Manzo Momotami, a first generation Japanese immigrant at the turn of the 20th century, overcomes internment, racism, and unfathomable odds in his effort to manifest a unified America.

SYNOPSIS:

Manzo Momotami was born into a humble, hardworking Japanese family in 1914. His parents, Tokunaga and Fujioka, moved to San Francisco with their two children and pregnant with their third, seeking a better life in what they believed was the land of opportunity, prosperity, and freedom.

Despite their best efforts, the Momotami family encountered hardships at every turn. Tokunaga was determined to build a better life for his family through hard work and perseverance, but the obstacles they faced were immense. They struggled to balance Japanese and American values, and faced numerous barriers to assimilation in their community.

As Manzo grew up, he witnessed firsthand the latent racism that permeated American society. He experienced violence, bigotry, and outright terrorism, and his childhood was a distinct but far from unique perspective of the American dream. Despite holding an American citizen, his heritage kept him from enjoying the full rights and opportunities afforded to other citizens.

Despite the difficulties they faced, Tokunaga remained stoic in the face of adversity. He tried and failed to incite change, but always remained committed to protecting his family from the worst of the hardships they faced. As Manzo grew into a young man, he followed in his father's footsteps and entered the world of diplomacy.

After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Manzo, like thousands of other Japanese Americans, was sent to an internment camp. In the chaotic environment, he tried to facilitate order for his family and his fellow internees. He ran for the position of block captain, which would allow him to represent and fight for his people, and his romance with Nakajima blossomed and flourished.

Manzo believed that with his new platform, he could defend the rights of his fellow internees, but quickly found himself facing the same old prejudices and bigotry. His father warned him of the dangers of standing out, but Manzo was determined to make a difference. In a protest that went horribly wrong, a crowd of his people were massacred, including Nakajima's brother.

By the time his internment ended, Manzo's passion for social justice had grown exponentially. He arranged, despite bureaucratic barriers, to be educated on the East Coast and declared his master plan to his family: he would be the first Asian-American president of the United States.

Follow Manzo as he navigates the campaign trail, fends off prejudice, and attempts to bring cohesion, order, and prosperity for all. Against all odds, he will prove that nothing but the content of your character is a barrier to greatness. Manzo will go from prisoner to president and change the world, just like his father went from menial labor to management. This is the story of Momotami - The Rising Son.