrrhus Concer worked as a farmhand before eventually joining a whaling vessel. Through years of experience, he advanced from entry-level work to become a pilot aboard the Manhattan. In 1845, while searching Torishima (Bird Island) for supplies, Pyrrhus and his crew rescued 11 shipwrecked Japanese sailors. On their voyage to return them to Japan, the Manhattan rescued another 11 shipwrecked Japanese fishermen.
Upon arriving in Japan, the crew returned the Japanese citizens but were not permitted to disembark because Japan remained a closed country under the policy of sakoku. Although they were required to stay aboard the ship, Japanese officials came onboard and spoke with members of the crew, including Pyrrhus. This moment is historically significant because it represents one of the earliest recorded points of contact between African American and Japanese communities. After successfully completing their rescue mission, the crew of the Manhattan was thanked by the Japanese government and provided with supplies for their return home. However, they were warned never to return.
In the photograph above, I traveled to Uraga Bay where the Manhattan arrived in Japan. It was an auspicious day. Although there was a typhoon approaching, I felt an urge to continue my fieldwork on Pyrrhus. Heavy rain greeted me but unexpectedly stopped only five minutes later. During this fortunate break in the weather, I met an elderly Japanese sailor and shared the story behind my research. After we spoke about his life and I photographed his portrait, he handed me an old map of the area and pointed me toward the location where the Manhattan had entered the bay.
Dark clouds lay waiting in the distance as I made my way toward Uraga Bay. My lucky streak continued as a ship passed through the same waters the Manhattan once sailed. I ran to the edge of the bay to capture the shot. In the corner of the image, I intentionally included a sign reading tachiiri kinshi, or "Do Not Enter." Not long afterward, the dark clouds rolled in, and a downpour ensued, but by then my own mission was complete.
Contemporary Partnership: Diverse and Mizuki
A musical prodigy since the age of nine, Diverse holds a Bachelor's degree in Music and has built an international presence as a music producer. Based in Osaka, he is the founder and owner of 1002 Records. While he collaborates with several artists through his label, this edition of Fieldnotes focuses on his relationship with one of its singers, Mizuki. Diverse originally came to Japan several years ago through an entertainment contract. That experience shaped his perspective on becoming an international citizen and ultimately led him to establish his own production company, 1002 Records.
While building his company, Diverse found a consistent partner in Mizuki. The two originally met through a mutual friend and forged a bond rooted in their shared love of music. Their longstanding relationship has led to the release of numerous songs, including Mizuki's debut EP, Talking To You.
Born and raised in Japan, Mizuki began learning to sing and dance at the age of 10, training in jazz, hip-hop, and ballet. Through years of dedication, she earned the opportunity to perform at New York's famed Apollo Theater. Known for her soulful voice and passionate spirit, she continues to captivate audiences both on stage and online. Together with Diverse, she continues to produce new music, including her most recent single, Desire. Their relationship demonstrates that, regardless of perceived cultural or language barriers, meaningful partnerships can grow through intention, genuine interest, and shared points of connection.
Contemporary Pioneer: Dexter Wimberly
Hailing from New York, Dexter Wimberly is an internationally recognized curator, entrepreneur, and cultural leader. In recent years, he has curated major exhibitions including Derrick Adams: View Master at ICA/Boston and Mickalene Thomas: Beneath the Moonlight at The Shepherd. Beyond the arts, he has also led entrepreneurial ventures, working with brands such as Coca-Cola, Adidas, and Virgin Mobile USA.
I like to think of Dexter not only as a modern-day renaissance man, but as a cultural ambassador in his own right. As founder of both the Hayama Artist Residency and Kyoto Retreat, he creates opportunities for artists, curators, and writers from around the world to spend time in Japan and immerse themselves in its culture. In doing so, these programs foster grassroots cultural exchange and create space for meaningful relationships to develop between international creatives and Japanese communities.
Through the Hayama Artist Residency, Dexter has partnered with gallery owner and friend Koki Ishibashi to provide exhibition space for artists at the end of their time in Japan. Together, they have worked on other exhibitions in the past, including Ivan Forde: Putting On the Sky at KOKI ARTS. This unique partnership, rooted in the arts and the spirit of entrepreneurship, is itself an example of the enduring connections between the African American and Japanese communities in Japan.
New Adventures Mentoring
New Adventures is a unique hybrid mentorship program designed to provide youth with access to inspirational mentors both in Dayton and in Japan. In addition, the program will provide online group experiences with members of the Japanese community, assist students in obtaining passports, and culminate in a live celebration showcasing projects completed throughout the mentorship experience. Ultimately, through these experiences, we aim to create a world where youth see global possibilities within their reach, have the opportunity to travel internationally, and pursue their passions with confidence. In doing so, we are practicing Dr. Kari Grain's definition of critical hope: fostering hope through action and transformation.
To date, my advisory board of eight professionals from across Dayton and I have worked to establish the program's foundation by conducting in-person training, creating policies and procedures, and developing application materials. Most recently, we finalized our two-month curriculum for students. We are now focused on expanding our ability to serve the community by discussing local needs and potential partnerships with organizations throughout the region.
Closing Thoughts
My team and I are at the halfway mark of the first phase of The Pioneer's Manuscript, and I have been taking a lot of time to reflect. This project covers a wide variety of areas, including research, documentary, fine art, mentorship, and more. Whether through Pyrrhus Concer rescuing Japanese sailors, Diverse and Mizuki creating music together, or Dexter Wimberly and Koki Ishibashi building opportunities for artists in Japan, each story reminds me that some of our greatest possibilities emerge through cross-cultural connection. From all of my experiences with this project, I have learned that it all connects to one common point: people working together, no matter our differences, to create a better shared future.
As we face new challenges related to AI, the global environment, resource scarcity, and other emerging issues, it is more important than ever to include a cross-cultural approach to solving these problems while continuing to evolve together in areas such as the arts. As I begin the second half of this phase, I promise to continue working to the max on The Pioneer's Manuscript.
We are still approximately $19,000 short of our projected budget. Please consider supporting The Pioneer’s Manuscript here: National Association for Black Engagement With Asia Donation Page and selecting “The Pioneer’s Manuscript” as the designation. If you are interested in following daily fieldwork updates from The Pioneer’s Manuscript, I will be sharing stories regularly on Instagram at @truhiro.
*This project is supported by the United States-Japan Foundation through the National Association for Black Engagement With Asia.
*Camera equipment for the project was provided by Midwest Photo.
Comments