The Gala is our biggest fundraising event of the year, and the funds raised allow us to continue the important work that we do. To the many people who attended the Gala, donated and bid on silent auction gifts, purchased Lexus Opportunity Drawing tickets, made Bid For Education gifts and more, we extend our deepest gratitude for your support.
One of our photographers, Tracy Kumono, produced a short slide show of the evening’s highlights, which she has graciously allowed us to share with you.
She also has the complete set of Gala photos (more than 650) on her website, and you can order individual prints from her directly. You will need to provide your name and email address to enter the gallery and order prints.
In addition, we are pleased to announce that the winner of this year’s Lexus Opportunity Drawing is Craig Tomiyoshi of Huntington Beach, California. He will pick up his brand new 2015 Lexus RC F in the fall.
We are interested in hearing your comments about the evening. If you’d like to share your thoughts, please send an email to galadinner@janm.org.
Once again, thank you for your support. We hope to see you next year!
Artist Kip Fulbeck with George & Brad Takei
JANM Founding President Bruce Kaji and his wife Frances
Chairman Emeritus Ernest Doizaki and former JANM President Irene Hirano Inouye
The proud 2014 Gala Dinner Committee celebrating a successful event!
JANM staff, volunteers & alumni were so happy to see volunteer Hitoshi Sameshima in attendance! Hoping to see Hitoshi back at JANM again soon!
The Gala would not be possible without the support of our many sponsors. Thanks especially to Signature Sponsor Paul I. & Hisako Terasaki!
The JANM Gala Dinner Band with Justin Ramos, Miko Shudo, Harrison Crenshaw, Eric Hirschhorn, Tadashi Kuriyama, Marc Encabo & Aaron Rudin
A happy fan takes a picture with Dodger legendary manager Tommy Lasorda. We were excited to have Tommy and Mark Langill (curator for the “Dodgers: Brotherhood of the Game” exhibition on view through September 14) join us at the Gala
Masashi Oka, CEO for the Americas, Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ and President & CEO, Union Bank. We thank Union Bank / The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd. for their support as Signature Sponsors of the Gala.
Michael Rouse, Vice President of Diversity, Philanthropy & Community Affairs accepting the Corporate Partnership Award on behalf of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. from JANM President/CEO Greg Kimura and JANM Board of Trustees Chair Gordon Yamate presenting the Corporate Partnership Award
Light refreshments, desserts, drinks, cigars, and music to keep many entertained at the After Party held at the X-Bar.
Photos by Tracy Kumono, Nobuyuki Okada, Daryl Kobayashi, and Russell Kitagawa.
Do you have a treasured family heirloom in your home but are at a loss as to how to properly care for it? Or a childhood comic book collection but do not know how to properly store it?
Learn how to store and preserve your precious items with JANM Collections ManagerMargaret Zachow Wetherbee! Join us for this insightful members-only event on Sunday, May 4 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Please bring a few items that you are willing to show during this interactive workshop. No appraisals will be given.
* * * * *
Be sure to join us for additional members-only events this weekend! Join us for a new series, “Learning at Lunch” on Friday, May 2 from 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. All members are invited to bring a brown bag lunch and an open mind as Collections ManagerMargaret Zachow Wetherbee will show a selection of JANM’s collection of handmade bird pins and their fascinating stories as part of the World War II concentration camp experience.
For both of these member events please RSVP to memberevents@janm.org or call 213.830.5657.
On Saturday, May 3, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., join us for a Member Preview of Colors of Confinement: Rare Kodachrome Photographs of Japanese American Incarceration in WWII. Members are invited to preview the 18 photographs before its public opening at 2 p.m., and for an opportunity to hear from author and curator Prof. Eric Muller, as he presents a book talk featuring the rare Kodachrome Heart Mountain camp photographs by Bill Manbo. A light reception will follow.
Member Appreciation Days
Friday, May 2 – Sunday, May 4, 2014
National Members get a 20% discount at the Museum Store and janmstore.com, plus free admission and a 20% discount at 11 other participating Southern California institutions including museums, libraries, and other cultural sites like the California Science Center, Craft and Folk Art Museum, MOCA, USC Pacific Asia Museum, and the The San Diego Museum of Art.
The annual Day of Remembrance commemorates the signing of Executive Order 9066 on February 19, 1942 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, which enabled the military to forcibly remove and incarcerate 120,000 Japanese American men, women, and children.
Kurt Kuniyoshi reading Hiroshi Kashiwagi’s redress testimony. Photo by Russell Kitagawa.
This devastating experience to the Issei and Nisei continues to impact multigenerational communities today, which is why this year’s 72nd anniversary of DOR featured stories reflecting the impacts of E.O. 9066 on various generations of Japanese Americans.
Performances included Kurt Kuniyoshi reading pieces by Nisei poet Hiroshi Kashiwagi who was unable to attend; Nisei author Dr. Akemi Kikumura Yano; Shin-Nisei author Dr. Velina Hasu Houston; and Yonsei performance artist Sean Miura.
The program, which was emceed by riKu Matsuda and Traci Ishigo, led the audience through a special time of remembrance and reflection.
Here are some photos highlighting this important annual event:
2014 DOR program. Photo by Richard Murakami.
Dr. Greg Kimura, JANM President/ CEO welcomes everyone to the 2014 Community Day of Remembrance. Photo by Russell Kitagawa.
JANM’s External Relations Officer Helen Ota shares a few opening words as the 2014 DOR gets started. Photo by Russell Kitagawa.
The 2014 Community DOR was emceed by riKu Matsuda and Traci Ishigo. Photo by Russell Kitagawa.
Presentation of DOR Bill by Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi. Photo by Russell Kitagawa.
The Camp Roll Call & Moment of Silence is always a powerful moment at each DOR. Photo by Vicky Murakami.
Nisei Author (and former JANM President) Dr. Akemi Kikumura Yano speaks about her Issei parents. Photo by Richard Murakami.
Kurt Kuniyoshi reading Hiroshi Kashiwagi’s work, “Forgiveness”. Photo by Richard Murakami.
Sean Miura performing (and representing) “Yonsei”. Photo by Russell Kitagawa.
Shin-Nisei Author, Dr. Velina Hasu Houston. Photo by Richard Murakami.
Marsha Aizumi, author of “Two Spirits, One Heart,” with a passionate Call to Action to support the LGBTQ in our community. Photo by Russell Kitagawa.
The 2014 DOR concludes with a Call to Action. Photo by Russell Kitagawa.
***
DOR was co-presented with the Japanese American Citizens League Pacific Southwest District, Japanese American National Museum, Manzanar Committee and Nikkei for Civil Rights and Redress.
On February 8, 2014, JANM held the Target Day Free Family Saturdays: Aloha from Hawaii with KoAloha Ukulelefamily festival. Every corner of the Museum was filled with music as KoAloha Ukulele led freeperformances, workshops, and more!
Cartoonist Vishavjit Singh leads a cartoon workshop. Photo by Russell Kitagawa.
In addition to the performances and workshops, guests also enjoyed ukulele-related film screenings of My KoAloha Story and The Haumana; and a variety of craft activities.
Throughout the afternoon the Aratani Central Hall was filled with the sounds of spectacular ukulele performances by exciting young performers Jason Arimoto, Tj Mayeshiro (from Hawaii), and Ryo Montgomery (from Australia!).
JANM guests brought their own ukeleles for free classes taught by KoAloha Ukele staff and artist partners. Photo by Mike Palma.
Many guests brought their own instruments for free ukulele classes with KoAloha Ukulele staff and artist partners. These lively classes were enjoyed by guests of all ages and all levels as a number of classes were offered by different artists.
Check out these photos from February’s Target Free Family Saturday. Click on the thumbnails to see the full image larger.
Guests make a sweet candy lei! Photo by M Palma.
Making a special ukulele key chain with KoAloha Ukulele staff members. Photo by M Palma.
Making a festive Hawaiian canoe in Ruthie’s Origami Corner. Photo by Tsuneo Takasugi.
Making a valentine with a bit of Hawaiian touch. Photo by M Palma.
Decorating a valentine with stickers. Photo by Tsuneo Takasugi.
Solo performance by Jason Arimoto. Photo by M Palma.
A young JANM guest strums along to the solo ukulele performances. Photo by M Palma.
Cartoonist Vishavjit Singh shared the reactions he received as he dressed up as Sikh Captain America and was photographed around NYC. Photo by Russell Kitagawa
Tj Mayeshiro and Ryo Montgomery pair up for a powerful ukulele duet. Photo by M Palma.
Brian Benevente of KoAloha Ukulele leads a beginner’s class. Photo by M Palma.
Jason Arimoto leads an intermediate ukulele class. Photo by M Palma.
Lucky students get instruction by Tj Mayeshiro during one of the intermediate ukulele classes. Photo by M Palma.
Anacapa ukulele sold instruments at JANM for those inspired by all of the activities and performances. Photo by Russell Kitagawa.
George “Gibi” del Barrio (Grandpa Geebz) led strum-along and sing-along workshops for the little ones. Photo by M Palma.
The entire family enjoyed the ukulele workshops. Photo by M Palma.
The festival closed with an All-Star jam finale featuring Jason Arimoto, Tj Mayeshiro, Ryo Montgomery, and Brian Benevente! Photo by M Palma.
Thanks to Russell Kitagawa, Mike Palma, Caroline Jung, Tsuneo Takasugi, and Tokumasa Shoji for taking amazing photographs!
* * * * *
Save the date for JANM’s next Target Free Family Saturday on May 10th! In celebration of the new Dodgers: Brotherhood of the Game exhibition (opening March 29!), bring the whole family out for free baseball-themed crafts & activities…sure to be a home run! Stay tuned for updates on janm.org/target.
Tattoo by Yokohama Horiken. Lettering by Chaz Bojorquez. Photo by Kip Fulbeck.
JANM’s highly anticipated exhibition, Perseverance: Japanese Tattoo Tradition in a Modern World will be opening to the public this Saturday, March 8th!
Perseverance is a groundbreaking exhibition and the first of its kind, as it will explore Japanese tattooing as an art form by acknowledging its roots in ukiyo-e (woodblock) prints. This exhibition will also examine current practices and offshoots of Japanese tattooing in the U.S. and Japan.
Perseverance features the work of seven internationally acclaimed tattoo artists, Horitaka, Horitomo, Chris Horishiki Brand, Miyazo, Shige, Junii, and Yokohama Horiken, along with tattoo works by selected others. Through the display of a variety of photographs, including life-sized pictures of full body tattoos, these artists will cover a broad spectrum of the current world of Japanese tattooing.
Tattoo by Horikiku. Photo by Kip Fulbeck.
Many exciting things are planned for the public opening of Perseverance! Join us from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. for an event that will feature Live Tattoo Demonstrations by Horitomo, Miyazo, Shige, and Yokohama Horiken including tattooing by both machine and tebori—traditional Japanese tattooing by hand.
Saturday’s public opening will also pack in the afternoon with lectures given by curator Horitaka (Takahiro Kitamura), exhibition designer and photographer Kip Fulbeck, and a number of the artists featured in the exhibition—Junko Junii Shimada, Chris Horishiki Brand, Jill Horiyuki Halpin, and Chaz Bojorquez. The program will also include a live tattoo model unveiling.
These back-to-back lectures will begin at 1 p.m., and the last lecture will be given at 4:30 p.m.Don’t miss this opportunity to listen to artists and contributors talk about their work in the exhibition and the importance of the art of tattoo in their life!
Tattoo by Miyazo. Photo by Kip Fulbeck.
Saturday’s opening will conclude with a signing of the exhibition catalogue with all of the attending artists. The catalogue, along with a variety of custom merchandise produced for the exhibition, will be available for sale at the Museum Store. Get your copy of the exhibition catalogue signed by these amazing artists!
The programs are free with museum admission. Purchase admission at the front desk of the Museum on event day. No pre-payment accepted. Last entrance to the National Museum will be at 5 p.m.
Lectures will take place in the Tateuchi Democracy Forum in the National Center for the Preservation of Democracy (glass building across the Courtyard from main building). Admission required for entry. Seating will be on a first come, first served basis, until maximum capacity is reached. Seating is limited so please arrive early!
JANM will be coming to San Diego, California to host aMember & Donor Appreciation Receptionon March 12!
Without our Members and Donors, JANM would not be able to provide the programs and services, year-round, to hundreds of thousands of local, national, and international visitors.
Through the generous support of Members and Donors, the Museum has been able to continue its tradition of excellence in producing exhibitions, public programs, publications, and educations materials to preserve, interpret, and share the experiences of Japanese Americans.
We are grateful for your support, and we welcome this opportunity to meet you and show our gratitude. Please join us!
When:
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
6:30PM: Cocktails and Hors d’oeuvres
7:30PM: Program
Where:
Cooley, LLP
4401 Eastgate Mall
San Diego, CA 92121
Join/renew your membership now. In addition to supporting the work and mission of the Japanese American National Museum, you also receive free admission; free or discounted rates for public programs, workshops, and conferences; 10% off at our award-winning Museum Store; invitations to special member events like these; and more!
“As a Japanese American National Museum, why are we hosting a documentary premiere about a Korean American adoptee?” Koji, Manager of Programs at the Museum, asked during his introduction for the screening. “Personally, I identify myself as Asian American first, and Japanese American second.” Having said this, Koji explained that “to understand the Japanese American story you have to understand the Asian American story, and to understand the Asian American story you have to understand the Japanese American story.”
TheakaDAN documentary follows Los Angeles-based musician and Korean American adoptee DANakaDAN (Dan Matthews) as he reunites with his biological family in South Korea during the summer of 2013. The documentary is full of interesting twists and turns, including the fact that Dan meets his identical twin brother that he never knew existed. This documentary was not only interesting, but engaging as it had you laughing one second, and tugging at your heart strings in the next.
Two screenings held in the Tateuchi Democracy Forum on the evening of February 1st were packed to maximum capacity. As Dan explained before the screening it was actually a 4-episode feature that was being screened as an 85-minute documentary.
An insightful Q&A session led by Angry Asian Man blogger, Phil Yu, wrapped up each screening. Producers, filmmakers, and the cast answered a variety of questions, ranging from personal questions about Dan’s experience as an adoptee, to technical questions about production.
Following the second screening was an after party in Aratani Central Hall hosted by YouTube celebritiesAmy Okuda and Ki Hong Lee. First to open up the after party was Travis Graham with a couple of mellow acoustic numbers. Following Graham was an exciting performance by Paul Dateh, popular for combining hip-hop with his skills on the violin. Closing out the after party was Dan, with words of gratitude, and a powerful line-up of songs from his upcoming album, Stuntman.
The akaDAN documentary was not only entertaining, but by sharing the story of a Korean American adoptee, it gave the audience a sense of how broad the Asian American story is. Being Asian American is a vast quilt-work of stories and experiences, and as Dan explores his story, it encourages viewers to look into their own story, whatever ethnicity they may be, and whatever background they may come from.
Check out these photos from the akaDAN documentary premiere and the Stuntman album release party:
The akaDAN documentary premiered in The Tateuchi Democracy Forum and enjoyed a full house for both screenings.
Angry Asian Man blogger Phil Yu leads a Q&A session after each screening.
A reception is held in the Aratani Central Hall after the first screening of the evening.
Los Angeles-based artist, David Choe’s art installation was on display for this special occasion.
Actor, Ki Hong Lee along with Amy Okuda hosts the after party.
Travis Graham opens the after party with a couple of mellow acoustic numbers.
An exciting performance by Los Angeles-based musician, Paul Dateh.
Jen of “From Head to Toe,” Cassie of “Blogilates,” and Wendy of “Wendy’s Lookbook” were among the many Asian American celebrities seen at the after party!
The Fung Brothers enjoy the after party with friends.
Singer Paul Kim (Season 6 of American Idol)
Dan Matthews expresses his gratitude to his family, his friends, and everyone who made it out on Saturday night.
Dan performs numbers from his upcoming album, “Stuntman.”
Photo Credits: Richard Murakami, Esther Shin
*****
JANM members received a special discount for this event! Sign up to be a JANM member now and support the Museum while receiving many benefits!
It’s time again for JANM’s annual Gala Dinner! This year’s theme is Evolving Pastimes: Connecting Communities & Generations through Sports. It will be an evening of enlightening stories of history-making men and women who took sports beyond play to inspire, unite, elevate, and shape Japanese Americans.
We will celebrate athletes and sports personalities who not only made an impact at the highest levels of competition but helped forge enduring bonds—from the Nisei who sought normalcy through during the dark days of camp through sports like football, baseball, and basketball to the phenomenal growth of Japanese American leagues after the war.
Photo by Tracy Kumono
When: Saturday, April 12, 2014
Where: Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel
2025 Avenue of the Stars
Los Angeles, CA 90067
5PM – Silent Auction & Seafood Reception 7PM – Gala Dinner & Program 9:30PM – After Party
For more information about the Gala, please visit the 2014 Gala Dinner page: janm.org/dinner2014.
Without our Members and Donors, JANM would not be able to provide the programs and services, year-round, to hundreds of thousands of local, national, and international visitors.
To show our gratitude, JANM will be hosting a Member & Donor Appreciation Reception in both San Francisco, California, and New York, New York!
Through the generous support of Members and Donors the Museum has been able to continue its tradition of excellence in producing exhibitions, public programs, publications, and educations materials to preserve, interpret, and share the experiences of Japanese Americans.
We are grateful for your support, and we welcome this opportunity to meet you. Please join us!
NEW YORK
Date: Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Time:
6:30PM Cocktails and Hors d’oeuvres
7:30PM Program
Where:
Daruma Capital Management, LLC
80 W 40th St, 9th Floor
New York, NY, 10018
RSVP: Wednesday, February 19 to Alison Wong at 213. 830.5657 or memberevents@janm.org
* * * * *
SAN FRANCISCO
Date: Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Time:
6:30PM Cocktails and Hors d’oeuvres
7:30PM Program
Where:
The St. Francis Yacht Club
On the Marina
San Francisco, CA 94123
RSVP: Tuesday, February 25 to Alison Wong at 213. 830.5657 or memberevents@janm.org
* * * * *
Photo Credits: “View from Daruma Capital Management, LLC.” – Cassidy Cruz; “Golden Gate Bridge at Night” – davemmphotography.com
Here’s another great perk for being a Museum member:
Be one of the first five Museum members to email us and win the opportunity to participate in our upcoming program, Japanese Tea Ceremony: Sado on Saturday, February 22, 2014!
Winners will be part of the tea ceremony demonstration in front of an audience and will be served tea and snacks by the ceremony officiators.
To enter, send an email to membership@janm.org with the subject: “Tea Ceremony” and include your name and membership number. Winners will receive a confirmation from the Museum, along with instructions for the day.
One entry per membership #. Must be a current member to participate.
The tea ceremony will take place at 2pm in the National Center for the Preservation of Democracy (glass building across the courtyard from the main building). Please arrive early for good seating.
Please call the Museum at 213.625.0414 to RSVP. The program is free with Museum admission (free for Museum members!). Make sure to get your admission sticker at the Museum front desk before arriving at the program site.
